It was in the early part of Winter; but the air was just as pleasant as early Spring in that climate. Louis walked all that night, guiding himself northward at night by the light of the stars and a little pocket compass, Camilla had just given him before starting, and avoiding the public roads during the day.
And thus he travelled for two days, when his lunch was exhausted, his lips parched with thirst, and his strength began to fail.
Just in this hour of extremity he saw seated by the corner of a fence a very black and homely-looking woman; there was something so gloomy and sullen in her countenance that he felt repelled by its morose expression. Still he needed food, and was very weary, and drawing near he asked her if she would give him anything to eat.
"Ain't got nothing. De sojers done been here, and eat all up."
Louis drew near and whispered a few words in her ear, and immediately a change passed over her whole countenance. The sullen expression turned to a look of tenderness and concern. The harsh tones of her voice actually grew mellow, and rising up in haste she almost sprang over the fence, and said, "I'se been looking for you, if you's Northman you's mighty welcome," and she set before him her humble store of provisions.
"Do you know," said Louis, "where I will find the Lincoln soldiers, or where the secesh are encamped?"
"No," said she "but my old man's mighty smart, and he'll find out; you come wid me."
Nothing doubting he went, and found the husband ready to do anything in his power to help him.
"You's better not go any furder to-day. I'll get you a place to hide where nobody can't find you, and then I'll pump Massa 'bout the sojers."
True to his word, he contrived to find out whether the soldiers were near.