"I'll have a better look at them in the daylight," finally said Ned; "and now those easy chairs in the other car would feel pretty good."
"Aren't sleepy, are you?" asked Alan, forgetting that his chum had not slept the night before.
"No," said Ned, "only happy. But I'd be happier if I had had time to get a good hot supper."
"All ready, sah, in de stateroom," announced Elmer's cheerful voice.
Both boys turned—Ned in surprise.
"Supper's all ready, sah!" continued the colored boy, "and waiting fo' you all."
In the stateroom was a sight to arouse a sleepy boy and to delight a hungry one. In the middle of a small table was a bunch of pink roses. On either side, in a dish of cracked ice, was the half of a luscious cantaloupe. Silver knives, forks and spoons, sparkling glass-ware and snowy napkins at once revealed the resources of the Placida's pantry.
"Well, I'll be jiggered!" exclaimed Ned.
"Pretty nifty, eh?" laughed Alan.
"Well, if this isn't the last straw!" exclaimed Ned as they seated themselves. "But I want to thank you both. I didn't know how hungry I really was—"