"We'll try it." Word was quickly passed along the line that they should turn to the left as they approached the trestle, march swiftly down the slope, and dash into the stream.

As fast as they reached the other side of the ford the men should form upon the bank there, and with their rifles cover the passage of their comrades.
The skeleton work of the trestle now rose more clearly into view.

The rain had almost ceased and faint rays of moonlight showed through the rifts where the clouds had broken apart.

The boys distinctly heard the gurgling rush of waters, and they also saw the clear, bluish surface of the mountain stream.

The same quickening of light disclosed the Southern force on their right flank and rear, only four or five hundred yards away.