"Yais, sah, I'se coming," called a voice, and Ponto who had gone back
to the gate appeared, rubbing his eyes.

"Ponto, take these-- why, you-- you've been asleep again, I do
believe-- Ponto--"

"I-- I done gone an' jest dozed off fo' a minute, Massa Seabury," said
Ponto. "I 'clar' t' goodness, dis am de most sleepiest climate I eber
see. Peers laik I cain't do nuffin, but shet mah eyes an'--"

"Well if you don't do something mighty quick with this baggage I'll
find some way of keeping you awake," spoke Mr. Seabury, but he was
laughing in spite of himself.

"Yais, sah, I'se goin' t' take keer of it immejeet, sah," and the
colored man went off in search of a wheelbarrow, on which to bring the
trunks and valises up to the house from where they had been put off
the stage.

"I never saw such a chap," said Mr. Seabury. "Before we came down here
he was as spry as I could wish, but now he does just as the Mexicans
do. He sleeps every chance he gets. But come on in. I know you must be
tired and hungry."

"Bob is," said Jerry. "I heard him say a while ago--"

"No, you didn't hear me say anything," exclaimed Bob quickly, fearful
lest he might be put to shame before the girls. "I'm not a bit
hungry."