could.

I was opposite a temple, but it was closed; so I lay down on the stone
steps in front of it, and putting my money under my head for a pillow,
should soon have been asleep in spite of the cold had I not perceived a
person coming stealthily towards me. As he approached I saw he was one
of the beggars so common in China, and had no doubt his intention was to
rob me of my money. I did not stir, but watched his movements, and
looked to my FATHER not to leave me in this hour of trial. The man came
up, looked at me for some time to assure himself that I was asleep (it
was so dark that he could not see my eyes fixed on him), and then began
to feel about me gently. I said to him in the quietest tone, but so as
to convince him that I was not, nor had been, sleeping, "What do you
want?" He made no answer, but went away.

I was very thankful to see him go, and when he was out of sight put as
much of my cash as would not go into my pocket safely up my sleeve, and
made my pillow of a stone projection of the wall. It was not long ere I
began to doze, but I was aroused by the all but noiseless footsteps of
two persons approaching; for my nervous system was rendered so sensitive
by exhaustion that the slightest noise startled me. Again I sought
protection from Him who alone was my stay, and lay still as before, till
one of them came up and began to feel under my head for the cash. I
spoke again, and they sat down at my feet. I asked them what they were
doing; they replied that they, like me, were going to pass the night
there. I then requested them to take the opposite side, as there was
plenty of room, and leave this side to me; but they would not move from
my feet, so I raised myself up and set my back against the wall.

They said, "You had better lie down and sleep; if you do not, you will
be unable to walk to-morrow. Do not be afraid; we shall not leave you,
and will see that no one hurts you."

"Listen to me," I replied. "I do not want your protection; I need it
not; I am not a Chinese; I do not worship your senseless, helpless
idols. I worship GOD; He is my FATHER; I trust in Him. I know well what
you are, and what your intentions are, and shall keep my eye on you, and
shall not sleep."

On this, one of them went away, but soon returned with a third
companion. I felt very uneasy, but looked to GOD for help. Once or twice
one of them got up to see if I was asleep. I only said, "Do not be
mistaken; I am not sleeping."