approached the Southern side.

"They have lost many men, but they will make the crossing at last,
Harry," said Dalton.

"So it seems," said Harry. "I suppose our generals could bring up
enough men to drive them back, but it looks as if they don't want to
do it."

"It may be that they're holding the trap open for the victim to walk in."

"However it may be, they're across. See, they're landing in thousands,
and the Mississippians, leaving their rifle pits, are retreating.
Now they can finish the bridge and as many more as they need at their
leisure."

The retreating Mississippians rejoined their comrades, and still the
Southern army did not stir. The Northern army, almost unmolested,
continued its bridge building, and the afternoon and a dark night passed.





CHAPTER V

FREDERICKSBURG