McKay, in Russian.

The old fellow bowed low, but made no answer.

He repeated the question in Italian and every other language of which
he was master, but obtained no reply. The man remained stupidly,
idiotically dumb, only grovelling lower and more abjectly each time.

"What an old jackass he is! I shall get nothing out of him, I'm
afraid. But it won't do to despise the message, wherever it comes
from. Take him outside," he said to his orderly, "while I go and see
the general." "You have no idea where this news comes from?" was
General Airey's first inquiry.

"The same source, I don't doubt; but of course I can't vouch for its
accuracy."

"It might be very important," the general was musing. "I am not sure
whether you know what we contemplate in these next few days?"

"In the direction of the Tchernaya, sir?"

"Precisely. Now that the Sardinian troops have all arrived, Lord
Raglan thinks we are strong enough to extend our position as far as
the river."

"I had heard nothing of it, sir?"

"If this news be true, the Russians appear to be better informed than
you are, McKay."

"And are preparing to oppose our movement?"

"That's just what I should like to know, and what gives so much
importance to these tidings. I only wish we could verify them. Where
is your messenger? Who is he?"

"A half-witted old Tartar; you will get nothing out of him, sir. I
have been trying hard this half-hour."

"But you know where the news comes from. Could you not follow it up to
its source?"

"I will do so at once, sir;" and within half-an-hour McKay was in his
saddle, riding down to Balaclava.

Valetta Joe was in his shop, distributing a batch of newly-baked bread
to a number of itinerant vendors, each bound to retail the loaves in
the various camps.

McKay waited until the place was clear, then accosted the baker
sharply.

"What was the good of your sending that old numbskull to me?"

"He give you letter. You not understand?"

"Yes, yes, I understand; but I want to be certain it is true."

"When Joe tell lies? You believe him before; if you like, believe him
again."

"But can't you tell me more about it? How many troops have the
Russians collected? Since when? What do they mean to do?"

"You ask Russian general, not me; I only know what I hear."

"But it would be possible to tell, from the position of the enemy,
something of their intentions. I could directly if I saw them."

"Then why you not go and look fo