time for more fighting."

Dick and Warner hurried forward, following the line of the railroad.
Their blood was up and they did not like to leave the defense of the
river, but orders must be obeyed. As they ran down the railroad track a
man came forward swinging a lantern, and they saw the tall gaunt figure
of Canby, the chief engineer. Behind him the train stretched away in
the darkness.

"I guess that our men have forded the river and are holding the bank,"
said Canby. "Do they need the train crew back there to help?"

He spoke with husky eagerness. Dick knew that he was longing to be in
the middle of the fight, but that his duty kept him with the train.

"No," he replied. "The river bank, and the road along its shore give
us a great position for defense, and I know we can hold it. Colonel
Newcomb did not say so, but perhaps you'd better bring the train back
nearer us. It's not our object to stay in this valley and fight,
but to go into the west. Is all clear ahead?"

"No enemy is there. Some of the brakemen have gone on a mile or two and
they say the track hasn't been touched. You tell Colonel Newcomb that
I'm bringing the train right down to the battle line."

Dick and Warner returned quickly to Colonel Newcomb, who appreciated
Canby's courage and presence of mind. As the train approached the four
cannon were unloaded from the trucks, and swept the further shore with
shell and shrapnel. After a scattered fire the Southern force withdrew
some distance, where it halted, apparently undecided. The clouds rolled