He turned over on his back and fell asleep.
When he awoke the sun was high in the heavens and he fancied he had slept four or five hours; in reality he had slept nearly thirty hours.
His body was covered with a cold perspiration and his mouth seemed less parched.
As he raised himself to look around he saw that he was not alone.
A man, evidently poor, if judged by his dress, stood some distance away, watching him closely.
"So you did wake, eh? I reckon'd that you were going to sleep till Gabriel blew his trump."
"Have I slept long?" asked Eben.
"Well, now, I can't say 'zactly, for I reckon you had been asleep a long time when I found you, and I've been here nigh on to ten hours."
"You have been watching me that long? Why?"
"Mebbe I took a fancy to you, and mebbe I know you."