“Because we have landed in a thicket of the bushes of death!”
“The bushes of death?” asked Jerry, almost too sleepy to know what he was saying. “What are they?”
“Bushes that give off a peculiar odor,” answered the scientist. “It is death to breathe it—death by a slow languor that begins with a sleep. No wonder the Indians avoid this end of the valley. It is death to sleep here! We must all keep awake until morning, and then move to some other location. Wake up, everyone!” and he began shaking the sleepers vigorously, for they all were stretched out, with closed eyes. The bushes of death had already begun to exert an influence over them.
[CHAPTER XXV]
THE PROFESSOR’S COUSIN
Though Professor Snodgrass worked desperately to keep his companions awake, he was at a disadvantage, for he, too, was beginning to feel the influence of the unseen but deadly bushes. His eyes were heavy, and his feet began to lag as he hurried about the cabin, shaking first one and then another of the men or boys.
“Wake up, Bob—Jerry!” he cried, but Bob only answered as he fell back in his bunk:
“Oh, let me alone! I’m so sleepy and tired!”
“Yes,” murmured the scientist, “but it means rest forever if you sleep now! Wake up!” and he punched Bob vigorously.