They would have been altogether happy, these long days of
convalescence, but for his enforced absence from his duties, and the
distressing news that came from the front.
Lord Raglan had never recovered from the disappointment of the 18th of
June. The failure of the attack, and the loss of many personal
friends, preyed upon his spirits, and he suddenly became seriously
ill. He never rallied, sank rapidly, and died in a couple of days, to
the great grief of the whole army.
No one felt it more than McKay, to whom the sad news was broken by his
old chief.
"It is very painful to think," said Sir Richard Airey, "that he passed
away at the moment of failure; that he was not spared to see the
fortress fall--for it must fall."
"Of course it must, sir," said McKay. "This last attack ought to have
succeeded. The Russians were in sore straits."
"It was the French who spoiled everything by their premature advance.
I knew we could do nothing until they had taken the Malakoff. That is
the key of the position."
"You are right, sir. I myself heard Todleben say those very words."
"Did you? That is important intelligence. It must not be forgotten
when the time comes to organise a fresh attack."
"I shall be well then, I hope, sir, and able to go in with the first
column. I think I could show the way.
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