It contains
painful news for you; but I thought it best to let you have it at
once."
He opened the telegram with trembling hands and read--
"Yesterday, Mr. McKay, of the quartermaster-general's staff, ventured
through the enemy's lines in the direction of the Tchernaya to make a
special reconnaissance. He unfortunately was captured. I sent a flag
of truce into Sebastopol, asking that he might be exchanged, but have
been peremptorily refused. Gortschakoff asserts that he is a Russian
subject and was taken red-handed as a spy. He is to be executed
immediately. Will renew request with strong protest, but fear there is
no hope."
Mr. Faulks groaned heavily and let the telegram fall on the ground.
"What has happened?" asked Mrs. Wilders, eagerly.
"You were right--too right. That poor boy--"
"Stanislas?"
"Yes; my poor nephew has fallen into the hands of these bloodthirsty
Russians, who are resolved to execute him as a traitor and a spy."
CHAPTER VI.
MARIQUITA'S QUEST.
Hyde's unfortunate affair with the sailor had ended in a broken rib
and a dislocated arm. He was taken back senseless to the camp of the
Royal Picts, and for some days required the closest care. It was
nearly a week before he so far recovered himself as to be able to give
any account of what had occurred, and longer before he remembered
accurately what was taking him to headquarters at the time of the
accident.
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