The railway officials, thoroughly frightened, begged General Anderson not to attempt to run the train again. The Southern sympathizers were jubilant over their success, and boldly declared the arms would never be shipped.
As for Fred, he was completely disgusted, and expressed himself so.
"Well, my boy, what would you do?" asked General Anderson, smiling.
"Do! do!" answered Fred, excitedly. "I would send a regiment and a battery on a train ahead of the one carrying the arms, and if the mob interfered I would sweep them from the face of the earth."
"Well said, my lad," replied Anderson, his face lighting up and his eyes kindling. "I feel that way myself, but a soldier must obey orders, and unfortunately I have different orders."
"What is the next move?" asked Fred.
"I have orders to load them on a steamboat, and send them up the Kentucky River to Hickman Bridge."
Fred looked his disgust.
"You don't seem pleased," said the general.