Looks like a lonesome road, this.

Will I reach any house soon ?" "Thar's Ben Trimble's three miles further on, but take my advice an' don't stop thar.

Ben says he ain't goin' to be troubled in these war times by visitors, an' he's likely to meet you at the door with his double-barreled shotgun." "I won't knock on Ben's door, so he needn't take down his double-barreled shotgun.

What's next beyond Ben's house ?" "A half mile further on you come to Hungry Creek.

It ain't much in the middle of summer, but right now it's full of cold water, 'nough of it to come right up to your hoss's body.