If the odd man of the party comes to grief, you will have to choose a new captain, that is all, but while I lead I mean to be obeyed." Then Mavovo, to whom Hans had been talking, spoke.
"My father Macumazana is a brave man.

If he lives he will have done his duty.

If he dies he will have done his duty still better, and, on the earth or in the under-world among the spirits of our fathers, his name shall be great for ever; yes, his name shall be a song." When Brother John had translated these words, which I thought fine, there was silence.
"Now," I said, "come with me to the water's edge, all of you.

You will be in less danger from the lightning there, where are no tall trees.
And while I am gone, do you ladies dress up Hans in that gorilla-skin as best you can, lacing it on to him with some of that palm-fibre string which we brought with us, and filling out the hollows and the head with leaves or reeds.

I want him to be ready when I come back with the canoe.
Hans groaned audibly, but made no objection and we started with our impedimenta down to the edge of the estuary where we hid behind a clump of mangrove bushes and tall, feathery reeds.