north of their own lines, even though they were in enemy country, and he
felt that there might be some danger in saying that they were on their way
to join the Southern army. He decided to leave the response to Wilson, who,
because of his age and experience, was the natural leader. But, before
Wilson could speak, Shadrack replied:

"We're from Fleming County, Kentucky, and we're going through the lines to
join the Confederate army."

Wilson frowned and shook his head at Shadrack.

"So?" asked the farmer. "Goin' to fight the Yanks, eh?"

"Yep," answered Shadrack, "an' we're goin' to give 'em a good licking!
That's what they need! We've seen all we want to see of Yanks."

"Well, I'll tell you right now that you're going to waste yer time,"
replied the farmer. "An' maybe you'll waste more than that."

Shadrack sat down on the floor near the fire, and Tom squatted beside him.

"You have some pretty bad rainstorms in this part of the country, don't
you?" Wilson asked.

While Wilson was speaking, Tom nudged Shadrack, and muttered, "Be
careful--don't talk too much." Shadrack's eyes lighted in puzzled surprise.

After a long silence, the farmer spoke: "You men better turn around again
an' go back to yer homes. Yer folks need you more than the South does. The
North is going to win this war."