Half a dozen times the little devils of eagerness working in his blood prompted him to take to the window at once.
For three days and nights thereafter he kept his secret and added to his strength.

Doctor Cardigan came in to see him at intervals, and Father Layonne visited him regularly every afternoon.

Mercer was his most frequent visitor.

On the third day two things happened to create a little excitement.

Doctor Cardigan left on a four-day journey to a settlement fifty miles south, leaving Mercer in charge--and Mooie came suddenly out of his fever into his normal senses again.