Page:In a Steamer Chair and Other Stories.djvu/262

250 "There, there; now, don't speak so loud or you'll have someone here. You hang round and I'll bring you some provender. What would you like to have? Poached eggs on toast, roast turkey? or"

The wretch sank down at my feet as I said this, and, recognizing the cruelty of it, I hurried down into the saloon and hunted up a steward who had not yet turned in.

"Steward," I said, "can you get me a few sandwiches or anything to eat at this late hour?"

"Yessir, certainly, sir; beef or 'am, sir?"

"Both, and a cup of coffee, please."

"Well, sir, I'm afraid there's no coffee, sir; but I could make you a pot of tea in a moment, sir."

"All right, and bring them to my room, please?"

"Yessir."

In a very short time there was that faint steward rap at the stateroom door, and a most appetizing tray-load was respectfully placed at my service. When the waiter had gone I hurried up the companion way with much the air of a man who is stealing fowls, and I found my stowaway just in the position I had left him.

"Now, pitch in," I said. "I'll stand guard forward here, and, if you hear me cough, strike for cover. I'll explain the tray matter if it's found."