"Aw, quit horsing around, Oz."
But Oscar refused to be drawn into any further discussion. He ate rapidly until he had finished his share, glanced at Thurlow and said reluctantly, "I suppose we ought to leave some for him."
Matt tried the stuff. "What's it like?" asked Tex.
"Not bad. Reminds me of mashed soybeans. Salty-it makes me thirsty."
"Help yourself," suggested Oscar.
"Huh? Where? How?"
"The drinking bladder, of course." Oscar handed him the "ostrich egg." It was soft to Mart's touch, despite its appearance. He held it, looking puzzled.
"Don't know how to use it? Here-" Oscar took it, looked at the ends, and selected one, which he placed to his lips.
"There!" he said, wiping his lips. "Try it. Don't squeeze too hard, or you'll get it all over you." Matt tried it and got a drink of water. It was a bit like using a nursing bottle.
"It's a sort of a fish's gizzard," explained Oscar, "and spongy inside. Oh, don't look squeamish, Tex! It's sterile."