He has few drugs; but, as he says, that would hardly
matter if the men could have warmth and nourishment."
"Something might be done, sir, with system; the quartermaster--"
"You are right. Let us consult him. Hyde is still acting, and he has
already proved himself a shrewd, hard-headed old soldier."
Quartermaster-sergeant Hyde--for he had accepted the grade, although
unwillingly--came and stood "at attention" before his superiors.
"As to food, sir," he said, "the men might be provided with hot
coffee, and, I think, hot soup, on coming off duty. I am only doubtful
as to the sufficiency of fuel."
"There is any quantity of drift-wood just now--wreckage--floating in
Balaclava Harbour," suggested McKay.
"We must have it sir, somehow," said Hyde, eagerly. "But can we get it
up to the front?"
"We'll lay an embargo on all the baggage-animals in camp. Take the
whole lot down to Balaclava, and lay hands on every scrap of timber."
"As to clothing, sir, an uncle of mine has come up with a
heavily-laden ship--hutting-timbers mostly, but he may have some spare
blankets, sailors' pea-jackets, jerseys, and so forth."
"And boots, long boots or short--all kinds will be acceptable. Get
anything and everything that is warm. I'll pay out of my own pocket
sooner than not have them.
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