"What is he?"
"He professes himself a botanist, a man of science."
"What does he want at headquarters?"
"He states his object to be botanical research."
"States, you say; professes. Isn't he really a botanist?"
This was an awkward question, for I was beginning to have my doubts. I remained silent.
"You must answer."
"For the last two or three days I have felt it a question, I confess."
"Why?"
"He collects specimens, but doesn't preserve or arrange them. At dinner time he brings home a bundle of common herbs or grasses, which, next morning, he throws away. Then goes out again, and brings home another bundle like it. Don't think he knows much about botany."