Then, sir, our men could not be caught in a wreck, but with their feet on solid earth they would be ready, if need be, for a fight, which is our business." "Well spoken, Sergeant Whitley," said Colonel Newcomb, while the other officers also nodded approval.

"Your plan is excellent and we will adopt it.

Get the troops out of the train quickly but in silence and do you, Canby, be ready with the engine." Dick and Warner with the older officers turned to the task.

The young soldiers were out of the train in two minutes and were forming in lines on either side, arms ready.

There were many whisperings among these boys, but none loud enough to be heard twenty yards away.