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Reader question: Please explain “kept his wits about” in this: He kept his wits about, Lumb lost his. My comments: Wits, plural, refer to one’s mental sharpness, awareness, composure, resourcefulness, all of those things together and then some. To wit, one’s intelligence – one’s cleverness to perform well under different situations, especially the ability to act quickly and do the right thing in a difficult situation, where the presence of mind may make a difference. In our example, two friends seem to have found themselves, say, in someplace new and amongst strangers. “He” was able to keep his wits about him, whereas Lumb seemed to get angry or panicky and lose his composure. He kept his wits about him? That means he was able to keep wits close and near him. “About” here is not about “him”. Here, “about” means round about, close and near. If we liken our wits to our handbags or mobile phones it will make easy sense. If we say, for example that someone always keeps his or her handbag and mobile phone about them, it means they always keep those items close to the body, somewhere within easy reach. If they need them, they can find them readily, instantly, without delay. If one keeps one’s wits about them, hence, it also means one remains close to them and never lose them. One’s wits, like their handbags or mobile phones, may come in handy, especially in tough situations where a quick decision is called for and to be made. In our example, for example, a quarrel may have broken out between Lumb and the locals. Lumb lost his wits and was acting in an irrational manner. “He” was able to keep calm and therefore was able to see that they were outnumbered by the locals some of whom may intend to inflict real harm on the travellers if things got out of hand. | 
