Oswald becomes ill, and is soon delirious. For a long time his strong will had braced against the insidious disease. The fever laid sure hold on that athletic frame, and its course was relentless.
Two days after Oswald was stricken, Marco Salvini died.
The continuous attentions of this quiet stranger at that Italian's cot had attracted the notice and won the regard of those in charge.
From this patient there were neither confidences nor complaints. During earlier deliriums utterances seemed held in check by that coercive will, but as the disease wasted vital energies speech became strikingly suggestive.
With some disregard to order of their occurrence, many tragic happenings were reënacted during these delirious states.
Oswald is again at Northfield, along the lake, and upon the Thames. They are now on the road from Calcutta.
"What a dreary stretch! 'So foolish was I and ignorant!'"
The scene changes to Himalaya slope.
"Lie still, Karl! I will hit him hard!"
From another room come violin strains of "Ave Maria."