A soldier cleans and polishes a gun

[strange_raptors]

For lunch today I had two boiled eggs and soldiers with a cup of tea. As glorious as this meal was, it set me to thinking. Why is it that strips of buttered bread/toast are called soldiers?
If anyone knows the answer or has intriguing theories, please comment.

Comments

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

Because you can line them up on your plate, just like soldires used to line up in rank and file?

/guessing

[shanith.livejournal.com]

Don't know, but like Wellinghall's suggestion!
*Changing subject*
Have you ever read Tales of the Otori?

[cealdis.livejournal.com]

That's a coincidence - the past two times I've been in bookshops I have taken a long look at them (the first time I decided to buy Locke Lamora). I think the thing putting me off was the shops not having the first in the series. They seem rather intriguing (and also rather fun), and I would like to read them at some point. Have you read them? And are they any good?

[shanith.livejournal.com]

I read the trilogy which I enjoyed a lot and then squeeed when I found an unknown sequel (the Harsh Cry of the Heron) in the library this weekend. I finished it yesterday morning and thought it excellent (and spent the last half hour in tears, but thats another matter!)
I would definitely start at the beginning- Across the Nightingale Floor. I think I have the second one if you'd like to borrow it.
Its been a long while since I've read such an impressive and beautiful world with such real and diverse characters, some of the imagery is fantastic.
Anyway, I think you've gathered that I thought it was good!