But also I haven't lived my years in Africa without coming to know there's one thing above all others necessary for the white man to do, and that's to keep up the prestige of the white man.

String Gorley up if you like, but not here--not before these blacks.' 'But that's just what I am going to do,' answered Drake, 'and just for your reason, too--the prestige of the white man.

Every day something is stolen by these fellows, a rifle, a bayonet, rations--something.

When I find the theft out I have to punish it, haven't I?
Well, how can I punish the black when he thieves, and let the white man off when he thieves and murders?
If I did--well, I don't think I could strike a harder blow at the white man's prestige.' 'I don't ask you to let him off.

Only take him back to the coast.