There was no danger of being disturbed by savage foe or wild beast, still Sam thought it better to keep up the system of guards he had first established.
He was so weary that he could have dropped on the hard, cold rock on which he stood, and been asleep at once, but that fine sense of duty that distinguished all his acts, led him to forget or put aside his own wants for the safety and comfort of others.
But though Ike loved to eat and sleep as well as any youth, black or white, that ever lived, there was a "streek" of thoughtfulness and unselfishness in his character that asserted itself now and then.
When the order of the watch was arranged, Ike laid his hand on his young master's shoulder and said:
"See heah, Mistah Sam, does yeh tink I'm blind?"
"Certainly not, Ike. Why should you ask such a question as that?" asked Sam, in great surprise.
"Coz, Ize got de reasons."
"Well, what are they?"
"Don't yeh tink I'ze been a watchin' ob yeh?"
"What of it, Ike?"