“Yes, that’s it,” said the Major. “But what I say is, we must teach them better.”
“Well, that’s what I am trying to do,” said Sir Charles. “But I am trying the suaviter in modo, while you want to practise—”
“Yes, I know,” said the Major; “the good old way: the forti—what’s its name?—What is it, Archie?”
“I forget, sir. Fortiter something.”
“Can’t you combine the two?” said the Major. “Let them see something of our strength, Dallas. They certainly are getting more impudent and independent. Now, there’s the question of our rations and supplies. The simple country-people are all right, and are glad to bring in all we want, and quite content with what we pay. But this Suleiman’s people interfere with them and frighten them; and it’s a bad sign, Dallas. What do you say to my arresting one of the most interfering of the Rajah’s men and letting my fellow’s give him a good flogging?”
“For goodness’ sake don’t dream of such a thing!”
“Then matters will go from bad to worse. You are too easy.”
“And you are too hard, Major.”
“All right; you are one side and I am the other.—Here, Maine, you are a very stupid boy sometimes.”
“Yes, sir,” said Archie dryly.