But her words seemed wasted upon the man before her, who was apparently deaf and blind to all external influences. “Why, can it be he’s asleep?� she continued, under her breath.
“Ah, I hardly think—he’d be so severe as that. I am—much—interested—much in—the dark,� muttered Russell. “I’m—m—m—� His chin dropped, his eyes closed, and he sank back heavily in his chair. Tibby arose and approached him with cat-like tread, looking at him eagerly. She waved her hand before his face. “Yes, you’re asleep fast enough!� she said exultantly. The man began to breathe with the measured rhythm of deep sleep.
“Mrs. Cramer, you are free from that man’s influence,� Tibby continued, with a long sigh of conscious relief. “I was so afraid I could not get him under control, as he might be on his guard. But you distracted his attention, Mrs. Wylie, and then I got him. He was warm and tired from walking, and a heavy dinner too, probably. Did I do the baby act well? He probably thought I was the personification of rustic innocence and did not fear me. Ah, you’re asleep now, old fellow, and cannot awaken until I give you permission. I can see Donald Bartram coming,� she continued, looking out of the door. She waited for him to come up, standing upon the step of the cabin, a picture of animated life.
“For once, Mr. Bartram, you are on hand when you are wanted.� And she courtesied to him mockingly.
“For once? Rather say, always,� he replied with assurance. “But what is it now? Whew!� as he caught sight of the slumbering man.
“Can you ask? Don’t you see it is a sleeping beauty; and as he’s liable to wait until the Millenium for the princess to come to awaken him, or a thousand years, more or less, suppose we bury him.�
Donald looked from the face of the laughing girl to the sleeping man, in amazement.
“I put him to sleep,� she vouchsafed.
“By all that’s good, if old Russell hasn’t met his match!� he whispered.
“O, you needn’t whisper, he won’t waken; and it isn’t a lucifer-match, so don’t look surprised, but please suggest to me what to do with him.