“The worst possible for the Derby, sir. But this is a truth that you will never be able to believe until you see it demonstrated. And you will probably see it done to-day.”
As they talked, the waiter came in to lay the cloth for breakfast.
Watching his opportunity, he presently came to General Lyon, and said, in a low, respectful voice:
“Beg pardon, sir, but would you like to have a luncheon put up to take with you?”
“Eh? Yes, certainly,” replied the General, at the same time turning towards his young visitors a comically appealing look, as much as to say:
“You see even this waiter knows me to be a greenhorn.”
“What would you please order, sir?” inquired John.
“Eh?—oh, anything at all! something nice and tidy.”
“Pigeon-pie, sir, if you please?”
“Spencer, is pigeon-pie the regular thing?” said the General, winking at his friend.