Overpowered with watching and exertion, I had closed my eyes for a few minutes, when I felt a violent clutch on my shoulder.

I awoke instantly.

He had raised himself up, so as to seat himself in bed--a dreadful change had come over his face, but consciousness had returned, for he evidently knew me.

The child, who had been long since disturbed by his ravings, rose from its little bed, and ran towards its father, screaming with fright--the mother hastily caught it in her arms, lest he should injure it in the violence of his insanity; but, terrified by the alteration of his features, stood transfixed by the bedside.

He grasped my shoulder convulsively, and, striking his breast with the other hand, made a desperate attempt to articulate.