“This seems to be such a strong place, Joe, my lad, that I hardly like leaving it; but we must get on. Go forward and start them. Tell them to be as quiet as possible.”
His words seemed full of relief, and I started round to obey him, glad to have an end to the terrible inaction, when, to my utter astonishment, I found Jack Penny, who was behind me, sitting with his legs dangling over the edge of the rocky shelf, and apparently within an inch or two of the water, while his shoulders were propped against the side of the chasm; his rifle was in his lap and his chin buried in his breast—fast asleep!
“Jack!” I whispered softly, utterly astounded that any one could sleep at a time like that; but he did not hear me.
“Jack!” I said again, and laid my hand upon his shoulder, but without result.
“Jack!” I said, giving him an impatient shove.
“Get out!” he mumbled softly; and Gyp, whom I had not seen before, resented this interference with his master by uttering a low growl.
“Down, Gyp!” I said. “Here, Jack; wake up!” I whispered, and this time I gave him a kick in the leg.
“I’ll give you such a wunner, if you don’t be quiet!” he growled. “Let me alone, will yer!”
“Jack! be quiet!” I whispered, with my lips to his ear. “The savages are close at hand!”
“Who cares for the savages?” he grumbled, yawning fearfully. “Oh! I am so sleepy. I say, I wish you’d be quiet!”