As he spoke a boy came running into the office.
“Message from Byron, sir.”
Mattison snatched the paper and read aloud,—-
C. & S.C. train leaving Tillman north seizing road.
STEVENS.
“That's the Tillman agent,” said Mattison. “What's he doing at Byron?”
“Probably had to run for it,” responded Harvey, putting on his hat and buttoning his coat. “That means fast work. Clear the track for me, Mattison.”
“Wait a minute,” said Jim. “Have we any trains north of Byron?”
“No.”
“Then don't send any orders. They would warn the other side. No, go ahead and beat them if you have to break their heads.”
As Harvey dashed out of the office Jim's eyes sparkled. He liked to do his own fighting, and it was half regretfully that he turned to the Superintendent.