The key to disguise

      I spent the day imagining Khasim Tamwar, which is the key to disguise. You must “catch the man” if you’re to impersonate him faithfully, as I’d learned to do in the past with Crown Prince Carl Gustaf (dignified royal duffer) and Makarram Khan (truculent Pathan ruffian) and my military self (bluff mutton-headed hero), to name but a few.


Flashman on the March, p.87, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2005.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, disguise.

Old General What’s-his-name

      “Good Lord!” he exclaimed. “I believe I know this chap — but no, it can’t be, surely! Only he’s uncommonly like that old general . . . oh, what’s-his-name? You know made such a hash of the Khartoum business, with Gordon . . . yes, and years ago he won a great name in Russia, and the Mutiny — V.C. and knighthood — it’s on the tip of my tongue —”


Flashman and the Tiger, p.310, Harper Collins, paperback edition 2000.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, general.

Believe me &c

No mistake, it was pukka, and the sweat prickled on my skin as I read it for the tenth time:

        Most urgent to Number One alone. On the first night after receipt, you will go in native dress to the         French Soldier’s cabaret between the Shah Boorj and the Buttee Gate. Use the signals and wait
        for word from Bibi Kalil. Say nothing to your orderly.

Not even an “I remain” or “Believe me &c”. That was all.


Flashman and the Mountain of Light, pp.165-66, Fontana Paperback edition, 1991.


Tags: Flashman, Flashman quotes, cypher.