latter threw the switch and waved.

"All right," said Tom. "Let her go back." Knight reversed the engine, and
they cleared the track for the freight. Andrews swung aboard.

The station agent came running toward them. "What's this?" he demanded.
"What's this train? Who are you?"

"I'm running this train on government authority," answered Andrews calmly.
"I'm rushing ammunition to Beauregard." He waved toward the box-cars. Then
he demanded sternly: "Why isn't that local freight here?"

The agent was subdued. "It ought to be along any minute, sir," he answered.
"Is there a passenger train behind you, sir?"

"I suppose so," answered Andrews indifferently. "This engine was supposed
to haul the regular train, but we had to take it for this work. Powder is
more important than passengers these days. They were fitting out another
passenger train at Atlanta when we left."

He handled the situation in masterful style. Tom, pretending to be busy
inside the cab, listened and chuckled. Knight and Brown were out oiling the
engine.

"When did the freight leave Adairsville?" demanded Andrews.

"I don't know, sir," answered the agent, "but I'll find out."

"Yes, please do--and hurry up about it."