They found a restaurant on Main Street, unpretentious but clean, and sat down at one of its small tables. Two months ago Percy would have turned up his nose at the idea of eating in such a place; now he looked forward to a meal there with eager anticipation. Jim winked at him, then scanned the bill of fare, and turned to Budge.
"What'll you have, Roger?" he asked. "I see they've some nice fish here."
"Fish!" almost screamed Lane. "Not on your life! I've eaten so much fish the last two months that I'm ashamed to look a hake or haddock in the face. None for mine! Beefsteak and onions are good enough for me."
Jim glanced at Percy. Percy nodded.
"Three of the same," said Jim to the waiter.
They starved until the viands came on, then turned to. Fifteen minutes later the three orders were duplicated and despatched without undue delay.
"Try it again, Budge?"
"I'd like to," returned Lane, truthfully, "but I can't."
Jim broke a five-dollar bill at the cashier's desk, and they filed out.
"Sorry Throppy and Filippo aren't with us," said Percy.