Alec.
You need not be afraid. I'm not going to do that. In any case I must preserve the native respect for the white man.
George.
I was half drunk when I saw that woman. I wasn't responsible for my actions.
Alec.
The result is that the whole tribe has turned against us. The chief is my friend, and he sent a message to tell me he couldn't hold them in. It's from him I got the cartridge. It wouldn't be so serious, only the best fighting part of our forces are the Turkana, and we must expect treachery. They've stirred up the neighbouring tribes against us, and all the work we've been doing for a year is undone. That's the explanation of the Arabs' attack three days ago.
George.
[Sullenly.] I knew it was all my fault.
Alec.
The natives have made up their minds to join the slave-traders, and we shall be attacked on all sides to-morrow. We can't hold out against God knows how many thousands.