The barn was too near the road, and too small to afford secure shelter for the day; but as I cast my eye around by the dim light, I could see no wood, and no larger barn.

It seemed to be an open country to a wide extent.

The sun was travelling so rapidly from his eastern chamber, that ten or fifteen minutes would spread broad daylight over my track.

Whether _my_ deed was evil, _you_ may judge, but I freely confess that I did _then_ prefer darkness rather than light; I therefore took to the mow of the little barn at a great risk, as the events of the day will show.

It so happened that the barn was filled with corn fodder, newly cured and lately gotten in.