CHAPTER IX.THE RETREAT.In spite of the cold I fell asleep at last, and did not waken until the morning.The Austrians were already stirring--indeed, they had been under arms since the dawn; and I saw by the aid of my glass that three batteries had been pushed forward nearer the town.I snatched a hasty breakfast, consisting of a piece of black bread, a slice of bacon, and a draught of silovitz, afterwards taking command of my shattered company.The daylight, alas, showed only too plainly the havoc caused by the recent conflict. Many familiar faces were absent from the ranks, and a large number of those who answered to their names were wounded.Still, the satisfaction of knowing we had stood our ground cheered us, and we looked forward to the coming attack without much fear for the result."Feel equal to another bout?" asked the colonel, coming up to me.He had not slept since the fight began on the previous morning, but his eyes were as bright and his carriage as jaunty as ever."Daresay I shall get through somehow," I answered. "But what are the others waiting for? Have they had enough? The attack seems to hang fire a bit.""Windischgratz won't strike till he can make pretty sure of hitting the mark. Probably he expects Schlick to join him.""According to the scouts, Schlick can't arrive till it's all over.""Don't make too sure. Schlick's a perfect demon when the guns begin to speak. His corps would have to march all night if there was a chance of getting up in time. Anyway, had I been Dembinski, I should have forced the fighting directly day broke; but no doubt the old man knows his business."Rakoczy walked on, passing along the lines smiling good-humouredly, joking with the men, praising them for their behaviour of yesterday, and putting them in famous spirits. Certainly one had not far to seek the reason of his popularity.Meanwhile the morning advanced, and about seven o'clock the enemy's heavy guns opened fire at Kapolna.Evidently the attack was to be conducted on a different plan, and very soon the cause of the alteration became plain.Our position not being threatened, we were able to look about, and from the height obtained a good view of the field.It was just eight o'clock when Rakoczy, passing his glass to an officer, exclaimed, "That's what I feared. See the column of smoke there on our right?""The enemy are spreading themselves out too far. Dembinski could easily cut off their left. The Pole is getting too old for active service. Why doesn't he push forward a couple of battalions quickly?"Rakoczy smiled. "You don't know what that column of smoke means," he said. "It's a sign that Schlick has arrived with a fresh army corps.""Impossible!" cried one of the officers. "His men would all have dropped on the march."In spite of our astonishment, however, the Austrian general was on the field, and pounding away at our right wing with terrific effect.His arrival put fresh heart into our opponents, and they moved forward in the centre, redoubling their fire on the wretched town. The tide of battle set steadily towards our centre and right, leaving us simple spectators.I suppose it was important to keep possession of the heights, yet it seemed a pity to stand thus idly while our comrades were fighting so desperately.Of the combat on our right we saw little, but in the centre we could distinctly see the rush of the two Austrian battalions as their officers led them against the town.A fierce musketry fire checked them for a second, and I thought they would fall to pieces; but no--the two-headed eagle showed the way, and the brave infantry followed the national symbol.On they went, and with an exulting cry swept into the town, from which there immediately arose tongues of fire.The combat was now hidden from us, and we watched in the greatest excitement for what would happen.The fight inside the town was of the most bitter nature, but, little by little, our comrades were forced back, rushing out at last in a disorderly crowd.A couple of hundred yards away they stopped their flight, re-formed, and, led as far as we could tell by Dembinski in person, made a gallant but unsuccessful attempt to regain the town.Three times they returned to the attack; but the Austrians, now reinforced, proved too strong, and at length, sallying out, drove the Magyars back to a farm-house, round which a fierce conflict was maintained.It was at this time that Stephen rode up with an order for our colonel, and instantly the regiment was on the move.My brother's face brightened when he saw me, and he stopped to say a word or two.I asked him how the battle was going, and he replied in a whisper, "Altogether against us; and only Görgei's bravery has kept the right. Good-bye! In an hour there will be an avalanche."Stephen might well have made the time shorter: in half an hour we were face to face with the signs of the coming rout. At first only a few men here and there scudded away as fast as their legs would carry them, but their fright was contagious. It spread from regiment to regiment, from man to man.The officers in vain attempted to stay the retreat. The infantry broke up in disorder, each man trying to save himself; the artillery, infected by the sudden panic, wheeled their guns round and galloped off as fast as the horses could travel. The famous hussars, almost alone, retired slowly and in beautiful order.Our own regiment, influenced by the sight of the fugitives, showed signs of unsteadiness; but Rakoczy, in his usual cheerful manner, threatened to shoot the first who ran, and thus averted the danger.Very fortunate indeed it proved that the men kept their ranks, as we were suddenly assailed by a body