This would allow time for Ben to fall asleep, and, although
Jack would have had no difficulty in overcoming his resistance, he
preferred to commit the robbery when both the travelers were in a
state of unconsciousness.
But he overestimated his ability to keep awake. Usually he was a
sound sleeper, and during the day preceding he had taken a long walk
across the mountains. The natural result followed. While he was
waiting for Ben to fall asleep, he fell asleep himself. Ben was not
long in ascertaining this welcome fact. A series of noises, not very
musical, announced that Jack was asleep. He had a confirmed habit of
snoring, to which, fortunately, his wife had become accustomed, so
that it did not disturb her rest.
Ben crept near the edge of the loft and looked over. The bed on
which his amiable host reposed was in full view. Both husband and
wife were fast asleep, and their sleep was likely to be protracted.
Under this change of circumstances, what was Ben to do?
This was the question which he anxiously asked himself.
Now there would be no difficulty in escaping, if he saw fit. But
here there was a difficulty. Jake could not be roused, and, if he
could, it would not be very agreeable to lose a night's sleep, for
Ben, as well as his host, felt very sleepy.
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