He had to repeat this question before Professor Ditson, who had been dozing lightly, roused himself.
"Ah yes, quite so, very interesting, I'm sure," responded that scientist, confusedly. "As to the size of South American emeralds," he went on, rubbing his eyes, "the Spanish record shows that Pizarro sent back to Spain several which were as large as pigeon eggs, and there is a native tradition that the last Inca threw into Eldorado an oval emerald as large as a hen's egg."
Donegan's face flushed with excitement.
"Professor Ditson," he said at last, "I've got to have one of those emeralds. Come in," he went on, getting up suddenly, "and I'll show you my collection."
Professor Ditson sat still.
"No, Mr. Donegan," he said, "it would be just a waste of time. To me, gems are just a lot of colored crystals."
The old lumber-king snorted.
"I suppose you prefer snakes," he said cuttingly.
Professor Ditson's face brightened at the word.
"There," he said enthusiastically, "is something worth while. I only wish that I had you in my snake-room. I could show you live, uncaged specimens which would interest you deeply."