Chapter 80 Arrhythmia
Before the outbreak of the Boer War, Britain's colonial system had already shown signs of disintegration. Canada had achieved autonomy in 1867, and Australia and New Zealand were also striving for autonomy.
During the Boer War, Canada, Australia and New Zealand all sent volunteers to the Cape. Don't think this is a good thing. By sending volunteers to the Cape Colony, the above-mentioned regions have greater autonomy. Previously, it was only political autonomy, but now it has military autonomy.
Faced with this situation, Britain would certainly not sit idly by, so the British government would not be stingy with the colonial soldiers who had made contributions in the war. Those who deserve rewards would be rewarded, and those who deserve knighthood would be knighted. Rock was able to take advantage of this opportunity, and when rewards were given after the war, he would also be able to get a share of the pie.
This is definitely a good thing for Rock. Ferguson is just a knight, but he is called "Sir Ferguson". Rock also has the opportunity to become "Sir Ferguson".
After meeting with Lord Roberts, the commando returned to Cape Town early the next morning. This time Lord Roberts was very generous and did not requisition the war horses captured by the commando. Instead, he allowed Henry and his men to take the horses back to Cape Town.
On February 25th, before the British army launched an attack on the eastern front, Rock and his team arrived safely in Cape Town.
Unlike the deserted scene when they left, the Cape Town Police Department prepared a grand welcome ceremony for the commandos. Henry and Rock learned after getting off the train that in recent days, the police from Cape Town had shot and killed the commander-in-chief of the Boer coalition, Joubert. With Winston's report, the news had spread throughout the British Empire. The report about Henry and Rock even caught the attention of the Queen. Before Henry got off the train, August Russell had decided to promote Henry to superintendent of police, and Rock was also promoted to inspector because of his repeated military exploits.
"Inspector Locke, congratulations." Henry, wearing a uniform and the rank of superintendent, was in high spirits. There were six inspectors in the Cape Town Police Department, but only one superintendent, Henry, which was indeed something to be proud of.
"Chief Henry, the same goes for you." Rock was also given the rank of inspector. Henry's current position is deputy chief of the Cape Town Police Department and concurrently captain of the commando team. Although Rock's rank was promoted, his position remained the same.
"Deputy Director, deputy." Henry was still modest.
"It doesn't matter. If you keep shouting, it will become a fact." Rock's words were not entirely flattering. Police Chief August Russell was old and would retire in a few years. By then, Henry would have the best chance of becoming the Cape Town Police Chief.
Of course, the more likely possibility is that when August Russell retires, the Cape Town Police Department will no longer be able to keep Henry. After the Boer War, Henry will definitely be knighted. Whether he is a viscount or a baron, serving as the Cape Town Police Chief would be a waste of talent. If Henry continues to stay in Cape Town at that time, then he would at least have to be the mayor of Cape Town to be worthy of Henry's title.
Rock and Henry had just returned from a welcome party held for them by the police station. The two didn't eat much at the party. This was by the swimming pool at their home on Mill Street. The two of them ate and drank freely.
"Locke, do you think it would be possible for me to succeed if I go to General Hopkins to propose to her now ?" Henry hasn't forgotten Lacey yet, which is a good thing. Rock likes to deal with people who care about old times.
"You can try. I believe that General Hopkins will at least give you a chance." Rock thought about it seriously and remembered who General Hopkins was. He was Lacey's father. Henry had mentioned him to Rock, but Rock did not have a deep impression of him.
"I will definitely go - no, wait a little longer, I will go after I get the title." Henry was a little worried and it seemed that he had a shadow on General Hopkins.
"No, don't do that. There's still a long time before the end of the war. Aren't you afraid that Lacey will get married during this time? At least you have to tell Lacey what you have done during this time, so that Lacey will have confidence in your future." Rock encouraged Henry. Fate is a wonderful thing. If Lacey falls in love with someone else, it will definitely be a big blow to Henry.
It seems that Henry is also experienced in love. After thinking for a while, Henry agreed with Rock's suggestion: "Yes, I have to find Lacey first and tell her to wait for me. As long as I get the title, I will immediately go to General Hopkins to propose to her."
The power of the nobles was great. Once they joined the army, they would at least start as officers. Although Hopkins was a general, he might not even have a title. As long as Henry obtained a title, he would definitely be eligible to propose to General Hopkins. As for Lacey's engagement -
Well, that's not important. Even American tycoons want to marry their daughters to nobles, and colonial officers want to do it even more. So what if they are generals? It's easy for nobles to become generals in the colonies, but it takes a certain amount of luck for colonial generals to become nobles.
"Sir, there's a lady looking for you." Zack handed over a small note.
"Ask her to come over--" Rock's heart skipped a beat, but he wasn't sure. Maybe it was just an irregular heartbeat.
It turns out that Rock's heart is normal, and the one who came with Zack was Ada.
Ada was wearing a white floor-length dress and holding a handbag in her long-sleeved satin gloves. She had a veil on her hat, so her facial expression could not be seen clearly.
When Rock saw Ada from afar, he stood up. Henry was a little slow to react and didn't smell it until Ada came to his side .
He indeed smelled a light perfume that Ada used. Rock couldn't tell the name, but the scent was very unique, a subtle fragrance that was almost imperceptible, just like Ada herself, mysterious and full of temptation.
"What are you talking about? Can I join?" Ada's eyes were locked on Rock. Although it was a question, both Rock and Henry felt that it was a statement.
"Of course..." Rock took the initiative to pull out a chair for Ada, Henry offered champagne, and Zack was busy moving a few dogs to the front yard so as not to disturb Rock and his party.
"Ada, do you know Lacey?" Rock quickly helped Ada find a starting point for the conversation.
"Lacey from General Hopkins's family? Of course I know her. What's the matter? Are you attracted to her?" Ada's expression did not reveal her emotions, but she was clearly holding the cup with a bit of force.
"No, no, no, it's not me, it's Henry. You know, Henry once served under General Hopkins." Rock quickly distanced himself from the joke.
"Oh, I see. No wonder I heard that Mr. Swift's relationship with General Hopkins has not been good recently." Ada was indeed well-informed.
"Is Lacey okay?" Henry was a little nervous. Lacey's fiancé was the son of Swift, the director of the Cape Mines Bureau.
