Page:Twenty Thousand Verne Frith 1876.pdf/207

 nut, broke it, and we drank the milk; we ate the kernel with a satisfaction which was a mute protest against the Nautilus dinners.

“Excellent,” said Ned.

“Exquisite,” replied Conseil.

“And I did not think that your Nemo would object to our expedition if he saw the prospect of a cargo of cocoa-nuts,” said Ned.

“I do not believe so myself, but he will not want to taste them,” said I.

“So much the worse for him,” said Conseil.

“And the better for us,” replied Ned. “There will be more left.”

“Just one word, Master Land,” said I, as he was preparing to attack another tree; “the cocoa-nut is a very good thing, but before we fill the launch with them let us see whether the island does not produce something equally useful. Fresh vegetables will be welcome in the store-rooms of the Nautilus.”

“Monsieur is right,” said Conseil; “and I propose to have three divisions in the boat—one for fruit, one for vegetables, and one for venison, of which we have hitherto had not the slightest trace.”

“Conseil, you must never despair of anything,” said Ned.

“Let us get on,” I said; “but keep a sharp look-out. Although the island appears to be uninhabited, it may contain some individuals who would be less hard to please as to the quality of ‘game.’”

“Ha, ha!” laughed Ned Land, as he moved his jaws significantly.

“Well, Ned?” cried Conseil.