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.