Page:Dick Hamilton's Cadet Days.djvu/243

Rh from the point of the "A," and the cadets were beginning to lay cross planks on them.

"Tell the cavalry to get ready to advance, to protect our crossing," ordered Dutton, to one of his captains, and the troop of lads on their restless steeds prepared to rush across the bridge at the first possible moment. It had only been a little over three minutes since the building of the structure was started, but a heavy artillery fire was being concentrated on the attackers, and, in accordance with instructions previously given, cadets began dropping out, being supposed to be killed.

Dutton's field pieces were pounding away, and there was a thick cloud of smoke, which partly concealed the movements of his cadets.

"Bridge is ready, major!" reported a smoke-begrimed lad, running up, and saluting. Then he hastened back to continue firing on Hale's soldiers.

"Advance, cavalry!" shouted Button. "Lively now! Charge!"

The horses, urged on by their shouting riders, thundered over the frail bridge. It trembled and swayed, but it supported them.

"Forward, the infantry!" cried the young major. "On the double quick! Here they come down the hill at you! Fire at will! Charge!"

Down the slope of the hill came rushing the defenders. Behind them thundered and rumbled