While the besieged rejoiced in victory the besiegers had begun anew the terrible bombardment, sending a warning that the iron ring still held.
Dick paused no longer, but ran rapidly along the path until he emerged upon the open plateau and proceeded toward the center of the town.

He judged that in the hours following a great battle, while there was yet much confusion, he would find his best chance.
He had reckoned rightly.

There was a great passing to and fro in Vicksburg, but its lights were dim.

Oil and candles alike were scarce, and there was little but the moon's rays to disclose a town to the eye.
The rejoicings over the victory had brought more people than usual into the streets, but the same exultation made them unsuspicious, and Dick glided among them in the dusk, almost without fear.
He had concluded that "the longest way around was the shortest way through," and he directed his steps toward the river.

He had formed a clear plan at last, and he believed that it would succeed.