“But you could feel.”

“No, I couldn’t. I’ve heard that people who have been half killed don’t feel any pain at first; and there ain’t a doctor nowhere.”

“But, Esau,” I whispered, seriously, “has the brute hurt you?”

“I keep on telling you I don’t know. He pawed me about and turned me over, and smelt me and stood on me once. I say: how dark it is!”

“Lie down,” I said, “and try and go to sleep. I don’t think you can be hurt, or you would feel some pain. I felt the bear touch me too, but I am not scratched.”

“Must I lie down?”

“Yes; you would be better.”

“But suppose he came again?”

“Gunson is watching. There is no fear.”

“But I’m sure I can’t sleep. It’s too horrid to be woke up and find wild beasts swarming all over you.”