Joe explained.

"I guess I can do it. You start it, and I'll j'in in, just as I used
to do in singin' at meetin'. I never could steer through a tune
straight by myself, but when the choir got to goin', I helped 'em all
I could."

"I guess you can do it. Now let us make ready."

The Pike County man's revolver was removed while he was unconsciously
sleeping. Then Joshua and our hero ensconced themselves behind
trees, and the Yankee fired his gun.

The Pike man started up, still half asleep and wholly bewildered,
when within a rod of him he heard the dreadful war-whoop. Then
another more discordant voice took up the fearful cry. Joshua did
very well considering that it was his first attempt.

Then the man from Pike County sprang to his feet. If it had been
daylight, his face would have been seen to wear a pale and scared
expression. It did not appear to occur to him to make a stand
against the savage foes who he felt convinced were near at hand. He
stood not on the order of going, but went at once. He quickly
unloosed his beast, sprang upon his back, and galloped away without
apparently giving a thought to the companions with whom he had camped
out.

When he was out of hearing Joe and Bickford shouted with laughter.

"You see I was right," said Joe. "The man's a coward."