"I will fight no one but the Philistines," he said, thoughtfully.
He was stunned and confused, and stood by the spring with the old musket in his hands, as group after group of armed soldiers hurried by.
"Hilloa, Joe, what are you doing?" said a familiar voice, and Howard Jones came towards him.
"I am here to assist Samson slay the Philistines," replied the poor lunatic.
"Put that down," said Howard, taking the gun from him and laying it on the rocks by the spring. "Now run. Go that way," pointing to the west, "and don't you take any guns in your hands. If any one says 'halt!' stop at once."
Howard Jones hurried on, hoping rather than believing, that Joe would follow his advice.
"Helloa, where are you going?" cried another soldier, as Joe started away.
"Fleeing from Sodom," replied Joe.
"Well, sir, don't you flee. Pick up that gun and fight the d——d Yankees. Shoot 'em as fast as they come out of the woods."