annot tell you. Some of the French generals are altogether against
assaulting the fortress. They would prefer operations in the open
field."

"What do they want, sir?"

"They would like to divide the whole allied forces into three distinct
armies: one to remain and guard the trenches, another to go round by
sea, so as to cut the Russian communications; and the third, when this
is completed, to attack the Mackenzie heights, and get in at the back
of the fortress."

"It seems rather a wild plan, sir."

"I agree with you--wild and impossible."

"Does the French commander-in-chief approve of it, sir?"

"General Canrobert does; but I think we have nearly seen the last of
him. I expect any day to hear that he has given up the command."

"Who will succeed him, sir?"

"Pelissier, I believe--a very different sort of man, as we shall see."

A few days later the change which has already been referred to took
place, and Marshal Pelissier came over to the English headquarters to
take part in a council of war. All the principal general officers of
both armies were present, and so was McKay, whose perfect acquaintance
with French made him useful in interpreting and facilitating the free
interchange of ideas.

The new French commander-in-chief was a prominent figure at the
council--a short, stout, hard-featured man, brusque in movements and
abrupt in speech; a man of much decision of character, one who made up
his mind quickly, was intolerant of all opposition, and doggedly
determined to force his will upon others.

When it came to the turn of the French generals to speak, one of them
began a long protest against the attack as too hazardous. Several
others brought forward pet schemes of their own for reducing the
place.

"Enough!" said Pelissier, peremptorily. "You are not brought here to
discuss whether or how we should attack. That point is already settled
by my lord and myself."

He looked at Lord Raglan, who bowed assent.

"We have decided to attack the outworks on the 7th of the month."

"But I dissent," began General Bosquet.

"Did you not hear me? I tell you we have decided to attack. You are
only called together to arrange how it can best be carried out."

"I have a paper here in which I have argued out the principles on
which an attack should be conducted," said another, General Niel, an
engineer.

"Ah!" said Pelissier, "you gentlemen are very clever--I admit your
scientific knowledge--but when I want y