He was exhausted.

After he had eaten the gruel, he pointed to the chimney-cupboard.
"What is it ye want ?" said she.
Lot pointed.
"How do I know what ye want when ye jest p'int like that ?" But there came then a look into Lot Gordon's eyes as expressive as a word, and Margaret Bean crossed over to the chimney-cupboard, and got out the brandy-flask and a wine-glass and some loaf-sugar.

She mixed a little dose of the brandy and sugar, and would have fed it to the sick man as she had the gruel, but he motioned her aside, raised himself with an effort, and drank it down eagerly.

Then he lay still, and soon a faint flush came into his face.

Margaret Bean went back into the kitchen and mixed some bread, with her eye upon the window.
Presently there was a wild gallop and great clash of bells past the window, and a shout at the door.