"We agree with reservations," he said.
"What are they? Man—don't be a fool! Don't fritter the lives of all of us away!"
"They're simple. We've a friend in the jail here. His name's Brown."
"That drunkard? Leave him! He's worthless!"
"We've a servant on the chain-gang. His name is Kazimoto."
"A nigger? You'd risk another day in this place for a nigger? How absurd! They're never grateful. They don't see things from the white man's standpoint. They don't expect ideal treatment. Leave him his wages and tell him to follow when they let him off the chain!"
"And we have a string of porters," Fred continued. "We will not leave
Muanza without the porters, our man Kazimoto, and Mr. Brown of Lumbwa!"
"You are mad! You are crazy!"
"We are the men you have invited to trust you," Fred answered kindly. "Those are our conditions. We will not 'bate one iota! Take 'em or leave 'em, Lady Waldon!"