"I've noticed only eighteen," I said, "but that isn't the point. The point is: when do the Batengo Island grasses begin to go to seed?" And I smiled.
"You think you've got me stumped, don't you?" he said. "That a mere cable agent wouldn't notice such things. Well, that grass there," and he pointed—"beach nut we call it—is the first to ripen seed, and, as far as I know, it does it just six weeks from now."
"Are you just making things up to impress me?"
"No, sir, I am not. I know to the minute. You see, I'm a victim of hay-fever."
"In that case," I said, "expect me back about the time your nose begins to run."
"Really?" And his whole face lighted up. "I'm delighted. Only six weeks. Why, then, if you'll stay round for only five or six weeks more you'll be here for the wedding."
"I'll make it if I possibly can," I said. "I want to see if that girl's really true."
"Anything I can do to help you while you're gone? I've got loads of spare time——"
"If you knew anything about grasses——"
"I don't. But I'll blow back into the interior and look around. I've been meaning to right along, just for fun. But I can never get any of them to go with me."