Bloodgood and Slush proved good food for conversation, but the boys tired of that after a while.
Diamond went out by himself, and Frank went to Tutor Maybe's room, where he spent the time till the gong sounded for supper.
"Come, Harry," said Frank, appearing in the stateroom, "aren't you ready for supper?"
Rattleton gave a groan.
"Don't talk to me about eating!" he exclaimed. "It makes me sick to think about it. Leave me—let me die in peace!"
Jack was not there, so Frank and Bruce washed up and went out together. They were nearly through eating when the Virginian came in and took his place near them at the table.
Usually the captain sat at the head of that table, but he was not there now.
"Where have you been?" asked Frank.
"Getting onto a few things," said Jack, in a peculiar way.
"Why, what's the matter with you?" asked Bruce, pausing to stare at the Southerner. "You are pale as a ghost!"