The shriek he uttered was horrible, as he went through all the movements of one struggling wildly against the attacks of a savage beast, and then suddenly dropped down cowering into the corner, panting loudly.
Meanwhile Tregelly had picked up the bottle and held it to his nostrils, before glancing at the side.
“That’s mine,” he growled. “They found that, then. I got it for spirits, case I was took ill in the night; but it was so bad I never used none, and put it on the corner of the shelf. It’s poison, that’s what it is; much like paraffin as can be. Nice stuff for a man like that!”
“The man’s mad,” said Dallas, with a shudder.
“Yes,” whispered Abel; “don’t you see, Dal? It’s one of three who attacked us up in the pass.”
“Yes; there’s no doubt about that,” said Dallas.
“He’s the man who attacked me the other night. I’m sure as can be.”
“Oh, that’s him, is it?” said Tregelly with a deep, angry growl. “Well, it’ll be a long time before he attacks you again, my son.”
“Is it fever?” said Dallas.
“’M! no, my son; I’ve seen a man took like that before. I should say it’s hydrophoby, from the bite of a dog; and he’s been doctoring himself with that paraffin stuff till he’s madder than ever.”