Then the look of surprise changed to an expression of questioning suspicion, and he demanded harshly, "What in hell are _you_ doing here ?" Patches saw that the man was laboring under some great trouble.

Indeed, Phil's voice and manner were not unlike one under the influence of strong drink.

But Patches knew that Phil never drank.
"I was sleeping," he answered calmly.

"You woke me, I suppose.

I heard you, and came to see who was prowling around the kitchen at this time of the night; that is all." "Oh, that's all, is it?
But what are you here for?
Why aren't you in Prescott where you are supposed to be ?" Patches, because he saw Phil's painful state of mind, exercised admirable self-control.