In spite of my anxiety about my father, and my bitter reproaches against myself, I felt a stupor come over me which it was almost more than human nature to resist.

Once or twice I dozed off for a moment, and then woke by an effort, each time more painful, until I was tempted at last to give in and resist no longer, whatever it cost.
"I had just come to this resolve when I became suddenly aware of the sound of voices in the cottage.

Whoever they belonged to, I felt sure they must have entered after me, for I had explored every corner of the place when I took possession.

They had probably entered during one of my fits of drowsiness." My first impulse was to discover myself to the new comers, and see if they could help me and my horse in our distress.

But on second thoughts I decided to remain where I was until I could ascertain at least who the intruders were, and if they had any better right in the cottage than I had.