chains , he thought , and knew that if he lingered on that thought for more than an instant , he 'd find himself in the dream again , sweating and ill , crouched against a stone wall , unable to lift his hand to wipe the vomit from his beard , the fetters too heavy , the metal hot from his fever , inescapable , eternal captivity ... `` no , '' he said fiercely , and turned abruptly off the path , coming to a halt in front of a puppet show , surrounded by people , all calling out and laughing .