Further long delay followed, during which Mr. Dawber and his assistant rummaged the heterogeneous contents of his overcrowded store, and at last he produced five bags, saying—
"You will have to do with this."
"But it is green coffee," said the quartermaster, protesting. "How are we to roast it?"
"That's not my business. The coffee is always issued in the green berry. You will find that it preserves its aroma better when roasted just before use."
"We should have to burn our tent-poles or musket-stocks to cook it," said the quartermaster. "That stuff's no use to me," and he went away grumbling, leaving the bags behind him.
McKay followed him out of the store.
"You won't take the coffee, then?"
"Certainly not. I wish I had the people here that sent out such stuff."
"May I have it?"
"If you like. It's all one to me."