“Native modesty, ability, and natural gifts, my dear fellow,” said Bob; “and I’m precious glad they are gone, for I want to have a go at those durians.”
Abdullah had already opened one, which he presented to Bob, who took it and made a terrible onslaught; and then, with a doubting look in his dark eyes, the Malay opened a second durian, hesitated, and then, evidently mastering his pride, offered it to Tom Long.
The latter drew back, shaking his head, and the Malay looked hurt and annoyed.
“Tell him I don’t like durians, Bob Roberts,” said Tom, nervously, “or we shall have another row.”
“Here, hi! old cockolorum!” cried Bob, with his mouth full as he turned to the Malay, “tell Mr Abdullah there, that his durians are ’licious—luscious—’licious, but Mr Long likes mangosteens better.”
This was interpreted, and Abdullah’s doubting look changed as he hurried back to the boat, and returned with a basket full of delicious fruit, which he offered Tom Long with a bow; and then, finding they were accepted, he stood smiling with his head bent, while Bob went on devouring durian at a terrible rate.
“I say, Tom Long,” said Bob, making a very unpleasant noise with his mouth.
“What is it?” said the ensign, who was deep in the mysterious flavour of the delicious mangosteen.
“I never believed in old Darwin, and his development, and evolution, and that sort of thing, till now.”
“Why now?” said Tom Long.