already forming in line of battle.

"Kneel," shouted the colonel, "and fire over the heads of your comrades
at the enemy!"

The light was still growing brighter. The rain came only in slight
flurries. The clouds were trooping off toward the northeast, and the
moon was out. Dick clearly saw the black mass of the Southern horsemen
wheeling down upon them. At least three hundred of the regiment were
now upon the bank, and, with fairly steady aim, they poured a heavy
volley into the massed ranks of their foe. Dick saw horses fall while
others dashed away riderless. But the Southern line wavered only for
a moment and then came on again with many shouts. There were also
dismounted men on either flank who knelt and maintained a heavy fire
upon the defenders.

The lads in blue were suffering many wounds, but a line of trees and
underbrush on the western shore helped them. Lying there partly
protected they loaded and pulled trigger as fast as they could, while
the rest of their comrades emerged dripping from the stream to join
them. The Confederates, brave as they were, had no choice but to give
ground against such strong defense, and the miner colonel, despite his
reserve and his middle years, gave vent to his exultation.

"We can hold this line forever!" he exclaimed to his aides. "It's one
thing to charge us in the open, but it's quite another to get at us
across a deep and rushing stream. Major Hertford, take part of the men
to the other side of the railroad track and drive back any attempt at a
crossing there. Lieutenant Mason, you and Lieutenant Warner go ahead
and see what has become of the train. You can get back here in plenty