“But I’ll die before Sneak can get back!”
“Your voice is too strong to fear that,” said William; “but do you suffer much pain?”
“Oh, I’m in agony!” said he, rolling back his eyes.
“Where does the pain lie?” asked Glenn.
“Oh, St. Peter! all over me! In my toes, ankles, legs, arms, heart, throat, mouth, nose, and eyes! Oh, I’m in tortures! I’m blind—I can’t see any of you!”
At this moment Roughgrove, who had been over the river on a visit to Boone, entered the apartment with the renowned hunter at his side. When fully informed of the circumstances, Boone stooped down and felt Joe’s pulse.
“The strokes are irregular,” said Boone.
“Oh heaven!” exclaimed Joe.
“But that may be caused by fright,” continued Boone.
“Oh goodness! it ain’t that—I’m a dying man!”