Given below are six sentences taken from a paragraph. The first and the last sentences are numbered S1 and S2 and are placed in the first and last positions respectively and are fixed in their positions. The other four sentences between the first and last sentences are jumbled up and are numbered A, B, C, and D. Rearrange the jumbled sentences in a logical sequence keeping the unity and coherence of the paragraph intact. Choose the correct alternative that best describes the sequence.
S1. You can testify that I was never a coward.
A. All my life long, in Jaen, in Madrid, and elsewhere, I have walked the streets at all hours, alone and unarmed, and if I have chanced to run upon suspicious-looking persons, thieves, or mere sneaking beggars, they have had to get out of my way or take to their heels.
B. I fought a duel once, when I had to, like any other man.
C. But if the person turned out to be a solitary woman, standing still or walking, and I was also alone, with no one in sight in any direction, then (laugh if you want to, but believe me) I would be all covered over with goose-flesh; vague fears would assail me; I would think about beings of the other world, about imaginary existences, and about all the superstitious stories which would make me laugh under other circumstances.
D. Just after I had left the School of Engineers, my workmen in Despefiaperros revolted, and I fought them with stick and pistol until I made them submit.
S2. I would quicken my pace, or else turn back, and would not get over my fright in the least until safe in my own house.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
S1 (Introduction): "You can testify that I was never a coward."
The speaker is establishing their bravery. The next sentences should provide evidence for this claim.
Sentence B: "I fought a duel once, when I had to, like any other man."
This provides the first specific example of bravery (dueling), following naturally from S1.
Sentence D: "Just after I had left the School of Engineers, my workmen... revolted, and I fought them with stick and pistol until I made them submit."
This provides a second, more detailed example of the speaker's courage in a dangerous situation.
Sentence A: "All my life long... I have walked the streets at all hours... and if I have chanced to run upon suspicious-looking persons... they have had to get out of my way..."
The speaker transitions from specific events to a general lifelong habit of fearlessness against human threats (thieves, beggars).
Sentence C: "But if the person turned out to be a solitary woman... then... I would be all covered over with goose-flesh; vague fears would assail me..."
The word "But" signals a shift in tone. After establishing physical bravery against men and rebels, the speaker admits to a superstitious or irrational fear.
S2 (Conclusion): "I would quicken my pace, or else turn back, and would not get over my fright in the least until safe in my own house."
This describes the physical reaction to the fear mentioned in Sentence C, perfectly closing the paragraph.
The correct sequence is BDAC.