“But that’s not cocoa-nut leaf,” said Cyril, “but the leaf of the coca.”
“Well, sir, that’s what I say. I know it isn’t the nuts but the leaves they chew.”
“But the coca leaf’s a different thing.”
“Course it is, sir; one’s a leaf and t’other’s a nut.”
“But, don’t you see, cocoa-nut leaf and coca leaf are different things?”
“No, sir; but it don’t matter. They think I’m hunting for them leaves to chew, and they laugh at me, and all the time I’m getting a good heap of the seeds the colonel wants. ’Tain’t the first time he’s sent me to forage.”
“But where are the seeds?” said Cyril.
“All right, sir,” said John Manning, with a look full of cunning. “Never you put all your eggs in one basket, sir.”
“Of course not; but I hope you’ve put them in a dry place. Seeds are no use if they’re not kept dry.”
“They’re all right, sir. I’ve got some in each of my pockets, and some along with my cartridges in my satchel, and some inside the lining of my coat, and a lot more round my waist.”