That cuffing did the fellow some good for it had the effect of encouraging other men to thrash him until he became mild-mannered and inoffensive.
The next run was from Vicksburg to Natchez, one hundred and nine miles.
The start was made in a gale and Boyton was not much more than under way when he felt symptoms of fever.

Indeed, so violent did the attack become, that he felt as though he must give up.

He took an enormous dose of quinine which braced him and he kept pushing ahead until he arrived at Natchez, twenty six hours from Vicksburg.

He was so ill on his arrival that he could scarcely notice the hearty reception given him; but went immediately to bed and fell into a deep sleep.

A doctor called and pronounced him in danger of swamp fever, but thought it might be kept off with proper attention, and prescribed some remedy.