Gidgiddoni understands the Gadiantons’ purpose in retreating, undoubtedly because of an active system of spies and sentries. (See commentary accompanying Alma 57:30–31.) To cut off the Gadiantons’ northward movement, Gidgiddoni executes a nighttime forced march, a tactic also used by Moroni. (See, for example, Alma 52:21–22.) Such marches are difficult and dangerous; but the Nephites were traveling through their own lands and the terrain could have been familiar to at least some of the men. Perhaps they even knew shortcuts that would give them the advantage.