No, it was no dream. He was awake now, and there was a heavy arm across his chest and a head by his side.
“Joe! Oh, Joe!” cried Rob aloud; and he grasped at the arm, touched it, felt its pressure for an instant, and then it was gone, while at his cry both Shaddy and Brazier sprang up.
“What is it?”
“I—I—think I must have been dreaming,” said Rob excitedly. “I woke with a start, fancying Joe had come back, and that he was lying down beside me.”
“A dream, Rob, my lad!” said Brazier, with a sigh. “Lie down again, boy; your brain is over-excited. Try once more to sleep.”
Rob obeyed, feeling weak and hysterical; but after a few minutes sleep came once more, and it was morning when he reopened his eyes.