about noon
McKay heard these words without emotion . He was too wretched , too much dulled by misfortune and the misery of his present condition , to feel fresh pain . Yet he slept again , and was in a dazed , half-stupid state when they fetched him out next morning and marched him down to the water 's edge , where he was put into a man-of-war 's boat and rowed across to the north side of the harbour . Prince Gortschakoff , the Russian commander-in-chief , had sent for him , and about noon he was taken before the great man , who had his headquarters in the Star Fort , well out of reach of the besiegers ' fire . The Prince , a portly , imposing figure , of haughty demeanour , and speaking imperiously , accosted McKay very curtly . `` I know all about you . Whether you are spy or traitor matters little : your life is forfeited .