Suddenly, without warning, tears were in his eyes.
Raising his uninjured arm, he brushed them away, settled his bandaged head upon the pillows, and stared at the clock.

The half-shut door of a small adjoining room opened very slowly and softly, and Joab entered on tiptoe, elaborate caution surrounding him like an atmosphere.
"You, Joab," said Rand.

"It's time you were in the field." Joab's preternaturally lengthened countenance became short, broad, and genial.

He threw back his head and breathed relief.

"Dar now! What I tell em?
Cyarn Selim nor no urr boss kill you, Marse Lewis! Mornin', sah.