"Got up a little ahead of us and went outside," Harkey answered.

Dutchy's face beamed mischievously. He pretended knowledge of
Dennin's absence, and affected a mysterious air, while they
clamored for information. Edith, after a peep into the men's bunk-
room, returned to the table. Hans looked at her, and she shook her
head.

"He was never late at meal-time before," she remarked.

"I cannot understand," said Hans. "Always has he the great
appetite like the horse."

"It is too bad," Dutchy said, with a sad shake of his head.

They were beginning to make merry over their comrade's absence.

"It is a great pity!" Dutchy volunteered.

"What?" they demanded in chorus.

"Poor Michael," was the mournful reply.

"Well, what's wrong with Michael?" Harkey asked.

"He is not hungry no more," wailed Dutchy. "He has lost der
appetite. He do not like der grub."

"Not from the way he pitches into it up to his ears," remarked
Harkey.