human
Rouse up, Paolo! he said.
gpt
You have taken your share of sleep, and I would fain snatch some moments of rest to prepare me for the toils of to-morrow; and yet I dare not sleep without leaving some one in whom I can confide on the watch.
human
Why, what mean you? asked Paolo, starting up.
gpt
I will gladly watch-- but what have you to fear? Surely, no enemies are near us.
human
Ah! you know not what was nearly occurring this morning, or you would not ask the question, said Zappa, in a tone of bitterness.
gpt
See you yonder six men. Are they, think you, friends or enemies? I tell you I do not trust them. Not long ago, I would have trusted them, as I would have trusted their comrades who have gone to their account; and yet they were about to destroy those two defenceless girls and you, and me, their chief. Ah! you start! You doubtless think the shipwreck we have suffered is a misfortune; and yet, I tell you, Paolo, that I believe by it our lives have been preserved. I can trust to you, Paolo; and while I sleep you must watch. To add to our security, light a small fire with the wood you collected, and keep yourself awake by feeding it. Should any of them move, they will clearly be seen; and perceiving that you are awake, it will make them hesitate what to do. They know also that I have arms--and that my pistols are never unloaded--and that you can call me in a moment, to use them. Two hours' sleep will be sufficient for me--you can, I hope, watch for that time.