Emson shook his head sadly.
“I say it is of no use, my lad; we are trying an impossibility.”
“Then let’s try something else. What do you think old Morgenstern said?”
“That we were wasting time over the ostriches.”
“Well, yes, he did say that. But he said something else.”
“Yes? What?”
“That he heard they were finding diamonds out on the veldt, and that he should advise you to have a good try.”
“Moonshine, boy. The other day it was gold. Do you think we should be wise in spending our days hunting for diamonds?”
Dyke scratched his ear, glanced at his brother, and then shook his head.
“Come, you are wise in that. Old Morgenstern is a good, honest, old fellow, but it does not do to take anybody’s advice on your own affairs, about which you know best yourself. There, I must not talk any more; but don’t go dreaming about diamonds, little un. You and I did not come out here to make a fortune, but to get a straightforward, honest living.”