How was quatermain different from the rest

Quatermain claims to be a coward, but his actions demonstrate his bravery. He is a pessimist who thinks himself a realist, but he is not afraid to undertake dangerous deeds should he deem them necessary. For all his negativity, Quatermain becomes Ignosi's most trusted advisor among the white men. It is also Quatermain who, despite his fatalism, keeps his head long enough to grab a handful of diamonds as the men seek to escape the sealed treasure chamber.