But as they trudged along, and, leaving the cavalry-encampment on
their right, approached the ground occupied by the Highland brigade,
they encountered its general--McKay had seen him at the Alma--riding
out, accompanied by his staff.
The quick eye of Sir Colin Campbell promptly detected the prisoner. He
rode up at once to the party, and said, in a sharp, angry tone--
"What are you doing with that peasant? Don't you know that the orders
are positive against molesting the inhabitants? Who is in command of
this party?"
McKay stood forth and saluted.
"You? A sergeant-major? Of the Royal Picts, too! You ought to know
better. Let the man go!"
"I beg your pardon, Sir Colin," began McKay; "but--"
"Don't argue with me, sir; do as I tell you. I have a great mind to
put you in arrest."
McKay still stood in an attitude of mute but firm protest.
"What does the fellow mean? Ask him, Shadwell. I suppose he must have
some reason, or he would not defy a general officer like this."
Captain Shadwell, one of Sir Colin's staff, took McKay aside, and,
questioning him, learnt all the particulars of the capture. McKay told
him, too, what had occurred at the Alma.
"The fellow must be a spy," said Sir Colin, abruptly, when the whole
of the facts were repeated to him. "We must cross-question him.
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