At the end of the narrative the silver cigarette-case was produced, and the last words that Hummil said as he fell back for the second time were, 'Put me quite to sleep; for if I'm caught I die,—I die!'
'Yes, yes; we all do that sooner or later, thank Heaven who has set a term to our miseries,' said Spurstow, settling the cushions under the head. 'It occurs to me that unless I drink something I shall go out before my time. I've stopped sweating, and—I wear a seventeen-inch collar.' He brewed himself scalding hot tea, which is an excellent remedy against heat-apoplexy if you take three or four cups of it in time. Then he watched the sleeper.
'A blind face that cries and can't wipe its eyes, a blind face that chases him down corridors! H'm! Decidedly, Hummil ought to go on leave as soon as possible; and, sane or otherwise, he undoubtedly did rowel himself most cruelly. Well, Heaven send us understanding!'
At mid-day Hummil rose, with an evil taste in his mouth, but an unclouded eye and a joyful heart.
'I was pretty bad last night, wasn't I?' said he.
'I have seen healthier men. You must have had a touch of the sun. Look here: if I write you a swinging medical certificate, will you apply for leave on the spot?'
'No.'
'Why not? You want it.'
'Yes, but I can hold on till the weather's a little cooler.'
'Why should you, if you can get relieved on the spot?'
'Burkett is the only man who could be sent; and he's a born fool.'
'Oh, never mind about the line. You aren't so important as all that. Wire for leave, if necessary.'
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