[Archie's voice takes on a similarly easier tone, at least momentarily. Horatio "thinking on my death" Hornblower, he is not, especially now that he's not choked with pain.]

I had imagined it was Heaven; the Old Scratch wouldn't pile his tables with roast goose. [A pause, as he gives his surroundings a good once-over.] I am in the dining room of an empty inn, so far as I can tell. Where are you?

[Another pause, and then, a slightly hesitant question.] Horatio is not with you, is he?