He needn't have done it, but he had done it anyway. By his own admission, the Fool has never been wise. Why else call oneself the Fool?

"I shall be sure to blame you, should the authorities turn up at my door on the Bridge sometime later insisting on arresting me." This said wryly, for he smiles, too, then kneels to try to help X up to his feet by taking one arm across his shoulder. For such a slight man, he is not weak.

"Let us find some water," he says, and finally coughs, making sure to do so into his elbow. "I'm parched." And a bit singed.