Forty Winks
time the deck load of lumber was gone.) I found my way down into the cabin.
Then came the most exciting thing of all, my hunt for Captain Avery. He was not in the dining room or in the other part of the after cabin, where there were a desk and a barometer, a couch and a few chairs. Then I began ransacking the various sleeping compartments—for I did not remember which the captain had said was his. I found him in the second, lying down, fast asleep, his white hair falling over his face, his cheeks rosy, and part of his Sunday clothes on. I waited ten full minutes, I am sure, to see if he wouldn't wake up of his own accord; for if there is anything I detest, it is waking up sleeping persons. At last I said very softly: "Captain Avery!" No answer. Then I tapped gently on the open door, and said again: "Captain Avery!" He woke as though eight bells had struck, or as though the bo's'n had suddenly called "All hands on deck!" And, believe me, there was no yawning or coughing or blinking or rubbing. He was wide awake in a flash—which shows what a sailor he is. He recognized me immediately with a smile. "Well, I guess I dozed off all right. I took it into my head to read, 'n' so I got out my Bible and read a chapter or two. 'N' then I began to feel sleepy, 'n' I jist dozed off." Then he was up and putting the finishing touches to his Sunday dress. I was rather sorry, though, to see the old
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