He kindly consented to do so and had my trunk re-checked.

On arriving, as there was no light, no sound, and the depot was half a mile from the town, the conductor urged me to go to Cedar Rapids and come back the next morning, as it was Sunday night and the depot might not be opened, and I might be compelled to stay there on the platform all night in the cold.
But, as I had telegraphed, I told him I thought someone would be there, and I would take the risk.

So off went the train, leaving me solitary and alone.

I could see the lights in the distant town and the dark outlines of two great mills near by, which suggested dams and races.

I heard, too, the distant barking of dogs, and I thought there might be wolves, too; but no human sound.