"Simpson," I said, "am I really alive?"
"Yes, sir; thank God, sir."
I thought I saw the tears gather in his eyes, and I am sure I saw his lips tremble.
"Have I been ill, Simpson?"
"Yes, sir, very ill, but I believe we have beaten them, sir."
"Beaten who?" I asked.
But this time he did not answer. The woman came in again bearing something in her hand. There was a whispered consultation between them, and then I remember drinking something, after which I went to sleep again.
When I again awoke I felt sure it was morning. I had no reason for believing this, but I had no doubt about it; the air was morning air, the sounds were morning sounds. The birds were chirping in the trees, the cattle were lowing in the meadows, the poultry were cackling in a yard near by, a thousand whispering voices everywhere told me that I had awakened to the dawn of a new day. I moved in my bed; yes, I had strength enough for that, and the movement caused me no pain. In an instant I heard footsteps, and Simpson again came to my side.
"Can I do anything for you, sir? How are you to-day?"
"I feel like a man reborn, Simpson," I said. And it was true. A life was surging in my veins which I never remembered before; I felt as though my whole being had been made clean and all my powers renewed. I was unutterably weak, but I felt all a child's health and joy.