... I was already asleep when the doctor roused me by pushing me
cautiously. I woke, and jumping up, cried out, as we all did when
anybody wakened us, and rushed to the entrance of our tent. But the
doctor held me firmly by the arm, excusing himself,--
"I frightened you, forgive me. I know you want to sleep...."
"Five days and nights ..." I muttered, dozing off. I fell asleep and
slept, as it seemed to me for a long time, when the doctor again began
speaking, poking me cautiously in the ribs and legs.
"But it is very urgent. Dear fellow, please--it is so pressing. I keep
thinking ... I cannot ... I keep thinking, that some of the wounded
were left...."
"What wounded? Why, you were bringing them in the whole day long. Leave
me in peace. It is not fair--I have not slept for five days!"
"Dear boy, don't be angry," muttered the doctor, awkwardly putting
my cap on my head; "everybody is asleep, it's impossible to rouse
anybody. I've got hold of an engine and seven carriages, but we're in
want of men. I understand.... Dear fellow, I implore you. Everybody
is asleep and everybody refuses. I'm afraid of falling asleep myself.
I don't remember when I slept last. I believe I'm beginning to have
hallucinations. There's a dear fellow, put down your feet, just
one--there--there...."
The doctor was pale and tottering, and one could see that if he were
only to lie down for an instant he would fall asleep and remain so
without waking for several days running. My legs sank under me, and
I am certain I fell asleep as I walked--so suddenly and unexpectedly
appeared before us a row of black outlines--the engine and carriages.
Near them, scarcely distinguishable in the darkness, some men were
wandering about slowly and silently. There was not a single light
either on the engine or carriages, and only the shut ash-box threw a
dim reddish light on to the rails.
"What is this?" asked I, stepping back.
"Why, we are going in the train. Have you forgotten? We are going in
the train," muttered the doctor.
The night was chilly and he was trembling from cold, and as I looked at
him I felt the same rapid tickling shiver all over my body.
"D--n you!" I cried loudly. "Just as if you couldn't have taken
somebody else."
"Hush! please, hush!" and the doctor caught me by the arm.