Primus started up and rubbed his eyes. "What, General?" said he.
Washington rose up in bed. "Primus," said he, "what did you mean by saying that you had blankets and straw enough! Here you have given up your blanket and straw to me, that I may sleep comfortably, while you are obliged to sit through the night."
"It's nothing, General," said Primus. "It's nothing. I'm well enough. Don't trouble yourself about me, General, but go to sleep again. No matter about me. I sleep very good."
"But it is matter—it is matter," said Washington, earnestly. "I cannot do it, Primus. If either is to sit up, I will. But I think there is no need of either sitting up. The blanket is wide enough for two. Come and lie down with me."
"Oh, no, General!" said Primus, starting, and protesting against the proposition. "No; let me sit here. I'll do very well on the stool."
"I say come and lie down here," said Washington, authoritatively. "There is room for both and I insist upon it!"
He threw open the blanket as he spoke, and moved to one side of the straw. Primus professes to have been exceedingly shocked at the idea of lying under the same covering with the commander-in-chief, but his tone was so resolute and determined that he could not hesitate. He prepared himself, therefore, and laid himself down by Washington; and on the same straw, and under the same blanket, the General and the Negro servant slept until morning.