Page:Kéraban the Inflexible Part 1 (Jules Verne).djvu/68

70 "Who are you?" inquired Van Mitten.

"I? Your servant!"

"Ah, Bruno, is it you? After all you did right to wake me. I was dreaming that Madam Van Mitten—"

"You were seeking a quarrel," replied Bruno; "well, there is food for one now."

"What is the matter, then?"

"Will you please wake Seigneur Kéraban?"

"Must I wake him?"

"Yes, we have not too much time."

So Van Mitten, without another word, though still but half awake, shook his companion vigorously.

None can sleep more soundly than a Turk, when the Turk has a good digestion and an easy conscience. This was the case with Kéraban, and many attempts were made to rouse him.

Kéraban, without opening his eyes, grumbled and growled like a man who was by no means disposed to stir. Had he been as headstrong in his sleeping as when waking, they would have been obliged to let him alone.

Nevertheless, the persistence of Van Mitten and Bruno was such that Seigneur Kéraban was awakened. He extended his arms, opened his eyes, and in a thick, sleepy tone said, "Have the postillion and Nizib arrived with the relays?"

"Not yet," answered Van Mitten.

"Why did you wake me, then?"

"Because if the horses have not come," said Bruno, "some other animals of a very suspicious appearance are surrounding the carriage and preparing to attack us."

"What animals do you mean?"

"Look!" said Bruno briefly.

Kéraban let down the glass and leant out of the window.

"Allah protect us!" he exclaimed. "There is a pack of wild boars."

He was right. The assailants were wild boars, which are very numerous in the Danubian territory which confines the estuary. The attacks of these animals are greatly dreaded, and they may be well classed amongst the wild beasts.