Calling the sergeant to him, he directed that half the squad go forward to meet the train, the other half he ordered to remain. The boys knew something was wrong. Ted was one of those who remained.
Captain Wilson took the sergeant aside and in a low voice explained and directed him to get a number of armed men at Derby, as they would perhaps be of help.
The sergeant saluted and started off with his men. Then the captain turned to Ted and one other boy:
“Go down one mile. Should you hear a bugle call, the train can pass. If there is no call you must stop that train. The people on the train will be on the watch for a signal, for Sergeant Gilhooley will have warned them to be on the lookout. It is important, boys, that the enemy is not aware of your presence. We shall also take care that these men do not see us.” The two boys saluted and were off.
The boys who were left very quietly remained in position. After a little while the captain turned to them and said:
“Those of the boys who would like to go back may do so. There is possible danger here and none of us are armed.”
But not one of the boys, of course, would go. The captain stationed them in the woods, where they were at instant call.
Taking Syd with him, the captain crawled forward and watched the men dragging the tremendous trunk to place across the track. It took them almost a half hour to complete the task. They did not leave, but hid in the adjoining woods. They were going to make sure of their job—any newcomer would be kept away at all costs.
Captain Wilson saw no chance to clear the track. He hoped the boys who had gone ahead would be able to stop the train. It ought not be difficult, he thought, since the people on the train would be warned.
But the best laid plans go wrong very often. The train did not stop at Derby, but passed through. It was late and so had been “specialed direct.” The engineer saw boys on horseback tearing down the road and waving frantically, but decided it was a salute and returned it by a great whistling from the engine. It was going at full speed when Ted and his partner waved a red sweater, a danger signal that could not be ignored. It seemed to the excited boys as if the engineer would never see it. Then the train began to slow down, and an excited crowd of men jumped off. Amongst them was John Dean.