"No impudence to me, boy!" exclaimed Major Billcord, as he bestowed a savage glance at the young waiter.
"I beg your pardon, sir: I did not mean to be impudent," replied Dory meekly.
"Waiter, bring me a piece of roast beef rare. Now, mind, I want it rare," said the passenger sitting next to the major.
"Yes, sir; in a moment, sir," added Dory, to indicate that he heard the order.
"When I send you for any thing, you should put it where I can see it," added Major Billcord sternly.
"I thought I put the pickles where you could see them," answered Dory, as he started for the pantry to obtain the roast beef rare.
"Here, boy, stop!" called the major. "Where are you going now? Bring me the boiled onions, and I want them well done."
"Yes, sir," replied the waiter, as he darted after the onions, and returned with them in an instant; for he found the dish in another part of the table. "The boiled onions," he added, as he placed them beside the snappy passenger's plate, so that he should be sure to see them.
"Isn't it about time for my roast beef, waiter?" asked the next gentleman.