At the same time, the sickness that hung upon me seemed to redouble, and the pang in my side was like a sword for sharpness.

I thought I must have swooned where I stood.
This it was that gave me a thought.

No apology could blot out what I had said; it was needless to think of one, none could cover the offence; but where an apology was vain, a mere cry for help might bring Alan back to my side.

I put my pride away from me.

"Alan!" I said; "if ye cannae help me, I must just die here." He started up sitting, and looked at me.
"It's true," said I."I'm by with it.