of hussars, who did their best to ride us down."Steady, my lads!" cried the colonel. "Keep shoulder to shoulder. If you give way, we're lost."The leader of the hussars was a handsome young fellow with fair hair and blue eyes, and even in the stress of the fight I recognized Captain von Theyer, one of the leaders of the Viennese insurgents.He caught my astonished look, and dashed at me sword in hand; but a bullet struck his horse in the chest, and the animal reeled over heavily.A trooper sprang to the ground, and, dragging his leader free, helped him to mount his own horse, and carried him out of the fray."A gallant fellow and a gallant deed," I said, thinking of the trooper, as the hussars galloped off."Well done, lads!" cried Rakoczy. "They will learn to respect the 9th Honveds."We had, however, not yet finished with the hussars, who, led by Von Theyer, returned again and again to the charge, striving desperately to break our ranks.Met each time by a rain of bullets, they wheeled and galloped away, though twice Von Theyer brought them within touch of the bayonets.It seemed odd that a prominent revolutionist should thus be leading a charge of Austrian cavalry; but whatever his politics might be, there was no questioning his bravery.Three times we sent them back with many empty saddles, but their fair-haired young leader was not to be denied."Steady!" exclaimed the colonel. "Keep your fire! Here they come!"They made a brilliant show with their shining breastplates and helmets and nodding plumes as, holding their sabres ready, they thundered down on us."Fire!"Steady as rocks, the Honveds kept their ground; the rifles blazed out; the hussars were checked.No! Here they were amongst us, cutting and slashing; and foremost of them all rode Von Theyer.A superb rider and a fine swordsman, he was thebeau idealof a cavalry leader, and handled his men splendidly.As if I were the special object of attack, he rode straight at me, and crying, "Remember Vienna!" struck furiously with his sword.With difficulty I parried that blow and several others; but Von Theyer stuck to his work, and the glittering steel flashed incessantly about my head.I was kept far too busy to see how the fight went elsewhere, but every now and then I heard Rakoczy's cheery voice, and guessed that all was well.Suddenly there rose a cry in German of "Back! back!" and Von Theyer, roused to a sense of his men's danger, reluctantly drew off.It was high time. Bearing down from the left, came two squadrons of our own hussars, mounted on magnificent horses, which carried them straight through the disordered ranks of the Austrians.Then my young opponent showed his value as a leader. With skill equal to his bravery he got his men together, and with little extra loss, as far as could be judged, retired in good order."That fellow meant business," said the colonel, as we continued the retreat. "See what comes from interfering in the concerns of other people.""What do you mean? I haven't done anything to make him angry.""Ha, ha!" laughed Rakoczy. "What about saving the fräulein's life? Do you think this young gallant likes you any the better for getting into the lady's good graces? I'm glad to see you blush; it shows there is some blood left in your body, which I began to doubt."Later on I thought a good deal of this little speech, for I had never forgotten the fair young girl in Vienna; but just then there were many things to distract my attention.Except for our own regiment and the regular cavalry, the Hungarian army had become a helpless, drifting mob.Heavy guns, baggage-wagons, creaking carts filled with the wounded, infantry without arms, dismounted horsemen, knots of soldiers separated from their officers, some running, others moving with a dogged sullenness, were all jumbled together in extraordinary confusion.Had the Austrians followed up their victory, they could have swept us all, bag and baggage, into the Theiss.Fortunately the pursuit was confined to a single brigade, and even that we had the utmost difficulty in beating off.About two miles eastward of Kapolna, Görgei rode up, attended by his staff, and a ringing cheer greeted his arrival.His cap was gone, his clothes bore the marks of close hand-to-hand fighting, there was blood on his cheeks, yet he did not look downcast--only savagely determined."Colonel," he said, "do you see that wood? Your regiment must hold it for the next two hours--three, if possible, but two for certain.""We'll hold it, general, living or dead," replied Rakoczy."Good! If I can stop any of those wretched runaways, they shall support you.""We'll do it by ourselves, general," cried an old sergeant; and the men, repeating his words, cheered loudly.The general's face lit up with a proud smile."I'll trust you, my fine fellows!" he said, and off he dashed at full gallop, the officers of the staff trying in vain to keep pace with him.We reached the wood and took up a position, just in time to receive the attack of a lancer regiment, which came on with gaily fluttering pennons.Down toppled the first rank, horse and rider, as the rifle fire blazed out. The others, wheeling to right and left, galloped off in two long lines.Again they came, but it was cruel work for them. Hardly an enemy could they see, yet the bullets sped fast and true, and hardly a lance-point reached the line of rifles.Then, to complete the misfortune of these gallant fellows, the hussars, making a brave show in their gaudy trappings, again came to our assistance, riding up from the left, and, before the lancers had time to re-form, scattered them in all directions."A cheer for the hussars, my lads!" cried Rakoczy, and we