But, to my surprise, he was not only not embarrassed by my question, but seemed to welcome it, and to take a distinct interest in it.

He began to talk--fluently, confidently, comfortably; and as he talked, my admiration grew and grew; for as the subject developed under his hands, I saw that he not only knew where New Zealand was, but that he was minutely familiar with every detail of its history, politics, religions, and commerce, its fauna, flora, geology, products, and climatic peculiarities.

When he was done, I was lost in wonder and admiration, and said to myself, he knows everything; in the domain of human knowledge he is king.
I wanted to see him do more miracles; and so, just for the pleasure of hearing him answer, I asked him about Hertzegovina, and pariah, and unique.

But he began to generalize then, and show distress.

I saw that with New Zealand gone, he was a Samson shorn of his locks; he was as other men.