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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"The Day's Work - Volume 1"

'Wonder
who the God-forsaken idiot is who is trying to vaccinate a Bhil.
I knew trouble was coming. One good thing is that they'll only
use local corps, and we can knock up something we'll call a
campaign, and let them down easy. Fancy us potting our best
beaters because they don't want to be vaccinated! They're only
crazy with fear."
"Don't you think, sir," said Chinn, the next day, "that perhaps
you could give me a fortnight's shooting-leave?"
"Desertion in the face of the enemy, by Jove!" The Colonel laughed.
"I might, but I'd have to antedate it a little, because we're
warned for service, as you might say. However, we'll assume that
you applied for leave three days ago, and are now well on your way
south."
"I'd like to take Bukta with me."
"Of course, yes. I think that will be the best plan. You've some
kind of hereditary influence with the little chaps, and they may
listen to you when a glimpse of our uniforms would drive them wild.
You've never been in that part of the world before, have you? Take
care they don't send you to your family vault in your youth and
innocence. I believe you'll be all right if you can get 'em to
listen to you.


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