The supply of wood was running low. A dozen sticks remained and those would
soon be gone.

"Water's low, too," said Brown.

"We'll stop at Cass Station," replied Andrews. "It's a wood and water
station--seven miles this side of Kingston."

As they drew up at Cass Station Andrews jumped from the engine. The old man
who had charge of the wood and water came out to meet him.

"I'm running a special ammunition train to Beauregard and I have to have
fuel," he said. "Tom, call the boys from the box-car and get them to work."

Tom raced back to the car and opened the door. "Give a hand on this wood,"
he shouted. They streamed out after him, and attacked the wood pile. Knight
and Brown filled the tanks with water. Before the old station agent knew
what had struck his little place, the _General_ was steaming off up the
road.

"We're a little ahead of time for Kingston," said Andrews anxiously. He
peered ahead toward the town, and announced presently, "The freight isn't
in. We'll have to wait. Let me do all the talking, boys, when we're in
there. I don't like the looks of this. Run a few hundred yards up beyond
the station, Knight. I'll jump off and have the switch thrown, and then you
can back in on the side-track."

They coasted slowly into Kingston, and passed the station. Andrews jumped
off. Tom, hanging out from the cab, saw him talking with the switchman. The