I was aware of clean, soft bed linen against my skin.

I was aware of bodily well-being.

Oh, it was delicious! As thirsting men on the desert dream of splashing fountains and flowing wells, so dreamed I of easement from the constriction of the jacket, of cleanliness in the place of filth, of smooth velvety skin of health in place of my poor parchment-crinkled hide.

But I dreamed with a difference, as you shall see.
I awoke.

Oh, broad and wide awake I was, although I did not open my eyes.