Mattie wished there was ice on hand. A generator would be a really damn nice thing to have on hand right now, so that the freezer would be powered. [i]But no generator. So work with what you've got.[/i] She doused the cloth with fresh water, not exactly cold but colder than the stuff that had rapidly warmed against Nicholas' forehead. She backed up, reached into the backpack and dug. One more rope, perfect. She swallowed and went back to him. 

"You're not going to like this," she said softly, "but you're going to have to roll with it, okay? Just be still." It sounded a lot nicer than [i]"I'm going to gag you, so don't move."[/i] Then she moved quickly to avoid resistance. The rope was tight between his teeth. She tied deftly and took a deep breath. There, now nothing could spread via bite. "I'm sorry, Nicholas, but it's better than killing you. It's just until you feel better." [i]If you feel better.[/i] Stupid negative thoughts.