"
"You think so, do you? On what ground, pray?" said Mr. Faulks, with
the slight sneer of superior knowledge.
"The _Times_ man hints as much. There has long been a rumour of some
change in the plan of operations, and he seems to be right in his
conjecture."
"He knows nothing at all about it--how can he?" said Mr. Faulks,
contemptuously.
"You must forgive my differing with you. It is not my business to say
how he obtains his information, but I have generally found that he is
right. Now, this great expedition--"
"Is all moonshine!" cried Mr. Faulks, losing his temper, and thrown
off his guard. "It's quite a small affair--a trip round the Sea of
Azof, and the reduction of Kertch."
"The old affair revived, in fact."
"Neither more nor less. There is no intention at the present moment of
drawing any large detachment from the siege. On the contrary, every
effort is being strained to bring it to an end."
"Quite right too; it ought to be vigorously prosecuted--attack should
follow attack."
"We shall hear of one or more before long," went on Mr. Faulks,
growing more and more garrulous. "Our advanced trenches are creeping
very near, and I expect any day to hear that the French have stormed
the Mamelon, and our people the Quarries."
"Indeed? That is very interesting.
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