Simple and shrewd

They were an odd lot, those frontiersmen, simple and shrewd enough, and as easy—and as difficult—to impose upon as children are. But I was glad Wootton would be our guide; being a true-bred rascal and coward myself, I know a good man when I see one—and he was the best.

Flashman and the Redskins, p.63, Pan Books edition, 1983.

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Infinitely greater

…I liked Abe Lincoln from the moment I first noticed him, leaning back in his chair with that hidden smile at the back of his eyes, gently cracking his knuckles. Just why I liked him I can’t say; I suppose in his own way he had the makings of as big a scoundrel as I am myself, but his appetites were different, and his talents infinitely greater. I can’t think of him as a good man, yet as history measures these things I suppose he did great good. Not that that excites my admiration unduly…

Flash For Freedom!, pp.126-27, Pan edition, 8th printing, 1980.

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Flashman, Flashman quotes,Abraham Lincoln.

Being a ruffian

Watching his tall figure moving away I felt a little chill touch me; being a ruffian, perhaps I know a good man when I see one better than most, and Mac was one of the mainstays of our force. A damned prig, mind you, and given to immense airs, but as good a soldier – for what that’s worth – as I’ve met.

Flashman, p.194, Pan edition, 12th printing, 1979.

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Flashman, Flashman quotes,Colin Mackenzie, ruffian.