“Tell him to mind his own business,” said the professor shortly, and this being interpreted the man slunk forward, and the professor said softly:
“There is no doubt about it, Yussuf; the man is a scoundrel and has bad intentions.”
“He is a pig,” said the Muslim in a low voice full of contempt; “but he and his men will be afraid to show their teeth to your excellencies if we are watchful and take care.”
Towards morning the man came aft again, but he did not speak, and just at sunrise Lawrence awoke to come hurriedly out of the cabin where Mr Burne was still sleeping.
“I thought you would have called us,” he said; “I thought we were to watch.”
“So you are,” said the professor smiling. “How have you slept?”
“Oh, deliciously—all the night. I never do at home, but lie awake for hours.”
“Even in a comfortable bed!”
“Even in a comfortable bed,” replied Lawrence. “But you must be very tired. I’ll call Mr Burne now.”
“No, let him lie. He is a bit of an invalid too. Suppose you go and have a sleep now, Yussuf; my friend here and I will watch.”