When McKay joined Hyde, he said to him, rather angrily--
"Why did you let the fellow go?"
"I did my best, but he was like an eel. I had far rather have kept
him. I have wanted the scoundrel these dozen years."
"You know him, then?"
"Yes," replied Hyde, sternly. "I know him well, but I thought that he
was dead. It is better so; we have a long account to settle, and the
day of reckoning will certainly come."
Thus ended the first collision between the opposing armies: the first
great conflict between European troops since Waterloo. The credit
gained by the victors, whose prowess echoed through the civilised
world, was greater, perhaps, than the results achieved. The Alma, as
we shall see, might have paved the way, under more skilful leadership,
to a prompt and glorious termination of the war. But, if it exercised
no sufficient influence upon the larger interests of the campaign, the
battle greatly affected the prospects of the principal character in
this story.
Sergeant-major McKay was presently informed that, in recognition of
the signal bravery he had displayed at the storming of the Causeway
battery, his name had been submitted to the Queen for an ensign's
commission in the Royal Picts.
CHAPTER XII.
CATCHING A TARTAR.
After their victory at the Alma the allies tarried long on the ground
they had gained.
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