Ramses' words relaxed Gatsby, just knowing that the other man was going to take this well and not start panicking or anything. And yes, it could definitely be worse, much worse.
"Yes, quite so!" he agreed, getting carefully to his feet. "All right, good idea, old sport. Careful, now-" he told him, taking careful, small steps away from him, slowly so that he wouldn't fall when the tether hit its limit.