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. GEORGE. D'you mean you'll all be killed? ALEC. If we remain here there's no escape. GEORGE. [_In a whisper._] What are you going to do to me, Alec? [ALEC _walks up and down the tent_. ALEC. [_Presently._] I think you might go and see your patients now, doctor. DOCTOR. Very well. DICK. Shall I go too, Alec? ALEC. No, you can stay here. But don't open your mouth till you're spoken to. [THE DOCTOR _goes out_. GEORGE. I'm sorry I did that silly thing just now. I'm glad I didn't hit you. ALEC. It doesn't matter at all. I'd forgotten all about it. GEORGE. I lost my head, I didn't know what I was doing. ALEC. You need not trouble about that. In Africa even the strongest people are apt to get excited and lose their balance. [ALEC _re-lights his pipe, and there its a very short pause_. ALEC. Did you ever know that before we came away I asked Lucy to marry me? GEORGE. I knew you cared for her. ALEC. She asked me to bring you here in the hope that you would regain the good name of your family. I think that is the object she has most at heart in the world. It's as great as her love for you. The plan hasn't been much of a success, has it? GEORGE. She ought to have known that I wasn't suited for this kind of life. ALEC. I saw very soon that you were weak and irresolute. But I hoped to make something of you. Your intentions seemed good enough, but you never had the strength to carry them out.... I'm sorry if I seem to be preaching to you. GEORGE. [_Bitterly._] Oh, d'you think I care what any one says to me now? ALEC. [_Gravely, but not unkindly._] Then I found you were drinking. I told you that no man could stand liquor in this country, and you gave me your word of honour that you wouldn't touch it again. GEORGE. Yes, I broke it. I couldn't help it; the temptation was too strong. ALEC. When we came to the station at Muneas you and Macinnery got blind drunk, and the whole camp saw you. I ought to have sent you back to the coast then, but it would have broken Lucy's heart. GEORGE. It was Macinnery's fault. ALEC.