Joshua's anticipations of a good breakfast were realized. As he entered the room where the table was set, he saw a dish of beefsteak, another of fried potatoes, and some hot biscuit. This with coffee was very much better than the breakfast usually provided in the Drummond household.
Joshua burst into a fresh fit of laughter, thinking how his father had been taken in.
"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, who was the only one in the room besides himself.
"Oh, it's the richest joke, mother!"
"What is?" asked Mrs. Drummond, perplexed.
"I can't tell you now, but you'll find out pretty soon. Ho, ho!"
And Joshua commenced to laugh again.
"Has Mr. Conrad come downstairs?"
"I haven't seen Mr. Conrad this morning," answered Joshua, imitating his mother's tone in repeating the name.
Just then Walter entered, and said "Good-morning."