The same waiter, with two others, afterward came to wait on Frank’s table.
Merry took care in the choice of proper food for each man, and he permitted none of them to have coffee, which he regarded as a stimulant, but which he was certain often made men heavy and lifeless in the course of an hour or more after it was taken.
For himself, Merry ordered vichy water, and some of the others took the same.
The boys were in good spirits, Jack Ready joking and laughing after his usual manner. Even Greg Carker was cheerful. This, however, Ready declared, was a bad sign.
“Do you notice anything queer about the taste of this vichy, Rattleton?” asked Frank.
Harry had a glass of it.
“I don’t know,” answered Rattles. “Don’t think I do.”
“My taste may be off,” confessed Frank, “but it seems odd to me.”
He did not drink more than half of what was placed before him.