Julian went to get his pitcher; and as he took it an aroma came from it which made his heart swell and his nostrils dilate, it was wine; what a find! But the Leper put out his arm and emptied the whole pitcher at one draught.
Then he said, “I’m cold!”
With his candle Julian set light to a bundle of fern in the middle of the hut.
The Leper went to it to warm himself; and, squatted on his heels, he trembled in every limb, became weaker; his eyes no longer shone, his sores ran, and in a voice almost inaudible he murmured:
“Your bed!”
Julian aided him gently to drag himself to it, and even spread over him, to cover him, the sail of his boat.
The Leper groaned. The corners of his mouth exposed his teeth, a quicker rattle shook his breast, and at each breath his belly sank in to his backbone.
Then he closed his eyelids.
“My bones are like ice! Come beside me!”
And Julian, lifting up the canvas, lay down on the dead leaves, beside him.