McKay waited until the place was clear, then accosted the baker sharply.
"What was the good of your sending that old numbskull to me?"
"He give you letter. You not understand?"
"Yes, yes, I understand; but I want to be certain it is true."
"When Joe tell lies? You believe him before; if you like, believe him again."
"But can't you tell me more about it? How many troops have the Russians collected? Since when? What do they mean to do?"
"You ask Russian general, not me; I only know what I hear."
"But it would be possible to tell, from the position of the enemy, something of their intentions. I could directly if I saw them."
"Then why you not go and look for yourself?" asked Joe, carelessly; but there was a glitter in his eyes which gave a deep meaning to the simple question.
"Why not?" said McKay, whom the look had escaped. "It is well worth the risk."