"Indeed; what did I say?"
"Your mind seemed to be on old Batavsky."
"Did I mention his name?"
"No, sir, not directly; but you recalled portions of your horrible dream."
"Did I?" and he fell to musing.
Nothing further happened at this time, but the next day Kanoffskie visited the governor, who was startled by his altered appearance, and at once inquired the meaning of it.
"Your Excellency, I am not well. I am overworked, and have come to ask you to grant me a year's leave of absence," replied Kanoffskie.
"You certainly do look ill, doctor, but who can fill your place in the interim?"
"Waskoff is fully competent, sir."
"Very well, then; I will appoint him to fill your place for a year," replied the governor, writing the order.