There was one of these coast-guards who affected a complete scepticism in regard to smuggling he even went so far as to deny that it had ever existed! He was distinguished among his companions by a singular habit that of always going to sleep upon his post; and this habit, whether feigned or real, had won for him the name of the Sleeper . On this account it may be supposed, that he was never placed upon guard where the post was one of importance.
José, or as he was more familiarly styled, Pepé , was a young fellow of some twenty-five years tall, thin, and muscular. His black eyes, deeply set under bushy eyebrows, had all the appearance of eyes that could sparkle; besides, his whole countenance possessed the configuration of one who had been born for a life of activity. On the contrary, however whether from a malady or some other cause the man appeared as somnolent and immobile as if both his visage and body were carved out of marble. In a word, with all the exterior marks that denote the possession of an active and ardent soul, Pepé the Sleeper appeared the most inactive and apathetic of men.
His chagrin was great or appeared to be so when, upon the evening of the day in which this narrative commences the captain of the coast-guard sent a messenger to summon him to headquarters.
On receiving the unexpected order, Pepé rose from his habitual attitude of recumbence, stretched himself at his leisure, yawned several times, and then obeyed the summons, saying as he went out: What the devil fancy has the captain got into his head to send for me ?
Once, however, on the way and alone, it might have been observed that the somnolent coast-guard walked with an energetic and active step, very unlike his usual gait!
On entering the apartment where the captain awaited him, his apathetic habit returned; and, while rolling a cigarette between his fingers, he appeared to be half asleep. The captain was buried in a profound meditation, and did not at first perceive him.
Bueno ! my captain, said the coast-guard, respectfully saluting his superior, and calling attention to his presence. I am here.
Ah! good! my fine fellow, began the captain, in a winning voice. Well, Pepé! added he more slowly and significantly, the times are pretty hard with us are they not?
Rather hard, captain.
But you, hombre ! rejoined Don Lucas, with a laugh, you dont appear to suffer much of the misery you are always asleep I understand?
When I sleep, captain, I am not hungry, replied the coast-guard, endeavouring to stifle a yawn; then I dream that the government has paid me.
Well at all events you are not its creditor for many hours of the day, since you sleep most of them. But, my fine fellow, it is not about this I desire to talk to you. I wish to give you a proof of my confidence.
Ah! muttered Pepé.
And a proof of my regard for you, continued the officer. The government has its eye open upon all of us; your reputation for apathy begins to be talked about, and you might be discharged one of these days as a useless official. It would be a sad affair if you were to lose your place?
Frightful! captain, replied Pepé, with perfect simplicity
of manner; for if I can scarce keep from dying of hunger in my place, what would be the result were I deprived of it? Frightful!
To prevent this misfortune, then, continued the captain, I have resolved to furnish to those who calumniate you, a proof of the confidence which may be placed in you, by giving you the post of Ensenada and this very night.
Pepé involuntarily opened his eyes to their fullest extent.
That surprises you? said Don Lucas.
No, laconically replied the coast-guard.
The captain was unable to conceal from his inferior a slight confusion, and his voice trembled as he pronounced the interrogation:
What! It does not surprise you?
No, repeated Pepé, and then added in a tone of flattery: The captain Despierto is so well-known for his vigilance and energy, that he may confide the most important post to the very poorest of his sentinels. That is why I am not astonished at the confidence he is good enough to place in me: and now I await the instructions your Honour may be pleased to give.
Don Lucas, without further parley, proceeded to instruct his sentinel in his duty for the night. The orders were somewhat diffuse so much so that Pepé had a difficulty in comprehending them but they were wound up by the captain saying to the coast-guard, as he dismissed him from his presence
And above all, my fine fellow, dont go to sleep upon your post !
I shall try not to do so, captain, replied Pepé, at the same time saluting his superior, and taking his leave.
This fellow is worth his weight in gold, muttered Don Lucas, rubbing his hands together with an air of satisfaction; he could not have suited my purpose better, if he had been expressly made for it!
Chapter Two The Sentinel of La Ensenada
contrabandistasOn account of its isolation, the post was not without danger, especially on a foggy November night, when the thick vapour suspended in the air not only rendered the sight useless, but hindered the voice that might call for assistance from being heard to any distance.