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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland by Olive Schreiner: it over us! It's a damned shame! Why, I want to know, amn't I as good as
any of these fellows, who come swelling it about here? Friends got money,
I suppose!" He cast his sharp glance over towards the bell tent. "If they
gave us real English officers now--"
"Ah!" said the biggest of his companions, who, in spite of his huge form,
had something of the simplicity and good nature of a child in his handsome
face; "it's because you're not a big enough swell, you know! He'll be a
colonel, or a general, before we've done with him. I call them all
generals or colonels up here; it's safest, you know; if they're not that
today they will be tomorrow!"
This was intended as a joke, and in that hot weather, and in that dull
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