"What you want, major," said Jim, "is a good sound sleep. You're looking overworked. Now just you lie down on your mattress yonder and have a nap. You've been doing very well lately, major, and I shall mention you in my despatches."
The poor madman's face glowed with delight.
"I'm very much obliged to you, sir," he said, with a world of gratitude in his voice.
"Well," said Jim, "I must be going on. Now, do as I say, and have some sleep."
"Thank you, sir, I think I will," said the major, turning towards the mattress with touching docility.
Unfortunately, however, he happened to look round at the grating, and in an instant his face and manner changed. Jim, following the lunatic's glance, saw that the attendant Smith was still peering through the bars.
"Get away from there--sharp!" he shouted, but even as he spoke the major hurled himself against the staunch oaken portal, and tore at it with his nails as he yelled imprecations at the object of his hate.
Jim stepped swiftly forward and laid his hand on the madman's shoulder. The major turned like an infuriated beast, his fingers twitching, and his whole body convulsed with fury.
"I told you to get some sleep, major," said Jim, imperiously, "and I expect my orders to be obeyed."
For a terrible moment the attendants held their breath. But Jim looked the major coolly in the face. Had he flinched the very slightest, the madman would have been at his throat.