A GEEAT NATURALIST. 317 



My turn came next, and although I had remarked 

 the discomfiture of him who had been too curious, I 

 determined to risk the punishment of a snubbing, for 

 what did it matter ? I was nobody, as far as repu- 

 tation for knowledge went, so, being accredited 

 ignorant, I determined to avail myself of liberties 

 which only would be admissible for one labouring 

 under such a stigma. 



I have said the great high-priest approached me. 

 He vouchsafed me a smile of approbation and a nod 

 of recognition. With an air of innocence I appeal- 

 ingly asked, 'What is the name of this wonderful 

 creature ? ' By the button I was taken on one side. 

 When out of ear-shot the query was put to me, 

 ' Now, don't you know ? You have been a traveller ; 

 I am certain if you would think a moment you would 

 not require to ask that question/ 



For some time I pleaded ignorance, and urged to 

 have its cognomen imparted to me. 



This was of no avail ; the accepted authority on 

 these subjects was equal to the occasion, and my 

 repeated inquiries were only answered by the polite 

 request that I would state what were my surmises. 



At length I gave way, and uttered the name. 



' You stick to that/ said the great man, as he 

 turned to leave - me ; when, going to his secretary, 

 on pretence of some brilliant idea that had struck 

 him, he, sotto voce, ordered him to hunt up in the in- 

 fallible Couch the chapter devoted to this species of 

 the finny tribe. 



