"The general has no need of an aide-de-camp now. We want every man that can stand upright in his boots. I have given up the command of the brigade myself so as to look the better after my men."
McKay accepted the reproof without a murmur, and only said—
"Well, sir, I am here now, and ready to do whatever I may be called upon. I feel my first duty is to my own colonel and my own corps."
"Do you mean that, young fellow?" said the colonel, thawing a little.
"Certainly, sir."
"Because they want to inveigle you away—on the staff. Lord Raglan has sent to inquire for you."
"I have no desire to go, sir," said McKay, simply; although his face flushed red at the compliment implied by the Commander-in-Chief's message.
"It seems he was pleased with the way you rallied those Frenchmen, and he has heard you are a good linguist, and he wants to put you on the staff."
"I had much rather stay with the regiment, sir," said McKay.
"Are you quite sure? You must not stand in your own light. This is a fine chance for you to get on in the service." The colonel's voice had become very friendly.