"You remind me of horses I have seen fall between the shafts; they lie there and seem to fancy that they have no strength at all. I suppose they think that they are dreaming."
At this speech. I laughed aloud--why, I hardly know, unless it was that my own mind recalled one such ludicrous incident; then, too, it was pleasant to hear the doctor say that I was strong.
"Yes, Jones; all you need is a little more time. Two or three days will set you up."
"Doctor, I cannot understand it at all; this talk about armies, and war, and wounds, and adjutants--what does it all mean?"
"You must not try to know everything at once. I think you are now convinced that there is a war?"
"Yes."
"You will learn all about it very soon, perhaps to-morrow; it ought to be enough for you to know that your country is in danger. Are you a patriot?"
"I trust so."
"Well, of course you are. Now you must go to sleep. You have talked long enough. Good night. I will send William to give you a night-cap."