“Simply that perhaps all the incidents connected with the discovery of Australia may not be known to you.”
“Just fancy,” retorted Paganel, throwing back his head proudly.
“Come now. If I name one fact you don’t know, will you give me back my rifle?” said McNabbs.
“On the spot, Major.”
“Very well, it’s a bargain, then.”
“Yes, a bargain; that’s settled.”
“All right. Well now, Paganel, do you know how it is that Australia does not belong to France?”
“But it seems to me—”
“Or, at any rate, do you know what’s the reason the English give?” asked the Major.
“No,” replied Paganel, with an air of vexation.