"Then, if you slow down now, you could stop the train in a third of her length, couldn't you?"
"Easy, if you don't mind being shaken up a bit."
"That is good. How is the country about the—xth mile-post?"
"Dead level, and smooth."
"Good again. Now, Lieutenant Halsey, this is a splendid head-light, and we can see a long way with my night glass, I will have a—"
"—2d mile-post just passed," interrupted the engine-driver.
"Only one more to pass, then, before we ought to strike them. Now, lieutenant, I undertake to stop the train within a very short distance of the gang. They will be on both sides of the track no doubt; and the ground, as you hear, is quite level You will best know what to do."
The officer stepped back. "Sergeant," called he, "do you hear me plainly?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have the men fix bayonets. When the train stops, and I wave my sword, let half jump off each side, run up quickly, and form line abreast of the engine—not ahead."