General sympathy was expressed for Mr. McKay; the most august person
in the land sent a message of condolence to his mother through Lord
Essendine, who added a few kindly words on his own account.
"What curse lies heavy on our line? It seems fatal to come within
reach of heirship to the family-honours. Ere long there will be no
Wilders left, and the title of Essendine will become extinct," wrote
the old peer to Mrs. McKay. "Your boy, a fine, fearless young fellow,
whom I neglected too long and who deserved a nobler fate, is the
latest victim. Pray Heaven he may yet escape! I will strive hard to
help him in his present dire peril."
Lord Essendine was as good as his word. He had great influence,
political and diplomatic: great friends in high place at every court
in Europe. Among others, the Russian ambassador at Vienna was under
personal obligations to him of long standing, and did not hesitate
when called upon to acknowledge the debt.
Telegrams came and went from London to Vienna, from Vienna to St.
Petersburg, backwards and forwards day after day, yet nothing was
effected by Lord Essendine's anxious, energetic advocacy. The Czar
himself was appealed to, but the Autocrat of All the Russias would not
deign to intervene. He was inexorable. The law military must take its
course.
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