"
"When can he start?" asked McKay eagerly, accepting without hesitation
all the risks of this perilous undertaking.
"To-night, if you choose. Come down here by-and-by; I have everything
ready."
McKay agreed, and returned to headquarters in all haste, where he
sought out his chief and confided to him his intentions.
"You are really prepared to penetrate the enemy's lines? It will be a
daring, dangerous job, McKay. I should be wrong to encourage you."
"It is of vital importance, you say, that we should really know what
the enemy is doing beyond the Tchernaya. I am quite ready to go, sir."
"Lord Raglan--all of us--indeed, will be greatly indebted to you if
you can find out. But I do not like this idea of the disguise, McKay.
You ought not to go under false colours."
"I should probably learn more."
"Yes; but do you know what your fate would be if you were discovered?"
"I suppose I should be hanged, sir," said McKay, simply.
"Hanged or shot. Spies--everyone out of uniform is a spy--get a very
short shrift at an enemy's hand. No; you must stick to your legitimate
dress. I am sure Lord Raglan would allow you to go under no other
conditions."
"As you wish, sir. Only I fear I should not be so useful as if I were
disguised."
"It is my order," said the general, briefly; and after that there was
nothing more to be said.
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