“Who can tell,” was the reply, “until the country is examined? We want to search. It may mean gold.”
“That’s good,” said the captain.
“Or diamonds.”
“That’s better, sir.”
“Or other precious stones. This is, of course, doubtful; but it is sure to mean an infinity of discoveries about the country and its flora and fauna.”
“Its what, sir?”
“Well, its botany and zoology.”
“Eh?”
“Its flowers, plants, and wild beasts.”
“Oh, I see: you’d be hunting, shooting, and collecting a bit?”