He had been trying to think what had best be done, and had concluded that it would be safest to arrange with some farmer to board Lucy and her nurse for a time, while he himself with Dan went a bit farther; and then, if they could get no one to take them in, would camp up in the woods and rest.

He decided that in a day or two, if no improvement took place in his wound, he would give himself up to the Federals at Mount Pleasant, as he would there be able to get his wound attended to.
"I don't think there is anyone in the house," Lucy said, looking back over her shoulder; "there is no smoke coming from the chimney, and the shutters are closed, and besides the whole place looks neglected." Upon reaching the door of the house it was evident that it had been deserted.

Lucy had now assumed the command.
"Dan," she said, "there is no shutter to the window of that upper room.
You must manage to climb up there and get in at that window, and then open the door to us." "All right, missie, me manage dat," Dan said cheerfully.

Looking about he soon found a long pole which would answer his purpose, placed the end of this against the window and climbed up.

It was not more than twelve feet above the ground.