A large creek ran through it, and the train stopped at a village on its banks.

The whole population of the village and all the farmers of the valley were there to meet them.

It was a Union valley and by some system of mountain telegraphy, although there were no telegraph wires, news of the battle at the ford had preceded the train.
"Come, lads," said Colonel Newcomb to his staff.

"Out with you! We're among friends here!" Dick and Warner were glad enough to leave the train.

The air, cold as it was, was like the breath of heaven on their faces, and the cheers of the people were like the trump of fame in their ears.