Decamp, squeal, or betray

      It’s a remarkable thing (and I’ve traded on it all my life) that a single redeeming quality in a black sheep wins greater esteem than all the virtues in honest men—especially if the quality is courage. I’m lucky, because while I don’t have it, I look as though I do, and worthy souls like Carson and Wootton never suspect that I’m running around with my bowels squirting, ready to decamp, squeal, or betray as occasion demands.

Flashman and the Redskins, p.206, Pan Books edition, 1983.

Tags:Flashman, Flashman quotes, courage.

Any sensible man

Now that’s the kind of talk that sends any sensible man diving for his hat and the nearest doorway, usually; otherwise you find yourself an hour later scribbling IOUs and trying to think of a false name.

Flashman's Lady, p.63, Pan edition, 1979.

Tags:Flashman, Flashman quotes, talk.

Fast moves

   ‘My God!’ he cries. ‘Betrayed!’
    Well, I’d heard the same sort of exclamation before, and I’ve heard it since, and there’s no doubt it’s unnerving. But I doubt if there’s a man living who can move faster with his pants round his ankles than I can…

Flash For Freedom!, p.187, Pan edition, 8th printing, 1980.

Tags:
Flashman, Flashman quotes.