The conductor's face brightened.
"I might do that."
The engine was detached to the disgust of the panic-stricken men and the cool-headed engineer nodded to the President, pulled his lever and the locomotive shot out of the station and in five minutes Davis alighted with his staff near the battle field. By the guidance of stragglers they found headquarters.
Adjutant General Jordan sent for horses and volunteered to conduct the President to the front.
While they were waiting he turned to Mr. Davis anxiously:
"I think it extremely unwise, sir, for you to take this risk."
The thin lips smiled:
"I'll take the responsibility, General."
The President and his staff mounted and galloped toward the front.
The stragglers came now in droves. They were generous in their warnings.