“‘Now he’s pacing down to the big gate. He’s opening it——’
“‘No,’ put in again the Doctor, ‘he got down off of old Kit and opened it. Hang the old fool, but isn’t he a slow one?’
“‘Well, he’s going up the road now, ain’t he?’ said the Colonel.
“‘Yes, and he’s got to the big swamp. He’s creeping through it. Dad gast, but ain’t it muddy there? Gehew, but I am thirsty,’ broke in the Doctor.
“Ten minutes later he added joyfully: ‘Well, he’s out of the swamp, and he has spurred old Kit into a gallop, thinking of that drink. Oh, old Blue John is a good one!’
“‘He’s at the three-mile post now,’ said the Major, twenty minutes later. ‘Lord, but that old mule can hump when he tries!’
“We all smiled in satisfaction.
“‘Where is he now, Doc?’ said the Colonel, after it had seemed an hour of silence.
“‘At old Ikey’s, boys. See, he’s handing old Ikey the jug. Now old Ikey is fillin’ it.’
“‘From what barrel?’ asked the Major, excitedly.