On the other hand, our rifle fire commanded the mine and prevented any one from exploding it.

But at the approach of darkness it was certain that this would be done.

The situation was saved by the gallantry of young Popham of the Derbyshires, who crept across with two men and removed the detonators.

There still remained the dynamite under the further span, and this also they removed, carrying it off across the bridge under a heavy fire.

The work was made absolutely complete a little later by the exploit of Captain Grant of the Sappers, who drew the charges from the holes in which they had been sunk, and dropped them into the river, thus avoiding the chance that they might be exploded next morning by shell fire.