Clip still continued to be restless and uneasy. He knew he had no authority for taking a passenger on board, and feared that Bob would take away the five dollars if he learned that Clip had accepted so large a sum. To do Clip justice, he had no idea that the man whom he had hidden was an offender against the laws, and that the police were in search of him. Even if he had known this, however, it is not certain that Clip would have been prejudiced against the offender. In truth, his prejudices were against the agents of the law rather than against those who had offended.
Bob and Sam usually retired early; but to-night, to Clip's discontent, they remained up later than usual, talking about matters at home.
"Isn't you ever goin' to bed, Massa Bob?" asked Clip, at last.
"What is your hurry, Clip? Are you sleepy?"
"Awful sleepy, Massa Bob," answered Clip; "can't hardly keep my eyes open."
"Then you can go to bed any time. Sam and I will soon follow."
This was not altogether satisfactory, for Clip meant to get up as soon as Bob and Sam were asleep and visit his passenger, who had expressed a wish to have him do so. However, there was nothing to be said, and Clip withdrew to his bunk and lay down; but, as may readily be guessed, his mind was too active for sleep.
There was some one else who was anxious to have Bob and Sam retire. This was the hidden passenger, who found his quarters contracted and uncomfortable.
"What's the matter with those confounded boys?" he growled to himself. "They seem determined to sit up on purpose to vex me. When they are once asleep I can get up and stretch my limbs."
In about twenty minutes the boys, judging from their deep and regular breathing, had fallen asleep.