The men were engaged in lopping willows, when the violence of the rain compelled them to take refuge under a hedge.
Three of the men entered a shed near by, but Orman remained by the willow, close to the window of the shed.

Scarcely were the three inside when a lightning-stroke entered the door, crossed the shed, and passed out the window, which it blew before it into the field.

The men noticed that the tree under which Orman stood was stripped of its bark.

Their companion's boots stood close to the foot of the tree, while the man himself lay almost perfectly naked a few yards further on, calling for help.

When they left him a few moments previously, he was completely clad in a cotton shirt, cotton jacket, flannel vest, and cotton trousers, secured at the waist with leather straps and buckles.