“I saw a match somewhere,” said Gerald, gazing into space with a deep frown. Tom viewed him in mock alarm.
“It’s hunger and exposure,” he whispered. “He’s raving! He’s seeing matches! It’s a frightful symptom!”
“What do you mean?” demanded Alf anxiously. “Where did you see a match?”
“Yes,” prompted Dan, “tell the ladies and gentlemen where you saw the match. Give all the details, Gerald. What sort of a match was it? Not a football match, I hope?”
Gerald looked at them blankly, trying to remember.
“I—it was somewhere.”
“Yes, yes! Go on!” cried Tom hoarsely, clutching his hands in an agony of suspense.
“Oh, cut out the comedy!” begged Alf. “What are you talking about, kid?”
“Why, I saw a match somewhere—just now—since we left school,” answered Gerald.