However it might have been, in a few days after that Pike was found to be suffering from the fever.
Whether he would have died, lying alone in that shed, Calne did not decide; and some thought he would, making no sign; some thought not, but would have called in assistance.

Mr.Hillary, an observant man, as perhaps it was requisite he should be in time of public danger, halted one morning to speak to Clerk Gum, who was standing at his own gate.
"Have you seen anything lately of that neighbour of yours, Gum ?" "Which neighbour ?" asked the clerk, in tones that seemed to resent the question.
Mr.Hillary pointed his umbrella in the direction of the shed.

"Pike." "No, I've seen nothing of him, that I remember." "Neither have I.What's more, I've seen no smoke coming out of the chimney these two days.

It strikes me he's ill.

It may be the fever." "Gone away, possibly," remarked the clerk, after a moment's pause; "in the same unceremonious manner that he came." "I think somebody ought to see.