and once he was
pitched into the river by striking upon a rock; but he escaped these and
other perils of the navigation with nothing worse than a thorough ducking,
which was by no means a new experience to the soldier boy. In the morning,
well satisfied with his night's work, he laid up for the day in the safest
place he could find.

On the second day of his voyage down the river, the old problem of rations
again presented itself for consideration, for the ham and chicken he had
procured at Leed's Manor were all gone. There were plenty of houses on the
banks of the river, but Tom had hoped to complete his cruise without the
necessity of again exposing himself to the peril of being captured while
foraging for the commissary department. But the question was as imperative
as it had been several times before, and twelve hours fasting gave him
only a faint hint of what his necessities might compel him to endure in
twenty-four or forty-eight hours. He did not consider it wise to postpone
the settlement of the problem till he was actually suffering for the want
of food.

On the third night of his voyage, therefore, he hauled up the bateau at a
convenient place, and started off upon a foraging expedition, intending to
visit some farmer's kitchen, and help himself, as he had done on a former
occasion. Of course, Tom had no idea where he was; but he hoped and
believed that he should soon reach Harper's Ferry.

After making his way through the woods for half a mile, he came to a
public road, which he followed till it brought him to a house. It was
evidently the abode of a thrifty farmer, for near it were half a dozen
negro houses. As the dwelling had no long windows in front, Tom was
obliged to approach the place by a flank and rear movement; but the back
door was locked. He tried the windows, and they were fastened. While he
was reconnoitring the premises, he heard heavy footsteps within. Returning
to the door, he knocked vigorously for admission.

"Who's thar?" said a man, as he threw the door wide open.

"A stranger, who wants something to eat," replied Tom, boldly.

"Who are ye?"

"My name is Tom Somers," added the soldier boy, as he stepped into the
house. "Can you tell me whether the Seventh Georgia Regiment is down this
way?"

"I reckon 'tis; least wise I don't know. There's three rigiments about
five mile below yere."

"I was told my regiment was down this way, and I'm trying to find it. I'm
half starved. Will y