In the book, the phrase is used by the narrator, Jack, who is a young boy on a sailing adventure. He describes a particular dish served at a dinner party, saying:
>"...and a lad with stuffings..."
The phrase is a playful and slightly humorous way of referring to the turkey, which is a common centerpiece for special meals. It's a little bit of a joke because the turkey is literally "stuffed" with food.
The phrase "a lad with stuffings" highlights the author's use of vivid language and descriptive details. It also provides a glimpse into the characters' playful and informal style of communication.