“And perhaps passed dozens, sir, from large ones, bigger than I am, down to the kangaroo rats and mice, not much bigger than those at—in England.”
Nic noticed the man’s hesitation, but appeared not to heed it.
“But could you show me any of them?”
“Oh yes, sir, if you wish. They want looking for, but I spend so much time alone here in the bush that I get to know their habits. Some of the small ones are pretty little long-legged creatures. Wonderful jumpers too.”
“And you call them all kangaroos?”
“Some people do, sir.”
“Kangaroo! Why, that must be a native name.”
“Haven’t you heard about that, sir?”
“Heard what?”
“About their name, sir?”