"It's the little river that runs down the valley," replied Warner.
"There's a slope here and it comes like a torrent. A bridge or rather
trestle is only a little further, and we've got to walk the ties,
if we reach the other side. They'll make their heaviest rush there,
I suppose, as beyond a doubt they are thoroughly acquainted with the
ground."

The Northern troops left the track which here ran along an embankment
several feet high, and took shelter on its southern side. They now had
an advantage for a while, as they fired from a breastwork upon their
foes, who were in the open. But the darkness, lit only by the flashes
of the rifles, kept the fire of both sides from being very destructive,
the bullets being sent mainly at random.

Dick dimly saw the trestle work ahead of them, and the roaring of the
little river increased. He did not know how deep the water was, but he
was sure that it could not be above his waist as it was a small stream.
An idea occurred to him and he promptly communicated it to Colonel
Newcomb.

"Suppose, sir," he said, "that we ford the river just below the trestle.
It will deceive them and we'll be half way across before they suspect
the change."

"A good plan, Mr. Mason," said Colonel Newcomb. "We'll try it."

Word was quickly passed along the line that they should turn to the left
as they approached the trestle, march swiftly down the slope, and dash
into the stream. As fast as they reached the other side of the ford the
men should form upon the bank there, and with their rifles cover the