Sir Augustus, Harper and others in “Unfinished Business”

[To Patrick Harper, the only man with his jacket on] You, there, Sergeant!

A Colonel. Oh, my God.

Stand up, there, fellow!

[To Sharpe, who attempted to rise.] No, sir, you stay down. [he pushes Sharpe's head down, so that his face isn't visible to Sir Augustus] Stay down. [to the colonel] Coming, Colonel! Coming, sir! Here I am, sir. How ya doin', sir?

Name? Rank?

Sergeant Patrick Harper, sir. 95th Rifles.

I heard you swearing, Sergeant harper. How dare you swear in front of an officer!

Yes, sir, I'm very very sorry, sir. Must a just slipped out, so it did.

[indicating Sharpe and remaining Riflemen] Who are these - scruffy savages?

They are Chosen Men, sir. Picked out for their special skills. That's why they wear the white cords of courage.

Well, not for much longer they won't. Nor will you have those stripes on your sleeve, Sergeant. As soon as I see Lord Wellington, I'm gonna have you all up on a charge for disorderly conduct.

[can't stand still any longer] Begging your pardon, sir, but these men were acting under my orders, sir.

Your orders, sir? And who are you, to give orders?

I'm an officer, sir.

You are an officer?

Yes, sir. Captain Sharpe, 95th Rifles, sir.

Sharpe...Sharpe. I believe I heard something about you in Lisbon, Sharpe. Are you the fellow Wellington raised from the ranks?

Yes, sir.

Well, I've always thought it was a bad idea, and now I've got proof of it. When I see Lord Wellington, I'm going to speak to him about your conduct, Sharpe.

Nairn

Is that you, Sir Augustus? Major Nairn, Lord Wellington's staff, sir. I take it you are Sir Augustus Farthingdale.

I am he, Nairn. I should like to complain about the conduct of one of your officers.

Nairn

Lord Wellington is waiting for you, sir. He's most anxious to allay your anxiety on the matter you alluded to in your letter.

I should like to bathe, and change first. Where's my tent, Nairn?

Nairn

Last but one on the right, sir, I've water on the boil for you.

Nairn

You see that Colonel, Sharpe? That Colonel came here to make you a Major, would you believe that?

No, sir.

Nairn

Right hand up to God, Sharpe.

That's your left hand, sir.

Nairn

[raises his other hand] I swear to God, Sharpe.

You mean I missed being made Major?

Nairn

Maybe not.