Tom Long looked too much disgusted to speak, but in a half-offended manner he picked up another quarter of the durian, and examined it attentively.
“Phew!” ejaculated Bob, looking round. “What a horrible smell. There must be something floating down the river.”
They both glanced at the flowing silvery waters of the river, but nothing was in sight.
“It’s getting worse,” said Tom Long. “Why, it’s perfectly dreadful!”
“It’s this precious fruit,” exclaimed Bob suddenly; and raising his portion to his nose, “Murder!” he cried; “how horrid!” and he pitched his piece overboard.
“Why, it’s a bad one,” said Tom Long, sharply: and he followed the middy’s suit.
The Kling raised his hands in dismay; but leaning over the side, he secured the two pieces of durian before they were out of reach, and turned to his customers.
“Good durian—buteful durian,” he exclaimed. “Alway smell so fashion.”
“What!” cried Bob, “do you mean to tell me that stuff’s fit to eat?”
The Kling took up the fruit; and smelt it with his eyes half-closed, and then drawing in a long breath, he sighed gently, as if with regret that he might not indulge in such delicacies.