there. And if you are asked why you don't enlist immediately, say that you
want to join a regiment in Atlanta."

"And if we're completely cornered?" asked one of the men.

"Then enlist."

"In the Southern army?"

"Surely. Remember, men, that you are playing a bigger game than your own
personal likes and dislikes. The idea of enlisting in the Southern army may
seem terrible, but it isn't so terrible as being captured and tried as a
spy. You can desert at the first chance. And remember this: upon every one
of you depends the success or failure of this venture."

There was a murmer of approval, then silence.

Andrews continued:

"Tomorrow morning General Mitchel starts on a forced march. He will
surprise and capture Huntsville on Friday. Our work is to capture the train
that same day, destroy communications from Atlanta and join him with all
possible speed. We will try to reach him with our train. Failing that, we
will desert the train and join him as best we can."

Mitchel would move the next morning! Huntsville! Chattanooga! For a moment
the men were silent; then came a sharp "Ah!" The long winter campaign was
ended; now for action!

"We will start at once," said Andrews. A crash of thunder drowned his