Then the rope parted, the terrible tension about his chest was relieved, and he began falling more and more swiftly, with a pleasant feeling of restfulness, till a voice said loudly: "Vince, Vince! What is it, boy?
Wake up!" Vince not only woke up, but sat up, staring at his father and mother, who were standing in their dressing-gowns on either side of his bed.
"He must have something coming on," said Mrs Burnet anxiously.
"Coming on!" said the Doctor, feeling the boy's temples and then his wrist; next, transferring his hand to where he could feel the pulsation of the heart, "Nightmare!" he cried.
"What's the matter ?" said Vince confusedly.

"Fire ?" "Any one would have thought so, and that you were being scorched, making all that groaning and outcry.

What's the matter with you ?" "Nothing," said Vince, whose dreaming was all hidden now by a mental haze.

"Is anybody ill, then ?" "I'm afraid you are, my dear," said Mrs Burnet anxiously; and she laid her cool hand upon her son's forehead.

"His head is very hot and wet, dear," she added to the Doctor.
"Yes, I know," he said gruffly.