"Because Joe's a scoundrel to offer it. Do you suppose I am to be bribed in that way? But here: I tell you what we are after. This gentleman," pointing to McKay, "wants news from the other side."
"Why you come to me? I nothing to do with other side."
"You can help him, you know that, and you must; or we will bundle you out of this and send you back to Constantinople."
The provost-marshal's manner was not to be mistaken.
"What can I do, sare?"
"Find out some one who can pass through the lines and bring or send him to my friend."
"Who is this gentleman?"
"He is one of Lord Raglan's staff; his name is Mr. McKay."
A close observer would have seen that the baker started slightly at the name and that he bent an eager, inquisitive look upon McKay.
"Will the gentleman give promise to do no harm to me or my people?"