al was saying. "Of course we will, to the
last. But if the French could only come up in force we might still
retrieve the day. You see we are well inside, though I cannot say
exactly where."

At this moment the officer who had been speaking to McKay touched his
hat and said to the general--

"There is some one here who can tell you, I think, sir."

"Who is that? A prisoner?"

"One of our own people. McKay, of the headquarter staff. A man whom
the Russians took, and whom we have just recovered."

"McKay!" cried the aide-de-camp, joyfully. "Where is he?"

Our hero was speedily surrounded by a group of sympathetic friends, to
whom he gave a short account of himself. Then he briefly explained to
the general the position in which they were.

"It is as I thought," said the general. "We have pierced the Russian
works above the man-of-war harbour, and, if reinforced promptly, can
take the whole of the line in reverse. Will you let Lord Raglan know?
and the attack might then be renewed on this side."

"I fear there is no hope of that," said the aide-de-camp, gloomily.

"Have we failed, then?" asked McKay.

His friend shook his head.

"Completely. I cannot tell why exactly, but I know that part of the
French started prematurely. There was some mistake about the
signal-rocket. This gave the alarm to the whole garrison."

"Yes; I heard them turning out in the middle of the night."

"And the consequence was they were ready for us at all points. Our
attacking parties at the Redan were met with a tremendous fire, and
literally mowed down. Our losses have been frightful. All the
generals--Sir John Campbell, Lacy, yea, and Shadford--are killed, and
ever so many more. It's quite heartbreaking."

"And will nothing more be tried to-day?"

"I fear not, although Lord Raglan is quite ready; but the French are
very dispirited. Goodness knows how it will end! The only slice of
luck is Eyre's getting in here; but I doubt if he can remain."

"Why not?"

"The enemy's fire is too galling, and it appears to be on the
increase."

"I fancy they are bringing the ships' broadsides to bear."

"Yes, and we are bound to suffer severely. But you, McKay; I see you
are wounded. We must try and get you to the rear."

"Never mind me," said McKay, pluckily; "I will take my chance and wait
my turn."

The chance did not come for many hours. Eyre's brigade continued to be
terribly harassed; they were not strong enough to advance, yet they