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
could see that the man towered over the spectators The man nodded to the crowd and placed a top hat on his head The more Maximilian watched the more captivated he became with this well respected man A middle aged man in a suit stepped to the forefront He extended his hand to the train's passenger and dipped his head in reverence Mr President on behalf of the citizens of Gettysburg let me say welcome We are truly
honored that you were able to make it the man said in a soft steady voice David the events that transpired here over these past months have changed not only the course of the war but the course of this country the president replied Maximilian continued to study the crowd The admiration they paid to their president astonished him It was clear that this small country town had witnessed something remarkable The townspeople were looking to him for peace The president's group began to make its way slowly up the main street In no time Maximilian had made up his mind to follow As the crowd parted at the train platform a shudder ran up Maximilian's spine His eyes fixed on what had been hidden by the president rows and rows of cedar coffins Maximilian cinched his waistcoat tighter as the rain steadied In the distance a crow called
