"But we are none of us hungry," said Johanna.
"Never mind that," replied Ben, "you don't know what you may be; so always eat when you can get it. That's my maxim, and I find it answers very well. Plenty to eat and drink, and taking things easy, is how I get through the world, and you'll all on you find it the best in the long run."
"There are worse philosophies than that going," said Sir Richard Blunt to Colonel Jeffery.
"Very much worse," laughed the colonel.
Ben now led the way along a narrow arched passage, and through two rather gloomy corridors to a stone room, with a grand arched roof, in the ancient fortress; and there, sure enough, they found the little snack, as he called it, laid out very nicely for their reception.
A table ran along the centre of the room, and at one end of it there was placed an immense round of corn beef. At the other was a haunch of mutton, weighing at least thirty pounds. Somewhat about the middle of the table was an enormous turkey; and those dishes, with a ham and four tongues, made up a tolerable repast.
Six half-gallon flagons, filled with old Burton Ale, stood at regular distances upon the table.
"It's only," said Ben, "a slight snack, after all; but I hope you will be just able to find enough."
"Enough!" cried Sir Richard. "Why, there's enough for fifty people."
"There's almost enough for a regiment!" said the colonel.