I wiped the froth from his lips, and his forehead was cool to my touch.
By and by, as I held the lamp close, I observed that his eyes were open.

It was now time for the gamble I had resolved on.

I remembered that morning in the Tolbooth, and how the madness had passed, leaving him a simple soul.

I unstrapped the belt, and cut the cords about his legs.
"Do you feel better now, Mr.Gib ?" I asked, as if it were the most ordinary question in the world.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

"Was it a dwam ?" he inquired.