He had assured himself long ago that our party was at the bottom of Victoria Nyanza.
The second he did make out details he was swift to act, but that was already too late, although he did not know it at the moment.

He threw up his rifle and laughed--a great deep guffaw from the stomach, that awoke every one.
"So, so!" he gloated.

"So Mr.Oakes and his fellow escaped convicts are alive after all! Ha-ha-ho-ho! So you followed me all this way, only to forget that kites are curious! A fine comfortless journey you must have had, too! There were twenty kites wheeling over you.

I counted, and wondered.

Curiosity drove me to come and see.