sent up a shout that might have been heard a mile off.The brave fellows waved their sabres in response as they galloped past to their former position on the left of the wood, out of sight, but ready to lend us a helping hand.The time dragged on very slowly. The lancers had disappeared, but a regiment of Croats took their place, and peppered us from a distance with their long guns.Then we heard on our left the rattle of sabres, the clash of steel against breastplate and helmet, "Forward! forward!" in German, and knew that our friendly hussars were engaged in fierce conflict.At the same time the Croats, like savage dogs unleashed, bounded across the open ground.The Honveds stood firm, and fired as fast as they could load; but in the excitement the bullets flew wide, and though many of the southern warriors fell, we could not stay the onslaught.They had left their stanitzas behind, and with wild yells came on, their famous red mantles fluttering in the wind, their terrible handjars gripped tightly.Our men continued firing till the very last instant, then a hand-to-hand struggle began.The active Croats jumped like wild cats at our throats, and it was a case of life or death with every man thus attacked. None asked for quarter, none thought of giving it; it was a terrible life-and-death struggle between Croat and Magyar.Had half a battalion been sent to the help of our assailants, we must have been driven out, so evenly were the scales balanced; fortunately they were left to do the work by themselves, and just failed.Every minute after the first rude shock helped us, for the hot fit of the Croats cooled, while the Magyars fought with increased stubbornness.Finally, we pushed them out of the wood, and the ping of the bullets was heard again as the Magyars, reloading their rifles, poured a volley into the midst of the fugitives.I watched them go, and then, faint from loss of blood, leaned against a tree.Another victory such as that, I well knew, would clean out the 9th Honveds, and so did Rakoczy; but he didn't say so.On the contrary, I heard him praising the men for their bravery, and telling them that with another good regiment they could drive the Austrians back to Vienna.When he caught sight of me he said softly,--"Hurt, George?""Another scratch," I replied faintly; "but, I say, colonel, what has become of the hussars?""Vanished. Beaten off by numbers, I expect. We shall have those lancers gliding amongst us soon; but come and lie down behind a tree for a while. The two hours are nearly up, and we shall be moving.""No, I shall be all right; but isn't that a cloud of fog?""It is, my boy--the jolliest fog you've ever seen, and just in the nick of time. That will stop the Austrians better than a thousand bayonets. Well, if you won't lie down, you won't.--My lads, I don't think Captain Botskay's company need hang their heads when the battle of Kapolna is mentioned;" and he went on his way, carrying encouragement to every part of the line.Rakoczy had blessed the fog; and, indeed, it proved of the utmost service to us.Without our knowing it, the situation had become critical. The friendly hussars had been compelled to retreat; the Austrian lancers were working round our left; the Croats, mad for vengeance, were clamouring to be led to the attack; and two light batteries had been pushed up to shell us from the wood.At the very first discharge of the cannons, Rakoczy retired the greater part of the regiment, confident that the enemy would not attack for some time.My company was left to further the deception, and between the discharges of the big guns the men kept up a vigorous musketry fire, which, though it did little or no damage, warned the enemy we were still in our places.It was gloomy work standing there in the thick fog, while the shot and shell screaming over our heads lopped the branches from the trees or tore great holes in the ground. Occasionally a man would sink with a deep groan, but for the most part we were untouched; and when at length the colonel sent us word to withdraw, we were able to carry off all our wounded.The fog by now had become so thick that we could not see the trees, though we felt them frequently; but out of the wood the marching was easier.We tramped on in the midst of the darkness like a regiment of lost souls.The earth was blotted out completely. It was worse even than what we had encountered in the mountains. We could see nothing, and hear nothing beyond the muffled sound of our own footsteps.As far as I could tell, we might be marching right into the midst of the Austrian troops.The fog filled our nostrils and throats, almost choking us.The intense silence was appalling. For my part, I should gladly have welcomed the roar of hostile cannon, just to be sure we were still in the land of the living.The wound in my shoulder, which Mecsey Sándor had bandaged, bled afresh; my head grew heavy; my eyes ached with pain; I felt hardly able to keep upright. Once my foot slipped, and the man against whom I stumbled, taking my arm, supported me.I was ashamed of my weakness, yet it was good to lean upon a strong arm, and for a time I walked quite steadily.An extraordinary accident put an end to my powers of endurance, and left me with no more strength than that of a baby.We were walking step for step, my companion and I, when suddenly I brought my foot, not to the ground, but into the air, and pitching forward, fell into icy-cold water.My companion came too. Others followed us, some dropping clear into the water, some breaking holes in the coating of ice that before our arrival had covered its surface.In the thick fog we had walked into a stream. Fortunately