Meldon ate heartily.

The Major laid down his knife and fork with a sigh.
"You said you were hungry," said Meldon.

"Why don't you eat ?" "My appetite is gone," said the Major.

"I'm too nervous about you and that judge to care about food.

Besides, look at that"-- he prodded a piece of charred mutton with his fork as he spoke--"how can I eat that ?" "You'd like it even less if it tasted of paraffin oil.