As Meat Loves Salt. Maria McCann

a man nearby. At first with my dry mouth I could not raise my voice above a whisper, so I slapped on the ground with my hand. He came over at once, and I was just able to make myself heard.

      ‘Friend, what day is this?’ I croaked.

      ‘A great one, for you,’ he replied. ‘I never thought to hear you speak again.’

      ‘But how long is it since I came in?’

      ‘Three days, four.’ He went off and came back with a cup of some herb. As I wetted my burning throat, he added, ‘Your mate’ll be glad to see you come through.’