"It is one o'clock; rise, it is your turn now!" said Walter.
The only sound heard in reply was the heavy breathing of the sleeper.
"Come, come, I can't keep awake longer," said Walter, shaking the Irishman by the shoulder.
"Just leave me in peace, will you?" was the growled-out expostulation of the drowsy Denis.
"I am too sleepy to play sentinel any longer," said Walter.
"Another hour—just another hour; you roused me from such a delicious dream!" said Denis, turning on his side.
"He rode all day while I trudged on foot," thought Walter, as he resumed his weary watch; "but as I am maintained by his bounty, I suppose that I must be content to take the lion's—or rather the mule's share of the burden."
Again and again the youth caught himself nodding. Never, it seemed to him, had watch-hands moved so slowly. The instant that the point of two was reached, Walter was again at the side of Denis.