Nevah knowed such a dry season befoah, an' I was fifty-two yeahs old, three weeks an' one day ago yestuhday." "Thank you, Malachi, for your warning.

We'll be doubly careful, because of it, and I hope after this war is over to share your fine hospitality once more." "You'll sho'ly be welcome an' ev'y man an' boy with you will be welcome, too.

Fuhthah on, 'bout foah hund'ed yahds, you'll come to a path leadin' into the woods.

You take that path, colonel.

It'll be sundown soon, an' you follow it th'ough the night." The two men shook hands again, and then the soldiers rode on at a brisk trot.