Little time did it take the bandits to change but they carefully folded the suits they took off and put them into their saddle bags for future emergencies.
Their horses refreshed by the rest and the grass they had cropped, Jesse gave the word to re-saddle and mount and they resumed their cross-state ride.
Throughout the day they advanced, picking their course through the woods, till along toward dusk their hunger decided them to halt near a farmhouse where they determined to secure some food.
Leaving Cole with John to guard the horses, that the more experienced man might steady the lad and parry any pertinent questions should any inquisitive countryman stumble upon them, the bandit-chieftain and Jim started for the house.
Keeping under cover of the bushes till they reached the road, they scanned the buildings closely as they approached.
The unpainted boards, made grey by exposure to wind and rain, bespoke the occupants as not overburdened with worldly goods. The roof of a shed running from the house to the barn was sadly in the need of repair, giving evidence of being on the verge of collapsing, and as they turned into the yard a litter of pails, broken-down wagons and all sorts of old rubbish suggested that the inmates were shiftless as well as poor.
"Not very inviting," commented John, taking in the surroundings.
"You can't always judge by appearances," returned his chief.
And as the door was opened in response to his rap, his companion conceded that he was right.