The next piece of information that reached McKay from the same source, but by a different messenger, was more readily credited. He learnt this time that the Russians intended to establish a new kind of battery in front of the Karabel suburb.
"What kind?" asked McKay.
The messenger, a hungry-looking Tartar who spoke broken English, but when encouraged explained himself freely in Russian, said—
"Big guns; they sink one end deep into the ground, the other point very high."
"I understand. They want to give great elevation, so as to increase the range."
"Yes, you see. They will reach right into your camp."
Again the information proved correct. Within a couple of days the camps of the Third and Fourth Divisions, hitherto deemed safe from the fire of the fortress, were disturbed by the whistling of round-shot in their midst. The fact was reported in due course to headquarters.
"You see, sir, it is just what I was told," said McKay to General Airey.
"Upon my word, you deserve great credit. You seem to have organised an intelligence department of your own, and, what is more to the purpose, your fellow seems always right."
McKay was greatly gratified at this encouragement, and eager to be still more useful. He visited the Maltese baker again, and urged him to continue supplying him with news.