London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
A FALSE STORY OF THE MILISHY.
And having told a true story about the K.O.L.I.M. I may relate one that I know to be false. As a matter of fact there was never a steadier body of men than the rank and file of that renowned corps. While I had the honour of being an officer on full pay (for twenty-seven days a | |
187 | year) we received votes of thanks from the aristocracy, gentry, and inhabitants of Hackney for our lamb-like conduct whilst protecting Dalston from Still, in spite of this testimonial to our respectability, we had a reputation (amongst the ignorant and malicious) of being occasionally doubtful about the exact value of the words and . |
Possibly it was because we suffered from this unjust stigma that a detective once presented himself when the regiment was on parade and asked permission to examine the ranks with a view to discovering a gentleman belonging to who was wanted by Permission being given to the detective, that worthy representative of Scotland Yard, accompanied by the adjutant of the regiment, made the tour of the various companies, front rank and rear rank. When the official had got to the last man of the rear rank of the rear company, he stopped suddenly and gazed earnestly at the rather embarrassed warrior who by position was on the left of the column. | |
exclaimed the adjutant indignantly. | |
replied the detective, | |
This story in military circles will be regarded as a And I must admit that it has not even the of being true. | |