“I suppose so, sir, but there are times when I get pinching my leg to wake myself, expecting that I shall start up to find myself back in my pantry. But I don’t, even when I make a bruise which turns blacker than your arms, and with a bit of blue touched up with yellow outside. I say, are you awake now?”
“Yes, yes, of course; but the sun is not up yet.”
“No, he ain’t as industrious as we are out in these parts, and doesn’t get up so early. Now you understand about looking your best?”
“Yes, yes, I understand, Sam.”
“But do you really, Ben? Don’t deceive me, and go to sleep again. If you do I know how it will be.”
“How it will be?” said Frank impatiently.
“You’ll say that I didn’t call you. Come, now, recollect where you are, and what we’ve got to do. Mr Abraham—”
“Ibrahim, man! I’ve told you so half a dozen times before.”
“Then it’s all right, Ben Eddin. You are wide awake.”
“Yes, yes, of course. But what about the Sheikh?”