there dashed out a field piece, drawn by galloping horses.
As the cadets approached the bank of the stream, and began to arrange their planks, the lads in charge of the cannon quickly wheeled it, unlimbered and fired the first shot. There was a white puff of smoke, a burst of flame, and a great bang went rattling and echoing among the hills. The battle had opened.
As Dutton had expected, his ruse deceived Hale. The latter quickly ordered up his entire artillery to shell the intrepid bridge builders. Dutton, watching through a field glass, saw the approach of the cannon.
"Forward march!" he cried to his main command. "Double quick!"
Quickness was everything now. Off they started, the real bridge builders and nearly his entire force, including Dick and his youngsters in the rear.
They circled around a turn in the stream, and, for a time, were out of sight of the small force left to bear the attack.
"Build the bridge here!" ordered Dutton. "Lively now, boys. See if you can't break the record."
The cadets needed no urging. Two of them quickly plunged into the stream, and, partly swimming, partly wading, carried over some ropes. By means of these they pulled over spars and planks, which, when several of their com-
