midnight
muttered Owen , `` av it was the ` disease ' he had , sorra bit of this mountain he 'd ever get up . The strongest men ca n't lift a cup of wather to their lips , when it 's on them ; but there 's a great scarcity in the glen , and maybe the boy eat nothing before he set out . '' Although Owen 's explanation was the correct one , it did not satisfy the old man 's mind , who , besides feeling convinced of his having the malady , could not credit his taking it by other means than contagion . Owen never quitted his side , and multiplied cares and attentions of every kind ; but it was plain the disease was gaining ground , for ere midnight the old man 's strength was greatly gone , and his voice sunk to a mere whisper . Yet the malady was characterised by none of the symptoms of the prevailing epidemic , save slight cramps , of which from time to time he complained . His case seemed one of utter exhaustion . His mind was clear and calm ; and although unable to speak , except in short and broken sentences , no trait of wandering intellect appeared .