ever
losing his head."

"Why, I even asked him point-blank what ailed him, and if he felt any
way sick, but do you know, he just smiled at me, and shrugged his
shoulders in the silliest way ever. Yes, and would you believe me, Jack,
he gave me a queer look and said: 'I'm not a bit sick, I tell you; I'm
only tired of waiting,' and Jack, he wouldn't even explain what he meant
by that. Even if you don't feel bothered I do, and there's something
knocking in Toby's brain right now, I tell you. That boy has got
something on his mind."

"Listen, Steve," chuckled the amused Jack. "There may be a method in
Toby's seeming madness. Remember the old story of the doctor who, being
called in to prescribe for an old gentleman addicted to much dram
drinking, put him on a strict allowance of one drink a day, which was to
be taken when he sent downstairs for his hot water for shaving. Some
days afterwards, chancing to be in the neighborhood again, he stopped at
the door to ask how the old party was getting on. To his surprise the
butler held up his hands, and looked very solemn as he declared that he
very much feared his master was going out of his mind.

"'And why do you fear that, James?' the doctor asked, alarmed.

"'Because, Doctor,' said the butler, 'every hour of the day the master
insists on sending down for hot shaving water!' And so you see, Steve,
there was a method in his madness, for the doctor knew why he wanted
that hot water. You give Toby credit for being a sensible chap. He's
only counting the minutes until that fine fish is done to a turn, and
you sound the gong for supper."

Steve looked a trifle relieved after that, though he still continued to
watch the uneasy Toby from time to time, and could be seen shaking his
head as if his doubts had returned in full force.

Slowly but surely the glowing orb dropped closer toward the horizon. A
doomed prisoner in his cell might have watched its going with dread, as
the setting of the sun would bring the hour of his execution nearer; but
with Toby it was just the opposite, and he counted every minute as so
much gain.

Steve had evidently gauged the appetites of his chums by his own, and
fearing the big fish might not go around for a third helping had
prepared a panful of the smaller bass besides.

"You never can tell the first time you try out a new dodge," he offered
in explanation of his bountiful provision, "and if after all my oven
failed to cook in seven hours why