“Shut up,” said Westy. “Wake up and stand up quick and do what I tell you. Stand up and don’t move. We’re in danger! Stand up and don’t move, do you hear? Shake Ed and make him stand up—and stand just where you are. Hear?”
Fortunately Warde was in that compliant mood induced by half sleep. He shook Ed and soon both of them were on their feet.
“Now do what I tell you, quick,” said Westy. “For goodness’ sake grab hold of Ed so he don’t topple over again. Do you hear me—do you understand? Get awake and do—stand where you are, can’t you—now listen, both of you. Do you want to see Yellowstone Park or do you want to be trailed and shot?”
“What’s matter with you?” Warde asked mildly, in amiable drowsiness.
“J’get any frankfurters?” asked Ed, emerging into consciousness. “I remind myself (yawn) of the (yawn) of the sleeping sickness, I’m so dopey. You back, Westy, old boy? Glasseeyer.”
“I’d be mad at you only maybe you saved my life,” said Westy. “I suppose I have to be grateful.”
“You’re entirely welcome,” yawned Ed. “’N’ many of ’em—absoloootly.”
CHAPTER XXIV
DOWNSTREAM
“Now listen,” said Westy. “I’ll tell you afterward. Are you awake enough to have some sense?”
“You addressing me?” said Ed. “Don’t you want some—some kind of fish? I caught about a dozen, didn’t I, Warde?”