"Yes, sir, I feel very confident of that," I answered.
"You know," he continued, "that a good many Kentuckians are a little tender-footed now; they don't like to come out against the Union, and they don't like to go with the abolitionists; and I am afraid when you get back there, you will let them talk you out of your principles."
"I am not so easily converted as that comes to," said I, jocularly.
"Well, how is it," he asked, "that you are on foot?"
"Because," was the reply, "I am unable to ride."
"Well, then," said he, "we will help you;" and they accordingly made up a purse of eight dollars and seventy-five cents and gave it to me.
"Now," said one, "you go over to the tavern and stay all night."
I arose to comply, and was thanking them for their kind interest in my welfare, when a stout looking man, who had sat in a group of three or four others, apart from the near ones, rose and remarked:
"Young man, I think you had better go with me; I will give you accommodations for the night."