"
"It's only prejudice, I suppose," said McKay, laughing; "but it will
be as well, I think, to keep your secret."
But horseflesh was better than no meat, and the men of the Royal Picts
throve well and kept their strength upon Hyde's soups and savoury
stews. Thanks to the care bestowed upon them, the regiment kept up its
numbers in a marvellous way--it even returned more men for duty than
corps which had just arrived, and the difference between it and others
in the camp-grounds close by was so marked that Lord Raglan came over
and complimented Blythe upon the condition of his command.
"I can't tell how you manage, Blythe," said his lordship; "I wish we
had a few more regiments like the Picts."
"It is all system, my lord, and I have reason, I think, to be proud of
ours--that and an excellent regimental staff. I have a capital
quartermaster and a first-rate adjutant."
"I should like to see them," said Lord Raglan.
McKay and Hyde were brought forward and presented to the
Commander-in-Chief.
"Mr. McKay, I know your name. You behaved admirably at Inkerman. I
have just had a letter, too, about you from England."
"About me, my lord?" said Stanislas, astonished.
"Yes, from Lord Essendine, your cousin. And, to oblige him, no less
than on your own account, I must renew my offer of an appointment on
the headquarter staff.
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