"Really?"
"What! has the unhappy old gent become so decidedly lunatic that he insists on our dining at the Cadran Bleu every day at his expense?"
"Theatre in the evening?"
"Then coffee, with punch to follow?"
"And then—"
"Gents, laugh as much as you please; but the scene I have just witnessed is rather alarming than pleasant."
"Well, then, relate this scene to us."
"Yes, do. Don't mind your breakfast," observed Chalamel; "we are all ears."
"And jaws, my lads. I think I see you whilst I am talking working away with your teeth; and the turkey would be finished before my tale. By your leave, patience, and the story shall come in with the dessert."
Whether it was the spur of appetite or curiosity which incited the young men we will not decide, but they went through their gastronomic operation with such celerity that the moment for the head clerk's history came in no time. In order that they might not be surprised by their employer, they sent Hop-the-Gutter into the adjoining room as a sentinel, having liberally supplied him with the carcass and drumsticks of the bird.