What is the opinion of the Swedish captain of the seagoing steamer concerning what's going on? What question does he plant in our mind?

The Swede thinks points out the folly of the European men who come this country. He says they have no idea about the price they will pay or what they might become in the "heart of darkness".

‘Fine lot these government chaps—are they not?’ he went on, speaking English with great precision and considerable bitterness. ‘It is funny what some people will do for a few francs a month.