Joe remained absolutely inert. Jim shook him harder this time, but failed to elicit any response.
Now Jim was frightened.
CHAPTER XXI
GOING DOWN
Jim gripped Joe by the shoulders and half lifted him from the chair.
“Wake up, old man,” he shouted. “What’s the matter with you?”
Joe sleepily opened his eyes and looked around him with a dazed expression.
“Wh-what are you shaking me for?” he asked, as he tried to get his wits together.
“Trying to get you out of your trance,” explained Jim, vastly relieved though still greatly puzzled and anxious. “You were sleeping the sleep of the dead.”
Joe rubbed his eyes rather vaguely.