Silas backed away from the caboose to the edge of the wood car, then climbed from the wood car to stand on the steel knuckle of the coupler to the next car. This was a weak point of the train, the method used to connect each car of the train to the next, looking to most train men as two hands clasped at the fingers which brought about the name knuckle. A metal rod locked opposing halves of the knuckle it in place but rods could bend or sheer.

Reaching in his coat, Silas pulled out the stick of dynamite and wedged it in the wood frame above the caboose side of the coupler. The steel might not fail, but Silas knew the wood supporting the steel was easier to destroy.

The trench lighter worked in rain or wind. Flipping the cap open and trying to shelter the wick from the wind, Silas spun the flint and to be rewarded with nothing.

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“Are you kidding?” He said, then looked up to check the woodpile for the demon; just green swirling snow. He bent to his task again and after a few tries was successful, the small flame bright after the darkness of the storm and green snow.

He held the lighter to the fuse. The spark fired immediately, so fast it startled Silas and he dropped the lighter.

There was no time to waste over spilled milk. Silas stood and climbed onto the stacked wood of the car. He climbed, glancing over his shoulder, then realized what he saw.

Silas turned and looked back at the caboose. The demon stood atop the caboose, regarding him with red eyes.

No time to waste, he thought, galvanized into action as the fuse sputtered and burned. Silas climbed as fast as he could, disregarding his safety to reach the next car.