But I am a light sleeper; and it's better to be up than lying
awake, counting the dismal old church-clocks, in bed.'
'A light sleeper!' cried his friend. 'Now, what is a light sleeper?
I often hear the expression, but upon my life I have not the least
conception what a light sleeper is.'
'Hallo!' said Jonas, 'Who's that? Oh, old what's-his-name: looking (as
usual) as if he wanted to skulk up the chimney.'
'Ha, ha! I have no doubt he does.'
'Well! He's not wanted here, I suppose,' said Jonas. 'He may go, mayn't
he?'
'Oh, let him stay, let him stay!' said Tigg. 'He's a mere piece of
furniture. He has been making his report, and is waiting for further
orders. He has been told,' said Tigg, raising his voice, 'not to lose
sight of certain friends of ours, or to think that he has done with them
by any means. He understands his business.'
'He need,' replied Jonas; 'for of all the precious old dummies in
appearance that I ever saw, he's about the worst. He's afraid of me, I
think.'
'It's my belief,' said Tigg, 'that you are Poison to him. Nadgett! give
me that towel!'
He had as little occasion for a towel as Jonas had for a start.
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