Patience took the bottle and swallowed some long gulps, then had to stop and cough as some went the wrong way in his desperation. As soon as he could get some air in his lungs again, he gulped down more water. He knew he must smell terrible, but he didn't know how to do anything about that. He rubbed a hand over his wet mouth, smearing mud across his cheek.
"How far is it to your house?" he croaked, able to talk a little better. "I need a bath."