it was of no great depth, the water being only up to our waists; but the shock, the bitter cold, and the struggle for breath took away all my remaining strength.The soldier, however, kept firm hold, and pulling me on my feet, pushed and dragged me till we reached the opposite side, when another man pulled me out.Concerning the rest of the inarch I remember very little. Two men seemed to be carrying me cradle-fashion, and occasionally a tall, dimly-seen figure put some food into my mouth.Sometimes they placed me on the ground, where I stayed for hours; then raising me again they carried me as before.The fog went with us all the time, so I could not divide night from day, and no sound ever broke the weird silence.At last there came a time--how long or short soever from the beginning of the journey I did not know--when I saw the burning of many lights, as of huge watch-fires, and heard the shouting of men.My bearers joined in the noise, and then, putting me down, fell to waving their arms violently, and the black shadows going to and fro across the lights looked like windmills.After that they took me to some covered place, where, being warm and comfortable, I straightway fell asleep.From then my impressions grew more distinct. I remember seeing Rakoczy's face, which looked less cheerful than usual, and the spectacled countenance of Görgei.I thought Stephen also looked sorrowfully at me, but that was a dream, as I afterwards discovered.It would have suited me to lie thus snug and cosy for ever; but the march was not ended, and one day I was carried into the open and placed in the bottom of a cart.Several other men were already there, and one in particular groaned most miserably at every jolt of the clumsy vehicle.Of course, I saw little of what went on, but the fog had departed, and the blessed light of day itself cheered me, while it was good again to hear the different sounds--the rumbling of wheels, the neigh of horses, the shouts of the drivers, the steady tramp, tramp as of the marching of thousands of men.That ghostly regiment, gliding through the blackness, unseen, unheard, had in my weakened state preyed on my nerves.Now I was really in the land of living beings again, and I smiled to myself at hearing the crack of the carter's whip, and the familiar words addressed to the horses.Somewhere on the journey we halted a long, long time, and at length proceeded very slowly and cautiously.We were crossing the Theiss on a narrow and temporary bridge, though the infantry had gone over on the ice.Soon after this the wounded man at my side ceased his groaning, which enabled me to go to sleep; but I did not guess that the poor fellow would never disturb any of us again.The next time the wagon halted, a man, clambering into it, brought a flask, from which several of us drank.The stuff, whatever its name, had a strange flavour, something like new milk; but it warmed me all over, and even before the cart again started I was sound asleep.CHAPTER X.ON THE SICK LIST.I awoke to find myself lying on a heap of straw in a mud hovel, having one very narrow door, and a window about a foot square, through which the daylight tried to force a way.The meagre light from two candles showed that I was not the only inmate of this poverty-stricken dwelling.Ranged round the walls were five other figures, each on a bundle of straw and wrapped in a bunda.The air was very close, and there was a strong smell of pigs, which made me think that some unfortunate animals had been turned out, or perhaps converted into pork, to make room for us.However, I felt warm, and warmth in those days was the greatest happiness.I positively shuddered at the mere remembrance of the intense cold of the last week or two.It was all very calm and still, when a man in the opposite corner sat up, and in a high-pitched voice began to sing with all his might the well-known revolutionary song of Petöfi--"Rise, Magyars, rise!"He was evidently in a high state of fever and perfectly delirious, but he went right through the song without a mistake or a pause, and finished by cheering lustily for Hungary.Seen by the dim light, the spectacle was wonderfully striking. The bandages stained with blood, the face deadly white, the large, dark, fiery eyes burning with fever, the thin arm, freed from its covering, energetically beating time--all these moved me profoundly."That's Petreskey," said the man next to me. "He takes a fit every now and then and makes that row. We came from Kapolna in the same cart, and if the black and yellow dogs hadn't shot my arm off, I'd have pitched him out. Who wants to hear that stuff? Lie down, will you, and let a fellow go to sleep.""Shut up, Janko! Can't you see the chap's out of his mind? Let the poor beggar sing. It does him good.""Shut up yourself!" growled my neighbour. "D'you think I want to lie here listening to that rubbish when my good right arm's gone from the shoulder? 