As to the danger of rousing his
entertainers, Ben was not much afraid of waking Jack, for he was
evidently in a sound sleep. His wife was more likely to be
disturbed, and, in that case, Ben was provided with an excuse. He
would say that he was thirsty, and in search of some water, which
would have been true enough, though this was not the main object of
his expedition.
Ben had not taken off his shoes and stockings, and began to descend
the ladder with his shoes on, but it occurred to him that his steps
might be audible, and he quietly removed both shoes and stockings.
He had previously taken Bradley's money, with the exception of a few
dollars, without in the least arousing his sleepy comrade, who, in
consequence of the potion he had unsuspiciously taken, was still
wrapped in unconscious slumber.
"Now," thought Ben, "I must do my work as quickly as I can."
He was not insensible to the risk he ran, and it was not without a
thrill of excitement that he set foot on the floor of the cabin, and
looked at the sleeping faces of Jack Carter and his wife. But there
was no time to waste. He stepped softly to the door and opened it.
Just then the woman stirred in her sleep, and uttered something
unintelligible.
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