This is Tom Burns. Andrews says that we're likely to have a fight. Get your
guns ready."

"What's the trouble?" one of them asked. Tom explained as best he could the
difficulties they had encountered. "There may be some more trains behind
this one," he told them. "They're moving out of Chattanooga. The rebs are
on the run!"

The whistle of the second special train sounded as Tom walked back toward
Andrews. He stood beside the engine, listening to the argument between
Andrews and the three railroad men. The first special had pulled far down
the track, leaving ample room for the second to come in and for Andrews to
get out.

The station agent came running toward them. "I've just had Chattanooga on
the wire," he said, "and they don't know anything about this powder train.
I tried to get Atlanta, but the wire is down!"

"Of course Chattanooga doesn't know anything about my train," answered
Andrews calmly. "If they did, they wouldn't be sending these trains down
blocking me. My orders came from Beauregard at Corinth, through Montgomery
to Atlanta."

"Chattanooga orders you to wait here until the order is confirmed," said
the agent.

"I don't care a rap for Chattanooga's orders," Andrews responded. "I have
my own orders."

"I won't turn that switch to let you out."