"Dey don't know, suh. De deckhan' he neveh riz."
"Awful!" The bishop and Hugh looked steadily at each other. "So that also we owe to our aliens!"
"Yes," said Hugh.
"We don't," said Ramsey softly, yet heard by all.
Across the board Mrs. Gilmore said "Oh!" but in the next breath all but the judge's sister laughed, the bishop, as Hugh and he began to rise, laughing most.
"Wait," said Ramsey, laying a hand out to each and addressing Hugh. "How are those sick downstairs going to get the right food?"
The cabin-boy almost broke in but caught himself.
"Say it," said Hugh.
"Why, dem what already sick dey a-gitt'n' it. Yass'm, dey gitt'n' de boat's best. Madam Hayle and de cap'm dey done see to dat f'om de staht. H-it's de well uns what needs he'p."
"But," said Ramsey, still to Hugh, "for sick or well—the right food—who pays for it?"