'Rise, Magyars, rise' won't put that on again."Meanwhile Petreskey, staring round the room with his wild eyes, broke out again, and sang till he was too weak to utter another note.The two other men had taken no notice of the incident, but lay on their straw like logs.I tried to get into talk with the surly Janko, but he only grunted morosely and covered his head with his bunda.The next man, however, told me we had crossed the Theiss, and were now encamped at Tisza-Fured, on the road to Debreczin, but more than that he did not know.Towards noon a surgeon paid us a visit; but before that we had been fed by two soldier-servants, and I for one thoroughly enjoyed the hot, nourishing broth which they brought.The surgeon seemed a tender-hearted fellow, and had a kind word for every man in the room, even the bad-tempered Janko. He came to me last, and asked if I were not George Botskay, a captain in the 9th Honveds."What there is left of him," I answered; "but there doesn't appear to be much.""Nonsense! You'll be marching to Pesth in a week or so. Now you're fit to be moved, we must take you out of this. I'll see your colonel."I was glad to hear Rakoczy still lived, and inquired anxiously after Stephen."On General Görgei's staff?" asked the surgeon pleasantly. "Oh yes, but he is hardly ever to be found; the general keeps him galloping about the country day and night. At present I believe he is at Debreczin. Keep up your courage; you've pulled through the worst of it."This was pleasant hearing, and when the surgeon finally departed I nestled down on my heap of straw with quite a feeling of content. The day and night passed without further incident, except that the poor, crazed Petreskey woke me up from a sound sleep by another vigorous performance of "Rise, Magyars, rise!"Soon after breakfast the door opened, and Rakoczy entered, his face beaming with smiles, his eyes bright and sparkling.Stephen had once compared him with a sunbeam, but to me that morning he seemed more like a million sunbeams rolled into one.At the sight of him even Janko forgot to look sulky, and saluted with his remaining arm.None of the patients belonged to his regiment, but he went to each in turn, soothing the excited Petreskey, and speaking kindly words of sympathy and cheer to all.When, having satisfied himself that not one of the poor fellows would feel himself neglected, he came to me, he was fairly bubbling over with pleasure.His lips twitched nervously, and I believe his eyes were moist; but he carried the matter off in his usual jocular way."Well, George," he exclaimed, laughing, "I hear the silovitz got into your head, and you pushed poor Mecsey Sándor into the river. There's nothing like a cold bath when the brain's heated; but 'twas rather rough on Sándor, who had drunk none of your plum brandy. However, the poor fellow bears no malice, and will be glad to see you in your sober senses again.""Then it was Mecsey who saved my life?""Truth, you may say that. He hauled you out from under the ice, and pushed you on to dry land.""What a night it was! I should think the whole regiment had a drenching.""Yes, but they didn't go at it in your hot-headed way. After your company had found the stream, the others walked in quietly, and out at the other side. Görgei says he didn't think you were in such a hurry to retreat.""Don't poke fun, but tell me what happened. Were there many lives lost?""At the water-jump? No. A few ugly bruises covered the mischief. We lost heavily in the wood though, and have had to fill up the gaps with raw material. You'll be sorry to miss the chance of drilling the recruits.""Had quite enough of that at Pesth," I replied, laughing."And a very fine drill-sergeant you'd have made by sticking at it; but I'm keeping the men outside waiting. They're going to take you to another hut. It's quite as dirty as this; but you'll have more room, and be with the officers of your own regiment."He went to the door and called two men, who carried me out tenderly to an ambulance, and then, helped by two comrades, bore me some two hundred yards over very rough and uneven ground to a hovel which might have been twin brother to the one I had just left.There were the same narrow door and square foot of window, while the furniture consisted of three bundles of straw, two being already occupied. My nose also informed me that the former inmates of the place had been on terms of social intercourse with the pigs."Gentlemen," said the colonel, "I have brought Captain Botskay to share your apartment."At the sound of the colonel's voice the figures on the straw showed signs of life, stirred, and finally sat up, when I recognized them as two young lieutenants named Thurzo and Dobozy."Glad to see you, captain," said the first, adding quickly, "That is, sorry you've been hurt, but right glad of your company."Dobozy had been wounded in the wood, and I had sent him to the rear, which he remembered and now gratefully acknowledged."I must be off," said the colonel, "but will look in to-morrow. Meanwhile I'll send Mecsey Sándor to wait on you; he'll be delighted, and you can't very well push him into another river."The soldiers had carried me with great care, but even so my limbs ached with the jolting, and after a little talk with my companions I was glad to drop into a sound sleep. Towards the evening Sándor arrived, and I thanked him warmly for what he had done."'Twas nothing, captain," replied he stolidly--"nothing at all compared with what you did for me in the mountains. You risked your life; I didn't.""You saved mine, though, and I shan't forget it."Neither of us spoke on the subject again; but I resolved that, when the war ended, the honest fellow should have reason to remember his brave act.The two lieutenants were already strong enough to hobble about, but several days passed before I was able to join them.Rakoczy called every morning, sometimes in the evening as well, and his visits did more toward our recovery than all the doctor's stuff.One day, however, he came to say good-bye. The regiment had received orders to recross the Theiss."We're going to drive the Austrians out of Szolnok, unless they take it into their heads to drive us back to Tisza-Fured. Bern has done wonders in Transylvania. The white-coats called the Russians in to help them, but the Pole has cleared the country of the lot. The news has put heart into Vetter, and