Helen, the telegrapher at Lone Point, and Lockwood, the old one-armed crossing flagman, are great friends. While Helen is conversing with Lockwood, Harcourt, a young soldier approaches. The sight of the uniform causes the old flagman to tell of the manner in which he lost his arm. According to Lockwood, he took part in the Civil War. The general in command of the division of the Federal Army to which Lockwood was attached, decided upon a railroad raiding expedition within the Confederate lines. To Captain Andrews, an intrepid officer, was entrusted the honor of commanding the volunteers. The little party evaded the enemy's patrol, swarm a river and arrived in the Confederate territory. At Big Shanty, the raiders captured an engine and flatcar from a train crew. Running out upon the line, they tore up the track. The Confederates, however, were notified of what was taking place and another engine and car carrying a force of soldiers were sent in pursuit. The raiders made a wild race for life. Fuel gave out and the Federal soldiers were compelled to abandon their engine. The Confederates came up and a desperate battle ensued. Although outnumbered, the Union soldiers fought until overwhelmed. It was in this battle that Lockwood sustained the wound that cost him his arm. The few Union soldiers that that survived were taken to the prison at Atlanta. There several were executed while the rest were thrown into prison. Later, eight of the Andrews Raiders made their escape. Lockwood was one of the eight.