They had served him ill, for a long time.

Had the turn now come?
He did not know it, but it was the human companionship, the friendly voice that had raised such a great hope in his breast.

He glided from thought into a peaceful sleep and slept a long time, without dreams or even vague, floating visions.
His breath came long and full at regular intervals, and with every beat of his pulse new strength flowed into his body.

While he slept nature was hard at work, rebuilding the strong young frame which had yielded only to overpowering circumstances.
Ned ate his breakfast voraciously the next day and wanted more.

Dinner also left him hungry, but, carrying out his original plan, he counterfeited weakness, and, before the soldier left, lay down upon the pallet as if he were too languid to care for anything.