"Our fuel's about gone," said Murphy.
Fuller was swinging from the Yonah's cab, ready to jump off. "Then we'll get aboard the freight," he replied. The others followed him.
"Back into the station," ordered Fuller, as he climbed into the cab of the freight locomotive. "The Yanks have stolen my train!"
"They've just pulled out!" answered the engineer. He threw the engine into reverse, while the fireman swung on the whistle cord.
Fuller sprang into the tender, climbed the wood pile and up on the box-car. The second freight was just pulling out, blocking the track. He waved and yelled to Murphy, who yanked at the whistle. The second freight stopped and waited. At that moment a combined passenger and freight train from the branch line to Rome swung around the bend and pulled into the station. The congestion was complete. With the fuel-less Yonah at one end, and the Rome train at the other, the three freights were hopelessly locked and tangled.
Fuller ran back to the engine. "Come on," he said. "We'll take the Rome engine."
"This engine is faster," answered Murphy. "We can shunt the cars on the side-track and run her backwards."
"It'll take a half-hour to get her clear," said Fuller. "Come on!"
He jumped from the train, and ran up the track. Murphy, still protesting, ran after him. It was their second foot race that day, and they arrived at the station winded.
"Cut that engine loose!" yelled Fuller. The station agent recognized him, and asked what had happened. "The Yanks!" answered Fuller. It was explanation enough. The Rome engine, supplied with fuel for its return trip, was uncoupled.