heads. A soldier was killed only a few feet from Dick. The boy picked
up his rifle and ammunition and began to fire whenever be saw the flash
of an opposing weapon. But the fire of both Confederate columns ceased
in a minute or two, and not a shot nor the sound of a single order came
out of the darkness. But Dick with his ear to the soft earth, could
hear the crush of hoofs in the mud, and with a peculiar ability to
discern whence sound came he knew that the force on the left and rear
was crossing the railroad track in order to join their comrades on the
north. He whispered his knowledge to Whitley, who whispered back:

"It's the natural thing for them to do. They could not afford to fight
on in the darkness with two separate forces. The two columns would soon
be firing into each other."

Colonel Newcomb now gave an order for the men to rise and follow the
railroad track, but also to fire at the flash of the rifles whenever a
volley was poured upon them. He must not only beat off the Southern
attack, but also continue the journey to those points in the west where
they were needed so sorely. Some of his men had been killed, and he
was compelled to leave their bodies where they had fallen. Others were
wounded, but without exception they were helped along by their comrades.

Warner also had secured a rifle, with which he fired occasionally,
but he and Dick, despite the darkness, kept near to Colonel Newcomb in
order that they might deliver any orders that he should choose to give.
Sergeant Whitley was close to them. Dick presently heard the rush of
water.

"What is that?" he exclaimed.