The desperate freebooters had dashed from Northfield with but five horses,
one, the brown mare carrying double. They rushed ruthlessly on, taking the
entire road, and demanding that those they met should “take to the ditch.”
A short distance out of the city an old German farmer with his heavy team
loaded with “garden truck,” met them on a narrow road on each side of
which were deep gullies. Drawing his pistol the leader exclaimed with an
oath, “take the ditch G——d d——n you.” Over the old fellow went scattering
his vegetables, breaking his wagon and harness, and sprawling himself in a
sea of stagnant mire.
After several hours the frightened agriculturist succeeded in getting to
town, and related a wonderful story of being attacked by fifty giants
fifteen feet high, mounted on fire breathing steeds, and carrying
twenty-five pound cannons in their hands!