noon
`` We 've only got to go 25 miles , boys , '' Si would occasionally say , by way of encouragement . `` This rain ca n't last forever at this rate . It 'll probably clear up bright just as we reach Shelbyville to-morrow , and give us sunshine to do our work in . '' But when the column halted briefly at noon , for dinner for the men and mules , it was raining harder and steadier than ever . It was difficult to start fires with the soaked rails and chunks , all were wet to the skin , and rivulets of water ran from them as they stood or walked . The horses of the officers seemed shrunken and drawn-up , and the mud was getting deeper every minute . `` Lucky we had the advance , '' said the optimistic Si .