direction of the railroad tracks."

"Probably goes to a farmhouse," replied Wilson.

"Suits me exactly," said Shadrack.

During the next twenty minutes they made their way slowly along the road,
slipping in the mud, sometimes falling. Twice Tom went down on his hands
and knees. Shadrack sprawled face downward, and got up muttering something
about "eating the filthy stuff."

Ahead of them a dog commenced to bark; then a door opened, and a man stood
looking out.

"Call your dog off," yelled Wilson.

"Who are you, and what do you want?" demanded the farmer. The dog continued
to bark, but he did not approach them.

"We're on our way to Wartrace," answered Wilson, "and we're lost in the
storm. Can you give us a place to sleep?"

"Are you soldiers?"

Wilson paused a moment, then answered, "No."

"Come on up here then, and let's look at ye," answered the farmer. "Here,
Shep, shut up that barking! Come here!"

They saw the dog curl up at its master's feet, and they went forward.