and after breakfast he saw us all, the heads of departments
and three divisional generals. Since then he has been writing without
intermission. By-and-by he will ride through the camp, seeing into
everything with his own eyes."

"His lordship is indefatigable: it is the least we can do to follow
his example," said McKay, as he hurried away.

This was one of many such conversations between our hero and his new
chief. By degrees the quartermaster-general came to value the
common-sense opinion of this practical young soldier, and to discuss
with him unreservedly the more pressing needs of the hour.

There was as yet no improvement in the state of the Crimean army; on
the contrary, as winter advanced, it deteriorated, pursued still by
perverse ill-luck. The weather was terribly inclement, alternating
between extremes. Heavy snowstorms and hard frosts were followed by
thaws and drenching rains. The difficulties of transport continued
supreme. Roads, mere spongy sloughs of despond, were nearly
impassable, and the waste of baggage-animals was so great that soon
few would remain.

To replace them with fresh supplies became of paramount importance.

"We must draw upon neighbouring countries," said General Airey,
talking it over one day with McKay. "It ought to have been done
sooner. But better now than not at all. I will send to the Levant, to
Constantinople, Italy--"

"Spain," suggested McKay.

"To be sure! What do you suppose we could get from Spain?"

"Thousands of mules and plenty of horses."

"It is worth thinking of, although the distance is great," replied the
quartermaster-general. "I will speak to Lord Raglan at once on the
subject. By-the-way, I think you know Spanish?"

"Yes," said McKay, "fairly well."

"Then you had better get ready to start. If any one goes, I will send
you."

This was tantamount to an order. General Airey's advice was certain to
be taken by Lord Raglan.

Next morning McKay started for Gibraltar, specially accredited to the
Governor of the fortress, and with full powers to buy and forward
baggage-animals as expeditiously as possible.

CHAPTER XXI.

AGAIN ON THE ROCK.

McKay travelled as far as Constantinople in one of the man-of-war
despatch-boats used for the postal service. There he changed into a
transport homeward bound, and proceeded on his voyage without delay.

But half-an-hour at Constantinople was enough to gain tidings of the
_Arcadia_ and her passengers.