"But how did you feel? How do you feel?" asked Swift anxiously.
"As mortal never felt before," replied Mr. Ticks solemnly. With these words upon his lips he lapsed away again into unconsciousness.
That evening at a late hour Swift made his way to the four-hundred-dollar team under whose protecting shelter he had ensconced his patient with such poor comfort as was possible.
Mr. Ticks raised himself from the cushions upon one arm.
"Are you ready?" he said restlessly.
"For what?" asked Swift in astonishment.
"To start."
"Not to-night surely?"
"Yes—immediately. Harness up! We must be at the extreme north of this unclassified belt by to-morrow morning."