he intends to move forward with the whole army.""What has Vetter to do with it?" I asked in surprise."Oh, I forgot you didn't know. He's the new chief. There's been a bit of a squabble, and Dembinski had to stand down; but it's all right now. Make haste and get well, or you'll have no share in planting the red, white, and green colours on the walls of Vienna;" and he went out, laughing merrily.I asked my comrades what the colonel meant by a squabble, but neither knew what had happened. Both, however, rejoiced at the fall of Dembinski; and Dobozy, who had been wounded at Poroszlo, said there was some angry talk among the officers of Görgei's brigade at that place.We questioned Sándor, but he knew little beyond the fact that there had been a general kravalle, or brawl, which brought Kossuth post-haste from Debreczin, and ended in Vetter being proclaimed commander-in-chief.The doctor told us the same story, but with few fresh details; and it was not until Stephen found time to hunt me up that we learned the truth.My brother had altered much in the short time since the war broke out.From a boy, he seemed to have become a man all at once, and I cannot say that I liked the change.To me he was the same loving brother he had always been, and we embraced each other with every mark of affection; but there was a sternness of purpose in his face and a determined courage that I thought ill suited one who was really little more than a lad.The two lieutenants had very considerately gone outside, but now I called them in and introduced them to my brother."The general gives you little leisure time," Thurzo remarked."Very little," replied Stephen; "but then he gives himself less. I doubt if even Kossuth works harder.""Glad to hear you give the dictator his due.""Oh, I don't deny that Kossuth is an extraordinary man, a genius of the first water, and in his way a devoted patriot. Whether we win or lose the game, Kossuth's name will live for ever. Without his marvellous eloquence we couldn't have carried on the war; but though I admire the man I doubt his object. Kossuth the patriot deserves well of his country, but Kossuth the democrat is another person. We don't want a French revolution in our country.""Bravo!" cried Dobozy. "Hungary a kingdom is my motto; and not Hungary a republic.""The 9th Honveds are all royalists," remarked Thurzo quietly."And every regiment in the brigade," said Stephen. "Kossuth discovered that not very long ago.""Tell us about it, Stephen. We've only heard just the bare outline.""Well, the fuss began at Poroszlo during the retreat. As you know, Görgei's brigade did the covering work, and halted at Poroszlo. The place was strongly entrenched and fortified, and Dembinski sent orders that we were to occupy a position in front of the guns. You may be sure Görgei wasn't such an idiot as to obey, and the general talked about putting him under arrest. He sent off a messenger full speed to Debreczin, but by the time Kossuth arrived the game was over.""What had happened?"Stephen smiled grimly; he seemed to have forgotten how to laugh."We promptly shut the Pole up," he said; "and Kossuth found his chief general a prisoner.""And he submitted?""What else could he do? We were all in one mind. So the upshot of the matter was that the Diet gave the command to Vetter.""Not to Görgei?""No," said Stephen bitterly. "It's my opinion they're jealous of him. By the way, your regiment has distinguished itself at Szolnok. It led the attack, and fairly drove the Austrians out of the town.""Well done, 9th Honveds!" exclaimed Thurzo. "Wish I'd been with them!""There will be enough and to spare of fighting before the war ends," said my brother. "The army moves in a few days for Pesth."I asked him to look in again before they left, and he promised to do so if Görgei gave him a chance.When he had gone, my comrades talked over the news, and it was plain that, like myself, they foresaw trouble in the future.Thurzo put the matter very straight."If the Austrians win," he said, "we shall all have to pay, and a very dreary performance it will be. If the victory falls to us, we shall very soon be flying at one another's throats.""The army is with Görgei," I said."But Kossuth has a powerful following, and the Poles will help him to a man.""Worse still," said Dobozy. "Hungary is fast becoming the dumping-ground for the republicans of every country in Europe. Germans, Italians, French are all swarming over here like carrion-crows to a dead horse.""They wish to help the cause.""By forming a republic," replied Dobozy angrily; "and we won't have it. I'm like your brother, and think Kossuth a great genius; but he isn't the only man in Hungary."I record these remarks, because they serve to show how, even at this early period of the campaign, a wide gulf was opening between the two parties in the country. Later, it formed a deep grave in which we buried our hopes.Before the war ended we proved up to the hilt the truth of that old saying, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."Another day passed, and then Stephen came to say good-bye."I'm off with an important order for General Damjanics," he said. "The camp breaks up to-morrow. Why do you look so gloomy? You're mending nicely, and will be fit to travel in another week.""I hope so. It isn't pleasant to be left behind when others are going to the front.""Fortune of war, George, and it's no use grumbling. Well, good-bye; we shall meet in Pesth."I embraced him rather sadly, and, going outside, watched him mount and ride away.All that day we looked on at the preparations for the march, and early the next morning went to see the breakup of the