He is only a little thing, and will be no trouble." "Of course not, my boy.

What kind of animal is it that you want ?" "A mongoose." "A mongoose! What on earth do you want it for ?" "To kill snakes." "Good!" The old man remembered the mound of stones.

No explanation was needed.
When Ross heard what was wanted, he asked: "Do you want something special, or will an ordinary mongoose do ?" "Well, of course I want a good one.

But I see no need for anything special.

It is for ordinary use." "I can let you have a choice of ordinary ones.