“But today I caught one of the rats that infest the place. He was a big one, too. Gave me a bad bite, but I killed him. I feel lots better today. Have had some bad dreams lately, but they don’t bother me now.
“That rat was tough, though. Think I’ll finish this digging and go back to my regiment in a day or two.”
“HEAVEN have mercy! I must be out of my head half the time now.
“I have absolutely no recollection of having written that last entry. And I feel feverish and weak.
“If I had my strength, I think I could finish clearing the entrance in a day or two. But I can only work a short time at a stretch.
“I am beginning to give up hope.”
“WILD spells come on me oftener now. I awake tired out from exertions, which I cannot remember.
“Bones of rats, picked clean, are scattered about, yet I do not remember eating them. In my lucid moments I don’t seem to be able to catch them, for they are too wary and I am too weak.