camp. The men, who were in good spirits, sang at their work, cheered the generals--Görgei and Klapka in particular--and showed a willing eagerness to be led against the enemy.There must have been fifty thousand of them altogether, besides a host of camp-followers, and they were filing past till late at night--batteries of artillery accompanied by smart, keen-looking gunners; dashing hussars in their showy uniforms; veterans who had made good many a desperate fight under the black and yellow banners; home-trained Honveds drilled into decent soldiers; raw recruits indifferently armed, but supposed to be valuable on account of their enthusiasm; while over all flew our glorious red, white, and green colours.We went back to our hovel, where the patient Sándor had prepared supper, and drank a glass of silovitz to the success of our comrades.I pass over the chronicles of the next week. They would prove but dreary reading, since we had nothing to do from morning till night but grumble at being left behind.The unfortunate doctor was so baited and badgered that at last, I verily believe, in sheer self-defence, he reported us as fit for service; and one fine morning, though the weather was still bitterly cold, we left Tisza-Fured with about a hundred soldiers, who were going to rejoin their various regiments.Having plenty of provisions, we followed in the track of the army, as being the safest and most direct route; and everywhere the inhabitants of the villages through which we passed gave us a hearty welcome.At Kapolna, the scene of our former defeat, we made a long stay, having arrived there about noon, and not leaving till next morning.The town presented a very melancholy appearance. Many of the houses were burned to the ground, and in every direction traces of the fierce fight were plainly visible.Still, the sufferings of the people had not weakened their loyalty to the cause, and the leading citizens feasted us generously.For the first time since leaving Pesth I slept in a real bed, and the sensation was quite novel.It was so extremely comfortable that I did not wish to turn out the next morning, but Sándor kept up such a tremendous hammering at the door that I was compelled to rise. I learned from my host that Görgei, with the seventh corps, was marching towards Hatvan; while Vetter, commanding the main army, was trying to push himself in between Jellachich's corps and Windischgratz, the latter of whom lay at Godolo.Where we should find the 9th Honveds I could not tell, but decided to join Görgei, on the chance that they were with him.After a hearty breakfast, I went into the street, where the men were already assembled under Thurzo and Dobozy.Hitherto there had been little fear of danger; but now I took some precautions, since we might likely enough meet with the scouting parties either of Windischgratz or Jellachich, the latter of whom made very free use of his cavalry.Many of the inhabitants assembled to give us a parting cheer, and we set off in high spirits.The governor had provided me with a couple of trustworthy guides, as he feared the Austrians held the highroad, and we had no wish to run into their arms.The ground was covered with snow over a foot deep, and we stepped out as briskly as we could, to keep ourselves warm. I had left the heavy carts which had contained our provisions at Kapolna, dividing what was left of the food equally amongst the men; and this proved fortunate, as the lumbering vehicles would have hindered us greatly.In the evening we reached an isolated village, and nearly terrified the good people out of their wits, as, in the gloom, they mistook us for the enemy.However, the matter was soon put straight. The men were willingly received into the houses and made welcome; while I, having posted the sentries, went to sup with the curé--a very hospitable and obliging host.Twice during the night I visited the sentries, finding all quiet; and on the following day the guides told me they thought the most dangerous part of the journey was past. This proved right; nowhere did we meet with a trace of the Austrians, while the villagers assured us we should soon overtake Görgei.The guides again took to the highroad, which after-events showed we need not have left, and we continued our march until within a mile or two of the village called Hort. Here we came upon a number of camp-followers, who said Görgei was attacking the Austrians in the village, and almost at the same time there fell on our ears the roar of heavy guns. My men were fatigued by a long march, but they brightened at the sound of the familiar music, and were for running forward to help in the fight; but I thought Görgei might be trusted to win the battle without the aid of my scratch detachment, and proceeded at the ordinary pace. By the time we reached Hort, our comrades were driving the Austrians through the streets of Hatvan, and finally over the river Zagywa."Just our luck!" grumbled Thurzo, as I halted the men in the town and looked about for a responsible officer; "half a day sooner, and we should have been in the thick of it. Listen! There's a big fight going on down by the river.""Our fellows trying to capture a bridge, most likely," observed Dobozy, which was really the case."Beg pardon, captain," said Sándor, "but there's a man of our regiment going to the rear; perhaps he can tell us where the colonel is."This was a good idea, and I put the question to the man, whose arm was gashed by a sabre cut."Outside the town, captain," he replied. "In a field to the right."After thanking the man, I set my detachment in motion once more, glad at the thought of again meeting my genial friend.
