“I agree with you, William. We have done well for one day; and may safely go back again, and remain for another week. There are no fruits at present, and all I care about are the yams; I should like to protect them from the pigs. But let us go home and talk the matter over with Mr Seagrave.”
They found out the spot where they had left their knapsacks and hatchets, and again took their path through the cocoa-nut trees, following the blaze which they had made in the morning. One hour before sunset they arrived at the house, where they found Mr and Mrs Seagrave sitting outside, and Juno standing on the beach with the two children, who were amusing themselves with picking up the shells which were strewed about. William gave a very clear account of all they had seen, and showed his father the specimens of the plants which he had collected.
“This,” said Mr Seagrave, “is a well-known plant; and I wonder Ready did not recognise it; it is hemp.”
“I never saw it except in the shape of rope,” replied Ready. “I know the seed well enough.”
“Well, if we require it, I can tell you how to dress it,” replied Mr Seagrave. “Now, William, what is the next?”
“This odd-looking, rough thing.”
“That’s the egg-plant: it bears fruit of a blue colour. I am told they eat it in the hot countries.”
“Yes, sir, they do; they fry it with pepper and salt; they call it bringal. I think it must be that.”
“I do not doubt but you are right,” replied Mr Seagrave. “Why, William, you should know this.”
“It is like the grape-vine.”