noon
When Gilbert had been partially revived by the warmth , the men conducted him into an adjoining bed-room , undressed him , and rubbed his limbs with whiskey . Then , a large bowl of coffee having been administered , he was placed in bed , covered with half a dozen blankets , and the curtains were drawn over the windows . In a few minutes he was plunged in a slumber almost as profound as that of the death from which he had been so miraculously delivered . It was two hours past noon when he awoke , and he no sooner fully comprehended the situation and learned how the time had sped , than he insisted on rising , although still sore , weak , and feverish . The good farmer 's wife had kept a huge portion of dinner hot before the fire , and he knew that without compelling a show of appetite , he would not be considered sufficiently recovered to leave . He had but one desire , -- to return home . So recently plucked from the jaws of Death , his life still seemed to be an uncertain possession .