There was no answer, and it transpired that the creature was asleep again.
“Good gracious!” said the Dodo, impatiently, “we shall never get anywhere at this rate. I say, do wake up,” he cried, going up to the sloth-bear and giving him a good shake.
“Oh! are you ready?” said that individual, waking up slowly. “Come on, then!” and he took two or three steps forward, and then stopped to rest, his eyes gradually closing, and his head beginning to sink.
“Come, come!” said the Dodo, getting in front of him, grasping the reins, and pulling with all his might. “I shall get very angry with you in a minute. It’s perfectly ridiculous going on in this way; however do you imagine we are to get to our destination if you waste time in this manner?”
The answer was a loud snore from the sloth-bear, who had once more fallen into a deep sleep.
CHAPTER XI.
THE SKIPPER OF THE ARGONAUT.
“Well, of all the stupid creatures,” said the Dodo, “I think that this is the most remarkable. Here, I say! Wake up, will you!” and he gave the reins another sharp pull.