When he did come upon the man, he found
him rubbing his eyes sleepily, and acting as though he had
just awakened from a nap.
"This isn't any way to be on duty!" said Tom sharply.
"You're not paid for sleeping!"
"I know it, Mr. Swift," was the apologetic answer. "I
don't know what's come over me to-night. I never felt so
sleepy in all my life. I had my usual sleep this afternoon,
too, and I've drunk strong coffee to keep awake."
"Are you sure you didn't drink anything else?"
"You know I'm a strict temperance man."
"I know you are," said Tom; "but I thought maybe you might
have a cold, or something like that."
"No, I haven't taken a thing. I did have a drink of soda
water before I came on duty, but that's all."
"Where'd you get it?" asked Tom.
"Well, a man treated me."
"Who?"
"I don't know his name. He met me on the street and asked
me how to get to Plowden's hardware store. I showed
him--walked part of the way, in fact--and when I left he said he
was going to have some soda, and asked me to have some. I
did, and it tasted good.
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