"You did, sir," replied one of the overwrought secretaries, without stopping his work for a moment. "And we got no answer."
"Would it be possible for me to get in under a flag of truce?" asked Eager.
"Quite possible," said his lordship, with a faint smile; "but decidedly risky, and you certainly would not come out again."
"There are occasional truces for picking up the wounded, are there not?"
"We have never asked for one, As a rule the Russians request it after one of their big sorties. If you wait a while--one never knows what night they will come out. What was your idea?"
"Simply to inquire among the Russian officers. There could be no objection to that, I presume?"
"Not the slightest. You might learn something. It is just a chance."
"Then I will wait for that chance, with your lordship's permission."
"By all means, Mr. Eager, and I wish you all success; also please convey to Sir George Herapath our thanks for all he has done for the men here, and accept the same yourself. They have suffered grievously. His son's death was a great loss to us. He was a fine young fellow."
And Eager bowed himself out.