He is much better now, and is nearly himself again.
Amy! said the sick man.
Be quiet, my son, said Mrs. Davis. You have been very sick.
Walter attempted to raise himself.
Where am I? he said. What has taken place?
You are in the cabin of the Reindeer, far out at sea. You got hurt while coming on board.
Then it was all a dream. All of my hopes have been dashed from me, he said.
Captain Davis had been notified that Walter was conscious, and arrived in time to hear his last remark.
Oh, that the dream could have lasted forever. I have been living my life over again. I have seen and conversed with my darling Amy. Again I went to the Callicoon, and again saw that mad stream. I saw the raft, with mother, child and dog rush madly on. I saw them land, and carry their lifeless forms to the shore. I saw the mother buried on the bank, and Amy strew her grave with flowers. I heard her say, “I did, I shall, I ever will love Walter Wallace.” I saw a young man there with a mark on his breast of an anchor and ship. (Captain Davis started.) I saw a great, good, wise Indian. They called him Cahoonshee. (Captain Davis turned pale.) I saw Amy in the hands of the Indians. I awoke. It was a dream, a dream only. I was conscious that I was on board the Reindeer, rolling and rocking on the ocean, and the Captain and his wife watching over me, when suddenly Amy appeared again. I am not asleep now. I am awake. I am conscious of all that passes before me. I know that I see Amy. I extend my hand and say “Amy,” she vanishes. She is gone. The rest of you remain. I see you, why don’t I see her?
It was a delusion, my boy.