A bridge or rather trestle is only a little further, and we've got to walk the ties, if we reach the other side.

They'll make their heaviest rush there, I suppose, as beyond a doubt they are thoroughly acquainted with the ground." The Northern troops left the track which here ran along an embankment several feet high, and took shelter on its southern side.

They now had an advantage for a while, as they fired from a breastwork upon their foes, who were in the open.

But the darkness, lit only by the flashes of the rifles, kept the fire of both sides from being very destructive, the bullets being sent mainly at random.
Dick dimly saw the trestle work ahead of them, and the roaring of the little river increased.

He did not know how deep the water was, but he was sure that it could not be above his waist as it was a small stream.
An idea occurred to him and he promptly communicated it to Colonel Newcomb.
"Suppose, sir," he said, "that we ford the river just below the trestle.
It will deceive them and we'll be half way across before they suspect the change." "A good plan, Mr.Mason," said Colonel Newcomb.