I dare you to
treat me as a Russian now!"
"We will treat you as we find you, Mr. McKay: as an interloper
disguised for an improper purpose within our lines."
"What shall you do with me?" asked McKay, in a firm voice, but with a
sinking heart.
"Hang you like a dog to the nearest tree. Or, stay! out of respect for
your father, whom I knew, and if you prefer it, you shall be shot."
"I am in your power. But I warn you that, if you execute me, the
merciless act will be remembered throughout Europe as an eternal
disgrace to the Russian arms."
This bold speech was not without its effect. The general consulted
with his staff, and a rather animated discussion followed, at the end
of which he said--
"I am not to be deterred by any such threats: still, it will be better
to refer your case to my superiors. I shall send you into Sebastopol,
to be dealt with as Prince Gortschakoff may think fit, only do not
expect more at his hands than at mine. Rope or rifle--one of them will
be your fate. See he is sent off, Colonel Golopine, will you? And now
take him away."
McKay was marched out of the marquee, still under the escort of
Cossacks. But outside he was presently handed over to a fresh party;
they brought up a shaggy pony--it might have been the fellow of the
one he had left behind the previous night--and curtly bade him mount.
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