The idea indirectly suggested all possible horrors.

To be rid of them forthwith, I proceeded to dole out our morning meal.

For to make away with such things, there is nothing better than bolting something down on top of them; albeit, oft repeated, the plan is very apt to beget dyspepsia; and the dyspepsia the blues.
But what of our store of provisions?
So far as enough to eat was concerned, we felt not the slightest apprehension; our supplies proving more abundant than we had anticipated.

But, curious to tell, we felt but little inclination for food.

It was water, bright water, cool, sparkling water, alone, that we craved.