Queer, this.

Look!" Almayer had risen, holding on to his daughter's arm.

He hesitated a moment, then he let go his hold and lurched half-way across the verandah.
There he pulled himself together, and stood very straight, breathing hard and glaring round angrily.
"Are the men ready ?" asked the lieutenant.
"All ready, sir." "Now, Mr.Almayer, lead the way," said the lieutenant Almayer rested his eyes on him as if he saw him for the first time.
"Two men," he said thickly.

The effort of speaking seemed to interfere with his equilibrium.

He took a quick step to save himself from a fall, and remained swaying backwards and forwards.