"It isn't for the Peninsular artillerymen.

The Indian soldiers can go barefoot, as they do in their towns." [38] "Exactly so, and the treasury would save more," corroborated another lady, a widow who was not satisfied with her pension.
"But you must remember," remarked another in the group, a friend of the officers on the commission, "that while it's true they go barefoot in the towns, it's not the same as moving about under orders in the service.

They can't choose the hour, nor the road, nor rest when they wish.

Remember, madam, that, with the noonday sun overhead and the earth below baking like an oven, they have to march over sandy stretches, where there are stones, the sun above and fire below, bullets in front--" "It's only a question of getting used to it!" "Like the donkey that got used to not eating! In our present campaign the greater part of our losses have been due to wounds on the soles of the feet.

Remember the donkey, madam, remember the donkey!" "But, my dear sir," retorted the lady, "look how much money is wasted on shoe-leather.