Part 49 (1/2)
”I had heard nothing of it, sir?”
”If this news be true, the Russians appear to be better informed than you are, McKay.”
”And are preparing to oppose our movement?”
”That's just what I should like to know, and what gives so much importance to these tidings. I only wish we could verify them. Where is your messenger? Who is he?”
”A half-witted old Tartar; you will get nothing out of him, sir. I have been trying hard this half-hour.”
”But you know where the news comes from. Could you not follow it up to its source?”
”I will do so at once, sir;” and within half-an-hour McKay was in his saddle, riding down to Balaclava.
Valetta Joe was in his shop, distributing a batch of newly-baked bread to a number of itinerant vendors, each bound to retail the loaves in the various camps.
McKay waited until the place was clear, then accosted the baker sharply.
”What was the good of your sending that old numbskull to me?”
”He give you letter. You not understand?”
”Yes, yes, I understand; but I want to be certain it is true.”
”When Joe tell lies? You believe him before; if you like, believe him again.”
”But can't you tell me more about it? How many troops have the Russians collected? Since when? What do they mean to do?”
”You ask Russian general, not me; I only know what I hear.”
”But it would be possible to tell, from the position of the enemy, something of their intentions. I could directly if I saw them.”
”Then why you not go and look for yourself?” asked Joe, carelessly; but there was a glitter in his eyes which gave a deep meaning to the simple question.
”Why not?” said McKay, whom the look had escaped. ”It is well worth the risk.”
”I'll help you, if you like,” went on Joe, with the same outwardly unconcerned manner.
”Can you? How?”
”Very easy to pa.s.s lines. You put on Tartar clothes same as that old man go to you to-day. He live near Tchorgaun; he take you right into middle of Russian camp.”
”When can he start?” asked McKay eagerly, accepting without hesitation all the risks of this perilous undertaking.
”To-night, if you choose. Come down here by-and-by; I have everything ready.”
McKay agreed, and returned to headquarters in all haste, where he sought out his chief and confided to him his intentions.
”You are really prepared to penetrate the enemy's lines? It will be a daring, dangerous job, McKay. I should be wrong to encourage you.”
”It is of vital importance, you say, that we should really know what the enemy is doing beyond the Tchernaya. I am quite ready to go, sir.”