Anastasius
recognised his brother, and answered his anxious, sorrowful greeting
with a faint smile.
"What is to be done with him now?" asked the general.
"We must get him on board ship--to-night, if possible; but how?"
"We will carry him every inch of the way," said one of the bandsmen of
the Royal Picts. Young Wilders was idolised by the men.
"It is three miles to the sea-shore: a long journey."
"They can march in two reliefs, four carrying, four resting," said
McKay.
"You must be very careful," said the surgeon.
"Never fear! We will carry him as easy as a baby in its cot," replied
one of the soldiers.
"Yes, yes! you can trust us," added McKay.
"Are you going with them?" asked the general.
"I should like to do so, sir."
"And of course I shall go too," added Captain Wilders; and the
procession, thus formed, wended its way to the shore.
It was midnight before McKay and the stretcher-party were relieved of
their precious charge, and when they had seen the wounded officer
embarked in one of the ship's boats, accompanied by his brother, they
laid down where they were to rest and await the daylight.
Soon after dawn they were again on the move making once more for the
heights above the river, where they had left their regiment. Once
more, too, they traversed the battle-field, with its ghastly sights
and distressing sounds.
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