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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"From Mine Own People"

But first we must open the little trunk. Give me the keys."
"The amount of kissing lately has been simply scandalous. I shall expect Torp
to kiss me next. He is more likely to swear at me for getting in his way,
though. Well, it won't last long.--Ohe, Madame, help me to my toilette of the
guillotine! There will be no chance of dressing properly out yonder."
He was rummaging among his new campaign-kit, and rowelling his hands with the
spurs. There are two ways of wearing well-oiled ankle-jacks, spotless blue
bands, khaki coat and breeches, and a perfectly pipeclayed helmet. The right
way is the way of the untired man, master of himself, setting out upon an
expedition, well pleased.
"Everything must be very correct," Dick explained. "It will become dirty
afterwards, but now it is good to feel well dressed. Is everything as it should
be?"
He patted the revolver neatly hidden under the fulness of the blouse on the
right hip and fingered his collar.
"I can do no more," Madame said, between laughing and crying. "Look at thyself-
-but I forgot."
"I am very content." He stroked the creaseless spirals of his leggings.
"Now let us go and see the captain and George and the lighthouse boat. Be
quick, Madame.


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