He set the table, which I had overturned, on its legs, and I brought in the tray. Then Nikka and Watkins emerged from the fireplace, blinking owlishly, and we three drew chairs up to the table, and Watkins served breakfast as deftly as though we had not departed a hair's-breadth from the ordinary routine of life.
"Have you had breakfast yet, Watty?" asked Hugh.
"No, your ludship."
"Sit down, then, and eat."
Watkins looked like a man instructed to undress in Piccadilly.
"Beg pardon, your ludship—"
"Sit down, man."
"But, your ludship—"
Hugh pointed to a chair.
"Damn it, Watty," he said severely, "bring that chair up, pour yourself some coffee and eat."