Stroth heard the order, and added one of his own.
“And, lads,� he called to them, above the engine’s first sharp barkings, “you might bring me all you can get of to-day’s papers.�
The cheery “Aye, aye, sir!� spoke well for their affection for their chief.
Immediately thereafter Stroth left us for the cabin. At his disappearance, Stevens turned to me.
“Then you aren’t going with him?� he asked sharply.
“With him—where?â€�
“To the dark room.�
“Why, no—if that’s where he’s bound—I guess not. I suppose he forgot the invitation.â€�
“Maybe so,� said Stevens meaningly, though I invited no confidences.
That night there were again but three of us at the supper table; but this time it was Stroth that was the absentee.