Leaving the road, he jumped over the fence into a field--his first object being to place a respectful distance between himself and the enemy.
The scene through which he had just passed, though he had preserved the appearance of coolness and self-possession, had been exceedingly trying to his nerves; and when the moment of pressing danger had passed, he found his heart up in his throat, and his strength almost wasted by the excitement.

He felt as one feels when he has just escaped a peril which menaced him with instant death.

It was singular that the soldier had not fired, but the fact that he did not convinced Tom that there is an amazing power in impudence.
For half an hour, he pursued his way with haste and diligence, but without knowing where he was going--whether he was moving toward Richmond or Washington.

As the musket which he had taken from the church was not only an encumbrance, but might betray him, he threw it away, though, thinking some means of defence might be useful, he retained the bayonet, and thrust it in his belt.

Thus relieved of his burden, he walked till he came to a road.