Spring Will Come by Ginny Dye

Chickahominy.  Once we cross there, I don’t think there will be a threat.”
                  Again there was silence as the men contemplated what he said.  The same man who had questioned him spoke again.  “If you see fit to go on, General, then I’m going with you.”  A murmur of agreement rose.
                  “Thank you, men.”  Just then Colonel Lee rode up with a flush of victory on his face.   Stuart turned to him.  “I take it your expedition was a success.”
                  Colonel Lee nodded.  “The camp was deserted when we found it.  We knew there was not much time, so we put fire to everything we found there.  Picked up a few more prisoners but nothing beyond that.  Those boys evidently were not eager to be in the same vicinity as us.” 
                  Robert laughed along with the rest of the men.  Tension gripped him at the thought of staying behind Union lines, but it was the kind of bold move he admired. 
                  Another of the men spoke up.  “I think the quicker we move, the better.” 
                  His wry tone sent them into more laughter, but soberness returned quickly.  What they were attempting was dangerous and risky.  Any of a hundred things could go wrong.  Their best defense was to move quickly before McClellan could pinpoint their position and send a strong force after them. 
                  Within a short period of time, the column was once again on the move.  It was late in the afternoon when they drew near to Tunstall Station.  Stuart gave his command.  “Charge!”
                  Robert was alert but surprisingly relaxed as the cavalry once more thundered down the road.  It was becoming obvious no one in the Union army had ever anticipated an attack from within, and behind, their own lines.  The small units defending each outpost scattered before what they knew was a superior force.  As long as they kept moving fast, they might just actually pull off this bold, crazy maneuver.
                  As expected, the Federal units guarding the train station at Tunstall fled.  Some were captured.  Others disappeared into the woods. 
                  “Do your work, troopers!”  Stuart commanded with the wide grin Robert had become accustomed to. 
                  With a glad yell, the troopers scattered to their designated duties.  Robert vaulted out of his saddle and sprang to join the men tearing up the railroad.  If they succeeded, they would separate McClellan’s army from its base.  His heart pounded with excitement as they reached the tracks.  As they reached it, he saw one of the men disappear into the woods.  Robert knew he was on his way to set fire to the bridge across Black Creek.  The scouts moved forward with axes to chop down the two telegraph poles nearest the station.  The remaining troopers, still mounted, cheered and called encouragement as they kept guard for approaching troops. 
                  Suddenly a shrill train whistle split the air.  Immediately all action ceased.  From the boldness of the whistle blast, the engineer could not possibly be aware the station was in the hands of the Confederacy.  Robert turned with the rest of the men toward Stuart.
                  “Lieutenant Borden.  Throw that switch.  We’ll derail the train!” he yelled excitedly. 
                  Robert sprang forward as Stuart continued to shout orders.  Within seconds, nearby men were hurling obstructions on to the track.  Limbs, rocks, anything they found were heaved in a desperate attempt to block the track before the train reached them. 
                  Robert raced for the switch but groaned with dismay when he saw the heavy lock holding it.  He looked around quickly, grabbed a large bar of iron, and began bashing the lock.  A quick glance