Who is Jassa, a.k.a. Dr. Josiah Harlan from Flashman and the Mountain of Light: From the Flashman Papers, 1845-46 and what is their importance? Flashman_and_the_Mountain_of_Light English & Literature "Jassa

When Flashman first meets Jassa, also known as Dr. Josiah Harlan, he thinks he is a "native assistant". Flashman describes Jassa as a "pock-marked, barrel-chested villain" and dislikes him immediately. After Jassa saves his life, however, Flashman learns that his "native assistant" is really an American infamous for a variety of absurd schemes. Jassa has served as a military doctor, attempted to have himself proclaimed king, and used an appointment as regional ruler to start a counterfeiting operation. Flashman sees a kindred spirit in Jassa and keeps him on staff, something viewed as a wise decision in light of the fact that he saves Flashman's life more than once.