There was no shop near in which I could take refuge.

I tried to ring the bell of the nearest house door.

Before I could reach it I fainted in the street.
"How long hunger and weakness left me at the mercy of the first stranger who might pass by, it is impossible for me to say.
"When I partially recovered my senses I was conscious of being under shelter somewhere, and of having a wine-glass containing some cordial drink held to my lips by a man.

I managed to swallow--I don't know how little, or how much.

The stimulant had a very strange effect on me.
Reviving me at first, it ended in stupefying me.