Swallowing a lump in his throat, and hiding his agitation as best he could, he said gently,-- "Jim, you are ill.

Lie down on the bed again and I'll call Mrs.Pitcairn." "I'm afraid there is something the matter with me," muttered the younger lad, lying down, his face flushed and his eyes staring.

He said something which showed his mind was wandering and he had become flighty.
Tom hastily donned his clothing and hurried downstairs to the farmer's good wife, who lost no time in coming to the room of the boys.

By this time Jim had lost all knowledge of his surroundings.

He was muttering and saying all sorts of strange things, speaking of his father, of his sister Maggie, and even of his mother, who died when he was a very small boy.
Mrs.Pitcairn had no children of her own, but she had had great experience in the sick-room.