“It is quite true,” said Upton to himself; “he snores 'like a warrior taking his rest.' What wonderful gifts some fellows are endowed with! and, to enjoy life, there is none of them all like dulness. Can you show me to my room?” said he, as Craggs answered his ring at the bell.
The Corporal bowed an assent.
“The Colonel usually retires early, I suppose?” said Upton.
“Yes, sir; at ten to a minute.”
“Ah! it is one—nearly half-past one—now, I perceive,” said he, looking at his watch. “That accounts for his drowsiness,” muttered he, between his teeth. “Curious vegetables are these old campaigners. Wish him good night for me when he awakes, will you?”
And so saying, he proceeded on his way, with all that lassitude and exhaustion which it was his custom to throw into every act which demanded the slightest exertion.
“Any more stairs to mount, Mr. Craggs?” said he, with a bland but sickly smile.
“Yes, sir; two flights more.”
“Oh, dear! couldn't you have disposed of me on the lower floor?—I don't care where or how, but something that requires no climbing. It matters little, however, for I'm only here for a day.”
“We could fit up a small room, sir, off the library.”