XVII
DISCOVERY
In time the discomfort of his posture wore through the wrappings of slumber. He
stirred drowsily, shifted, and discovered a cramp in his legs, the pain of which more effectually aroused him. He rose, yawned, stretched, grimaced with the ache in his stiffened limbs, and went to the kitchen door.
There was no way to tell how long he had slept. The night held black—the moon
not yet up. The bonfire had burned down to a great glowing heap of embers. The
wind was faint, a mere whisper in the void. There was a famous show of stars,
clear, bright, cold and distant.
Closing and locking the door, he found another lamp, lighted it, and took it with
him to the corner bedchamber, where he lay down without undressing. He had,
indeed, nothing to change to.
A heavy lethargy weigh
