After a long silence, the farmer spoke: "You men better turn around again an' go back to yer homes. Yer folks need you more than the South does. The North is going to win this war."
In their hearts they were elated to hear a Southerner say that their own troops would be victorious; but, having told one story, they decided not to change.
"No," said Wilson solemnly, "we must go on."
Presently the farmer arose and stretched, "I'll go out an' see if the chickens are all right," he said, and left the shanty.
"Don't be a fool," said Wilson earnestly, "Don't be a better rebel than the
Southerners."
"I'm sorry," replied Shadrack. "That's what we were told to say…."
"I know," interrupted Wilson, "but we have to be careful in the way we tell that story. For one thing, remember that we're still inside our own lines."
"Yes," replied Shadrack ruefully.
"I think you'd better do the talking for us," suggested Tom to Wilson.
"We'll just agree to what you say."
"Now, that's a good idea!" exclaimed Shadrack. "We'll just nod our heads an' say, 'That's right!' I'll not say a word after this."