Hezekiah. How de dew? (Hood starts and turns. Both eye each other a moment in silence.)

Hood. Well?

Hezekiah. I s’pose your my meat.

Hood. Can you direct me to the federal headquarters, sir?

Hezekiah. (Looking at Hood a moment.) I’ll be darned if ye hain’t got me. Old Tecump keeps his office on top of his old white horse most of the time.

Hood. (Pointing R.) I think, sir, in this direction.

Hezekiah. Don’t you go there! Johnnies are thicker in them woods than lunatics in a crazy house. Jest popped one on ’em, less ’n half an hour ago.

Hood. I have some valuable information for the federal commander.

Hezekiah. You git out! Is old Hood got shot?

Hood. Not to my knowledge.