Mikey found that even as he tried to keep from being absolutely afraid he was feeling worn out. And his throat was burning...

In fact it hurt badly, and for a single moment it felt like the fabric band was held tight against it again. He gasped, tears springing to his eyes, and then the quick draw of breath sending him into a coughing fit, his throat to sore to handle that at the moment.

As he coughed he pressed himself as hard as he could to Leatherhead, trying to hide the sound, or something.