He returned to the table and finished his breakfast, as a matter of necessity now,—for man must eat,—rather than of inclination. The Scotch ham seemed to have lost its fine flavor, and it was really a pity that he had not completed his repast before the escape of Pillgrim was discovered. But Somers was satisfied that the traitor was still on board, and he was determined to find him, even if he had to throw the valuable cargo of the Ben Nevis overboard, in order to effect his purpose.
When Somers had worried down his breakfast, he went on deck to detail parties to engage in the search. The hatches were taken off, and Mr. Hudson was directed to examine the hold, while Somers himself, with the marines and a couple of seamen, went to the cabin for the purpose of tracing the fugitive from his starting-point. This appeared to be no easy matter, for as yet there was not the slightest clew to his means of egress.
Somers opened the door of the state-room, which had been occupied by the prisoner, and there, to his utter astonishment and confusion, he saw Pillgrim, sitting on a stool, and looking as composed as though nothing had happened. Somers could hardly believe the evidence of his own eyes.
"Good morning, Mr. Somers," said the traitor. "I am happy to see you. I was just thinking it was about breakfast time."
"Haven't you had your breakfast yet?" asked Somers, who deemed it best to talk at random.
"How should I? You lock the door, and confine me to a very limited sphere of observation. I hope you don't intend to starve me."
"O, no, by no means. I thought it likely you had breakfasted while on your travels."
"On my travels?" said the prisoner, inquiringly.
"You have been out of your room."
"I?"