I did not persist, and we talked of various things. He offered to arrange for me an excursion to the depths of the thick forests, which clothed the volcano up to the middle of the central cove.
I thanked him, but declined his offer, preferring to employ my leisure on land in some mineralogical studies. Besides, the Halbrane was to set sail so soon as she had taken in her provisions.
“Your captain is in a remarkable hurry!” said Governor Glass.
“You think so?”
“He is in such haste that his lieutenant does not even talk of buying skins or oil from me.”
“We require only fresh victuals and fresh water, Mr. Glass.”
“Very well,” replied the Governor, who was rather annoyed, “what the Halbrane will not take other vessels will.”
Then he resumed,—
“And where is your schooner bound for on leaving us?”
“For the Falklands, no doubt, where she can be repaired.”