"I know just what you are thinking," said he, smiling; "you are thinking
that one of us two is crazy."
"Yes," said I.
"But you are wrong, at least in regard to yourself. You are suffering a
little in the head, but there is no longer any danger to your brain
at all."
"I think I am dreaming," said I.
"Well," said he, "continue to think so; that will do no harm."
He went away, but soon returned--I say soon, but I may be wrong in that.
"How do you get on with that dream of yours?" he asked; "what have you
dreamed while I wan gone?"
"Confusion," said I; "nothing but confusion."
"If a man is dreaming, will a sharp pain awake him?"
"I suppose so."
"Well, let me try it," and he opened his lancet.