But, only after you and the ladies, sir," was Hellyer's respectful reply; and then, with all the training of an experienced servant, knowledge he had gained in the exercise of his manifold duties during several years' service as the Captain's coxswain, he proceeded to assist Dick in waiting, with an "If you'll allow me, sir." "Some bread, please," called out the Captain presently.

"Any your side, Hellyer ?" Hellyer and Dick both looked about the table, seeking in vain for the required article.
"I can't see none, sit," said the ex-coxswain deprecatingly, giving up the quest after a bit in despair.

He seemed, from the way in which he spoke, as if he thought it was his fault that the bread was missing.
"There ain't any this side, sir." Dick's search too was equally fruitless.
"Dear me!" exclaimed Mrs Gilmour, all anxiety.

"Look in the hamper again.

Sure, we must have forgotten to take it out." But there also, alas! no bread was to be found.
The Captain could not help laughing at Mrs Gilmour's face of dismay; while Nellie clapped her hands in high glee.
"Oh, auntie," she cried, "I thought you said just now when we were spreading the cloth that nothing had been forgotten, and how good Sarah was to think of everything.