Since then he has been writing without
intermission. By-and-by he will ride through the camp, seeing into
everything with his own eyes."
"His lordship is indefatigable: it is the least we can do to follow
his example," said McKay, as he hurried away.
This was one of many such conversations between our hero and his new
chief. By degrees the quartermaster-general came to value the
common-sense opinion of this practical young soldier, and to discuss
with him unreservedly the more pressing needs of the hour.
There was as yet no improvement in the state of the Crimean army; on
the contrary, as winter advanced, it deteriorated, pursued still by
perverse ill-luck. The weather was terribly inclement, alternating
between extremes. Heavy snowstorms and hard frosts were followed by
thaws and drenching rains. The difficulties of transport continued
supreme. Roads, mere spongy sloughs of despond, were nearly
impassable, and the waste of baggage-animals was so great that soon
few would remain.
To replace them with fresh supplies became of paramount importance.
"We must draw upon neighbouring countries," said General Airey,
talking it over one day with McKay. "It ought to have been done
sooner. But better now than not at all. I will send to the Levant, to
Constantinople, Italy--"
"Spain," suggested McKay.
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