“That there is no doubt of,” replied Swinton, laughing; “but still I believe that man only is endowed with speech.”
“Well, we know that; but if not with speech, they must have some means of communication which answers as well.”
“As far as their wants require it, no doubt,” replied Swinton; “but to what extent is hidden from us. Animals have instinct and reasoning powers, but not reason.”
“Where is the difference?”
“The reasoning powers are generally limited to their necessities; but with animals who are the companions of man, they appear to be more extended.”
“We have a grand supper to-night,” said Alexander; “what shall I help you to—harte-beest, sassaby, or rhinoceros?”
“Thank you,” replied the Major, laughing; “I’ll trouble you for a small portion of that rhinoceros-steak,—underdone if you please.”
“How curious that would sound in Grosvenor Square.”
“Not if you shot the animals in Richmond Park,” said Swinton.
“Those rascally Hottentots will collect no fuel to-night, if we do not make them do it now,” said the Major. “If they once begin to stuff, it will be all over with them.”