The vacant corner which had been Joe's, reminded them sadly of his disappearance.

Poor fellow! they had learned to love him almost as a brother, and they could not think of him now without tears.

When three people sit down with a silent grief, their conversation is very apt to be lively, or, if they cannot quite accomplish that, they are sure to talk only of indifferent matters, and so it was in the present case.

Judie was the first to break the silence which had fallen upon all.
"Tom," she said playfully, "I'm afraid you're not a good provider.

Here we are, hungry as wolves, and you haven't brought us a mite of anything to eat.