"Friends," replied Spencer.
"Advance, friends, and give the countersign."
"We have no countersign," I replied.
"Who are you?"
My voice trembled as I replied, "Escaped Union prisoners."
"All right. Come in."
"Wait a moment. Are you a Union man?"
"I just am that. I belong to the Home Guard."
"Well, who are the Home Guard?"
"Union men, belonging around here. Come along. We will take care of you."