I might have lived a hundred lives in England and never once had occasion to face danger, and I thought that I should have been equally secure as an Indian civilian.

Now this trouble is coming upon us." "Why don't you take your leave, lad?
You have been out seven years now without a day's relaxation, except indeed, the three days you were over with me at Cawnpore.

Why not apply for a year's leave?
You have a good excuse, too; you did not go home at the death of your father, two years ago, and could very well plead urgent family affairs requiring your presence in England." "No, I will not do that, Doctor; I will not run away from danger again.
You understand me, I have not the least fear of the danger; I in no way hold to my life; I do not think I am afraid of physical pain.

It seems to me that I could undertake any desperate service; I dread it simply because I know that when the din of battle begins my body will overmaster my mind, and that I shall be as I was at Chillianwalla, completely paralyzed.

You wondered tonight why that juggler should have exhibited feats seldom, almost never, shown to Europeans?
He did it to please me.