"Water! Water!" he cried.
"Have you any?" asked Richard.
"Yes, but 'tain't fresh," replied Pep. "I'll get some."
And catching up a pail, he ran out of the room and down the stairs.
"That man has a raging fever," declared Frank, after a careful look at the sufferer.
"There ought to be more ventilation here," said Richard, "I'm going to open that window."
For the dormer window, the only one in the place, was tightly closed.
It was no easy job. The window had probably not been opened for some time, and stuck obstinately. Finally it went up with a bang, and a draught of fresh air swept into the place.
"It's a pretty stiff breeze," remarked Frank; "but too much is certainly better than too little."
The noise had aroused the sick man, and, opening his eyes, he stared at the two boys.