Incredible delusion

There followed a brief silence during which I kept a straight face. Suddenly it became plain that they were under the incredible delusion that I shot Theodore, but they didn’t care to say so in as many words, which was vastly diverting. Of course it was what they’d wanted, and had hinted to me through Prideaux, and Speedy, having seen the pistol in my hand and Theodore stark and stiff, had concluded that I’d done the dirty deed to save H.M.G. the painful embarrassment of having to try and possibly hang the black bugger. (“But no one must ever know, Sir Robert . . . controversy . . . press gang, scoundrel Stanley . . . questions in the house . . . uproar . . . regicide . . . scandalum magnatum . . . honour of the Army . . . “)


Flashman on the March, p.273, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2005.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, shot.

Fatal nemesis

. . . and who better to shove him off the tail of the cart than good old Flashy, favourite ruffian of the Foreign Office, Palmerston-recommended, practically by Appointment Assassin Extraordinary to Her Majesty, demises discreetly arranged, moderate terms . . . if I were a sensitive man (and not a little flattered to be regarded as the most fatal nemesis since Jack Ketch) I might easily be offended.


Flashman on the March, p.249, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2005.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, assassin.

Gripping Master Starnberg

...what was gripping Master Starnberg was the sheer wanton delight in killing, of adding my distinguished head to his trophy room, of proving his mastery and seeing the fear in the eyes of a beaten opponent at his mercy — I know all about it, you see, for I 've enjoyed it myself, but while it's a luxury the wary coward can afford, it's a weakness in a brave man who's sure of his own superiority, for he forgets what your cold-blooded assassin (and your coward) never forget — that killing is a business, not a pleasure, and you must keep your sense of fun well in check.


Flashman and the Tiger, p.149, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2000.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, killing.

Nursing his blood lust

But mostly he was nursing his blood lust, I knew, anticipating the pleasure of shooting assassins — in the back no doubt. He was what Hickook called “a killing gentleman”, was our young Willem. Just like dear old dad.

Flashman and the Tiger, p.126, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2000.



Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, assassin.

Comb my memoirs

A scoundrel I may be, but I ain’t an assassin, and you will comb my memoirs in vain for mention of Flashy as First Murderer. Oh, I’ve put away more than I can count, in the line of duty, from stark necessity, and once or twice from spite — de Gautet springs to mind, and the pandy I shot at Meerut — but they deserved it. Anyway, I don’t kill chaps I don’t know.


Flashman and the Angel of the Lord, p.194, Harper Collins, 1995.

Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, scoundrel.