Chapter 1 GETTYSBURG The time machine stood cooling in the corner Its acorn shell exterior was covered in a layer of frost that was beginning to melt and pool on the floor Maximilian noticed a small window and made his way to it As luck would have it the fastener turned the spring released and it slowly swung open The air was cold like it had been when he left Nathaniel's He was becoming more and more hopeful that the time machine had worked and he was somewhere on the Tanner homestead Maximilian was on a mission to save his home in Tanner's Glen When he learned that Farmer Tanner was being foreclosed on he knew he had to do something as mouse of the house He had met Nathaniel Chipmunk III and borrowed Nathaniel's time machine
The time machine had taken Maximilian back in time to Boston in 1773 He had tried once more to get back to the glen But nothing looked familiar Maximilian spotted a nearby storm drain that would be a perfect ladder He made his way to the dewy grass below It was becoming clear to Maximilian that he was in a much more rural setting than Boston Anoise on the opposite side of the house peaked his curiosity Maximilian moved around the side of the house He discovered several carriages and wagons making their way past A little drizzle was beginning to fall and storm clouds were gathering in the sky Maximilian decided to follow the tide of people being careful to remain out of sight He passed by several houses taverns and stores many of which were decorated with red white and blue buntings Ahead of him in the distance a dark plume of smoke billowed from a black locomotive pulling in to a train depot
A familiar feeling was beginning to creep into Maximilian's mind one of despair and hopelessness The clothing on the people in the streets was different from those of Boston But they were not like the clothes Maximilian was used to seeing around Tanner's Glen A large crowd had gathered at the train station by the time Maximilian had arrived The men women and children seemed abuzz Many were trying desperately to get closer to the loading ramp Maximilian tried to gain a better place by moving behind one of the turnpikes near the railroad tracks All at once the crowd began clapping and cheering Maximilian strained to see who was getting such a warm welcome As he did so a sign above the train depot caught his attention It was a name written in bold uppercase lettering GETTYSBURG A tall slender man emerged from the train He was dressed simply in a black suit Maximilian could not believe how tall he was Even from twenty yards away Maximilian
