While the spell of Barney's words was still upon the Club, Yap Sing softly opened the door and announced that the evening luncheon was ready. The heathen had inaugurated these luncheons on the first day of his coming. They were at once accepted and had become a regular thing. Seeing that they were received approvingly, Yap had exhausted every device to make them a marked feature of the Club.
On this occasion the table was fully set, but there was no food on the table. Beside each plate stood a glass of water and a dish of salt. When the company was seated, Yap went to the cooking range, took out and set upon the table an immense platter which was piled high with huge baked potatoes, after which, with a face utterly destitute of expression, he went to his bench in the corner of the room and sat down.
Wright, who was nearest him, said: "What is the matter, Yap? Are you sick?"
"Nothing matter; me no sickie," said Yap.
"But why do you not bring on the supper?" asked Wright.
"No catchie any more," was the answer.
"What! Just potatoes straight, Yap? What is the matter?" said Wright.
"I no sabbie what's the matter," said the sullen Oriental. "You livie belly cheapie now. Potato belly good. Blenty potato, blenty saltie, blenty cold water; no makie you sickie; I dink belly good."
The Club took in the situation with great hilarity; the cause of Yap Sing's frugality was briefly explained to the guests; each seized a potato and commenced their meal.
At length Carlin asked Yap Sing if he could not furnish a little butter with the salt. Yap shook his head resolutely, and said: