on the watch, but I knew that no Indian dared to cross the forbidden
circle.

I had no thoughts, being oppressed with a great stupor of weariness. I
may have dozed a little, but the pain of my legs kept me from
slumbering.

Once or twice I looked at him, and I noticed that the madness had gone
out of his face, and that he was sleeping peacefully. I wiped the froth
from his lips, and his forehead was cool to my touch.

By and by, as I held the lamp close, I observed that his eyes were
open. It was now time for the gamble I had resolved on. I remembered
that morning in the Tolbooth, and how the madness had passed, leaving
him a simple soul. I unstrapped the belt, and cut the cords about his
legs.

"Do you feel better now, Mr. Gib?" I asked, as if it were the most
ordinary question in the world.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Was it a dwam?" he inquired. "I get
them whiles."

"It was a dwam, but I think it has passed."

He still rubbed his eyes, and peered about him, like a big collie dog
that has lost its master.

"Who is it that speirs?" he said. "I ken the voice, but I havena heard
it this long time."