“Come, courage!” whispered the captain when we were all in bed.
“Signor Grande,” I began, “are you in the habit of getting up in the night?”
He seemed much astonished at my question. “No,” he answered; “and I should be very sorry to think that any one had such a habit.”
“That’s queer,” I thought. “Then,” said I, “you recognize that it is a dangerous habit?”
He looked at me. “Excuse me,” he said, after a moment’s silence; “I don’t suppose you mean to joke on such a subject?”
“Excuse me,” I answered; “I have not the least intention of joking. It is not my custom to jest on serious subjects.”
“Serious indeed; and it will be for you to guard against the consequences.”
“Well, this is fine! Do you imagine that I shall go and sleep in the middle of the camp?”
“Of the two it seems to me that you should go, rather than I.”
“That is an impertinence!” cried I, sitting up in bed with a jump.