The Sikhs have done just as long a march as I have, and I hope that I shall be able to hold on as long as they can.

I should hate to be beaten by a native." "Ah! But these Sikhs are wonderful fellows; they seem to be made of iron, and march along as erect and freely as they start, when even the Hausas and Yorubas are showing signs that they are almost at the end of their powers.

I must say that I consider the Sikhs to be, all round, the best soldiers in the world.

They cannot beat Tommy Atkins, when it comes to a charge; but in the matter of marching, and endurance, Tommy has to take a back seat.

He will hold on till he fairly breaks down, rather than give in; but he himself, if he has ever campaigned with the Sikhs, would be the first to allow that they can march him off his feet.
"Have you got a spare pair of shoes in your kit, Bullen ?" "Yes." "Then I should advise you to take those you have on, off; and put on a fresh pair." "I will take your advice, sir; but I really think that it would be best to follow the custom of the native troops, and march barefooted." "It would not do," the colonel said, decidedly.