The Stolen Train by Robert Ashley

Author:Robert Ashley [Ashley, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781258505875
Google: 2A-LMwEACAAJ
Publisher: Literary Licensing, LLC
Published: 2012-10-15T03:36:28+00:00

7.—A Whistle from the South

The conductor of the freight had jumped to the platform. Andrews ran to intercept him—Johnnie had never seen the Federal agent move so rapidly. “Conductor,” Andrews shouted commandingly. The conductor stopped. “What’s the red flag for?”

“Extra train.”

“Extra? What do you mean?”

“Yanks are threatening Chattanooga. The authorities ordered all rolling stock south. Made up a special in the Chattanooga yards. Can’t let the Federals capture our cars—we’ve few enough already.”

“But I’m running a powder special to General Beauregard. Blast those people at Atlanta! If they want Beauregard to get his powder, they should give me a clear track. Powder’s more important than boxcars. How far behind is the extra?”

“Dunno. Mebbe ten or fifteen minutes.”

“Well, there’s nothing to do but wait,” said Andrews wearily. “You’ll have to move down the track a bit so the extra can clear the switch for my train.”

“I’ll be pulling out for Atlanta in a minute or two, soon’s I check with the stationmaster.”

“If you do, you’ll run smack into Fuller’s mail. I’m carrying a red flag, too,” said Andrews, pointing to the stolen train.

“Oh! I guess we’re both stuck here. Well, I’m in no hurry.”

“I am, blast it!”

“Where you taking the powder?”

“Corinth.”

“Corinth! You’ll never make it. General Mitchel’s captured Huntsville.”

“I don’t believe it. Mitchel wouldn’t dare move so deep into our territory.”

“But he has. Yesterday morning’s express rolled through Huntsville just as Mitchel arrived. Yanks opened fire, but the express got away. Hasn’t been a blasted train from the west since.”

“Well, Beauregard will see that Mitchel doesn’t stay there long. Anyway, I have my orders.”

“Orders or no orders, you won’t get through.” The conductor disappeared into the depot. Andrews turned and walked toward the stolen train.

“Johnnie!” he called. Johnnie leaped from the tender and ran up to Andrews.

“Tell the men in the cab we’ve got to wait for an extra,” Andrews said in a low voice. “Then pass the word to the boxcar boys. Take a hammer and bang on the rods underneath the car while you’re talking. Don’t let anyone suspect what you’re up to. I’m going to keep an eye on the telegraph operator. We can’t let him send any messages north while we’re stranded here.”

“Yes, sir.” As Andrews made his way to the telegraph office, Johnnie walked to the cab.

“What’s up, Johnnie?” asked Knight.

“Got to wait for an extra.”

“I thought so. Old Stars was right. A day’s delay and we’d find the track crowded with refugee trains.”

“Easy as pie. Nothing can stop us now,” mocked Alf Wilson maliciously.

“Ah, shut up, Alf,” growled Knight.

Wilson grinned.

“How you getting along with the switchman?” asked Johnnie.

“Well, I’m not having any trouble keeping him in sight. He’s buzzing around like an angry fly.”

“He likes you,” grinned Alf.

“What a pest,” grumbled Knight. “He asks more questions than a three-year-old.”

Johnnie grabbed a hammer from the box under the engineer’s seat and walked back to the door of the first car. Reaching under the car, he began tapping one of the rods, keeping his face close to the door.

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