We had told him in that that we should make tracks for Elgon, and we all voted the same way.
"In other words" grinned Fred, "we're perfect idiots, and ready and willing to prove it! Good! If you fellows had voted the other way I'd have gone forward to Elgon alone!" It was then that Georges Coutlass took a hand in the game again.

He came striding through the trees with something of his old swagger, and sat down among us with an air.
"Count me in!" he demanded.
"D'you mean in the lake ?" suggested Fred.
"In on the trip to Mount Elgon!" "We've had nearly enough of you!" Fred answered.

"I know what's coming! If you don't come with us you'll tell tales?
Blackmail, eh?
Well, it won't work! We'll set you ashore on the mainland, and if you dare show yourself to Schillingschen or any British official, we'll run that risk cheerfully!" But Coutlass was imperturbable for once.

He laid a hand on Fred's knee, and changed his tone to one of gentle persuasion between friend and friend.
"Ah! Mr.Oakes, I know you now too well! You are not the man to leave me in the lurch! These others perhaps! You never! You know me, too.
You have seen me under all conditions.

You are able to judge my character.