"I know now," he said, in a low, passionate, agitated voice. "It has come back. The snake! I was bitten by that snake!"
"Yes, my boy, but the effect is all passing off," said the doctor soothingly.
"No, no; you are saying that to keep me from thinking I shall die of the bite, and—" his voice sank to a whisper, as he murmured despairingly, "Oh, father, father! what will you do?"
"I am not cheating you, Harry," said the doctor, leaning over him; "it is the simple truth. You were bitten by the virulent reptile; but fortunately we were close by, and the poison has yielded to the remedies."
"Ah! you gave me something?"
"We did, of course," said the doctor gravely, giving his wife a glance. "You have been delirious and insensible, but the poison is mastered, and you have nothing to do now but get well. Thank God!"
The boy took the last words literally. He closed his eyes, and they saw his lips move in the silence which lasted for some minutes.
Then he opened his eyes, and spoke quite naturally.
"I can recollect all about it now. But tell me, are you sure Mrs.
Cameron was not hurt?"
"Hurt? No, Harry," said that lady, taking his hand, to press it to her lips. "I have you to thank for saving my life."