n before you. Who
knows? That field-marshal's baton may have been in your pack after
all!"

While they still talked a message was brought to McKay from General
Wilders; the brigadier wished to see him at once.

"How is this, Mr. McKay?" said the general. "So you pretend to be a
cousin of mine? Sir Colin Campbell has told me of his meeting with
you, and now I find your name in full in the _Gazette_."

"It is no pretence, sir," replied Stanislas, with dignity.

"What! You call yourself a Wilders! By what right?"

"My mother is first cousin to the present Lord Essendine."

"Through whom?"

"Her father, Anastasius Wilders."

"I know--my father's brother. Then you belong to the elder branch. But
I never heard that he married."

"He married Priscilla Coxon in 1805."

"Privately?"

"I believe not. But it was much against his father's wish, and his
wife was never recognised by the family. His widow--you know my
grandfather died early--married a second time, and thus increased the
breach between the families."

"It's a strange story. I don't know what to think of it. These
statements of yours--can they be substantiated?"

"Most certainly, sir, by the fullest proof. Besides, the present Lord
Essendine is quite aware of my existence, and has acknowledged my
relationship."

"Never openly: you must admit that."

"No, we were simple people; not grand enough, I suppose, for his
lordship. At any rate, we were too proud to be patronised, and
preferred to go our own way."

"I acknowledge you, Mr. McKay, without hesitation, and am proud to own
so gallant a young man as my relative. You have indeed maintained the
soldierly reputation of our family. Shake hands!"

"You are very kind, sir; I hope to continue to deserve your good
opinion," and McKay rose to take his leave.

"Stay, Cousin McKay, I have more to say to you. What is this Sir Colin
tells me about your speaking Russian?"

Stanislas explained.

"It may prove extremely useful; we have not too many interpreters in
the army. I shall write to headquarters and report your
qualifications. Do you speak any other languages?"

"French, Spanish, and a little Turkish."

"By Jove! you ought to be on the staff; they want such men as you. Can
you sit on a horse?"

"I have ridden bare-backed many a dozen miles across the moors at
home."

"Faith! I will take you myself. I want an extra aide-de-camp, and my
cousin shall have the preference. I will send to Colonel Bl