"Earl," the voice was a sob. "Earl, it's true about the phantom. I saw him."
"I know," Robinson said softly. "Keep quiet. We found you in the swamp. Larson and I brought you in. The Doc says you're okay. Few days rest."
Roy felt all choked up and hot inside. He squeezed Earl's hand.
"Tell Larson he's okay. You're okay. Earl, we got to get out'a here."
His fever was rising.
"Listen, junior," Robinson said sternly, "I said everything's okay, and it is. Lay still and sleep."
Roy wasn't hearing him now. He tried to force himself up on one elbow. His eyes were filled with memories—of terror.
"I was a sap, Earl. I tell you I saw him. He was big and beautiful, big as a nightmare. He snorted right close to me and there was fire shooting out of his nostrils. He hit me like lightning, Earl. I—don't remember—after—that."
He sank back, breathing hard.
Glenn Starr came in from the bedroom.