CHAPTER IX.
THE RETREAT.
In spite of the cold I fell asleep at last, and did not waken until the morning.
The Austrians were already stirring--indeed, they had been under arms since the dawn; and I saw by the aid of my glass that three batteries had been pushed forward nearer the town.
I snatched a hasty breakfast, consisting of a piece of black bread, a slice of bacon, and a draught of silovitz, afterwards taking command of my shattered company.
The daylight, alas, showed only too plainly the havoc caused by the recent conflict. Many familiar faces were absent from the ranks, and a large number of those who answered to their names were wounded.
Still, the satisfaction of knowing we had stood our ground cheered us, and we looked forward to the coming attack without much fear for the result.
"Feel equal to another bout?" asked the colonel, coming up to me.
He had not slept since the fight began on the previous morning, but his eyes were as bright and his carriage as jaunty as ever.
"Daresay I shall get through somehow," I answered. "But what are the others waiting for? Have they had enough? The attack seems to hang fire a bit."
"Windischgratz won't strike till he can make pretty sure of hitting the mark. Probably he expects Schlick to join him."
"According to the scouts, Schlick can't arrive till it's all over."
"Don't make too sure. Schlick's a perfect demon when the guns begin to speak. His corps would have to march all night if there was a chance of getting up in time. Anyway, had I been Dembinski, I should have forced the fighting directly day broke; but no doubt the old man knows his business."
Rakoczy walked on, passing along the lines smiling good-humouredly, joking with the men, praising them for their behaviour of yesterday, and putting them in famous spirits. Certainly one had not far to seek the reason of his popularity.
Meanwhile the morning advanced, and about seven o'clock the enemy's heavy guns opened fire at Kapolna.
Evidently the attack was to be conducted on a different plan, and very soon the cause of the alteration became plain.
Our position not being threatened, we were able to look about, and from the height obtained a good view of the field.
It was just eight o'clock when Rakoczy, passing his glass to an officer, exclaimed, "That's what I feared. See the column of smoke there on our right?"
"The enemy are spreading themselves out too far. Dembinski could easily cut off their left. The Pole is getting too old for active service. Why doesn't he push forward a couple of battalions quickly?"
Rakoczy smiled. "You don't know what that column of smoke means," he said. "It's a sign that Schlick has arrived with a fresh army corps."
"Impossible!" cried one of the officers. "His men would all have dropped on the march."
In spite of our astonishment, however, the Austrian general was on the field, and pounding away at our right wing with terrific effect.
His arrival put fresh heart into our opponents, and they moved forward in the centre, redoubling their fire on the wretched town. The tide of battle set steadily towards our centre and right, leaving us simple spectators.
I suppose it was important to keep possession of the heights, yet it seemed a pity to stand thus idly while our comrades were fighting so desperately.
Of the combat on our right we saw little, but in the centre we could distinctly see the rush of the two Austrian battalions as their officers led them against the town.
A fierce musketry fire checked them for a second, and I thought they would fall to pieces; but no--the two-headed eagle showed the way, and the brave infantry followed the national symbol.
On they went, and with an exulting cry swept into the town, from which there immediately arose tongues of fire.
The combat was now hidden from us, and we watched in the greatest excitement for what would happen.
The fight inside the town was of the most bitter nature, but, little by little, our comrades were forced back, rushing out at last in a disorderly crowd.
A couple of hundred yards away they stopped their flight, re-formed, and, led as far as we could tell by Dembinski in person, made a gallant but unsuccessful attempt to regain the town.
Three times they returned to the attack; but the Austrians, now reinforced, proved too strong, and at length, sallying out, drove the Magyars back to a farm-house, round which a fierce conflict was maintained.
It was at this time that Stephen rode up with an order for our colonel, and instantly the regiment was on the move.
My brother's face brightened when he saw me, and he stopped to say a word or two.
I asked him how the battle was going, and he replied in a whisper, "Altogether against us; and only Görgei's bravery has kept the right. Good-bye! In an hour there will be an avalanche."
Stephen might well have made the time shorter: in half an hour we were face to face with the signs of the coming rout. At first only a few men here and there scudded away as fast as their legs would carry them, but their fright was contagious. It spread from regiment to regiment, from man to man.
The officers in vain attempted to stay the retreat. The infantry broke up in disorder, each man trying to save himself; the artillery, infected by the sudden panic, wheeled their guns round and galloped off as fast as the horses could travel. The famous hussars, almost alone, retired slowly and in beautiful order.
Our own regiment, influenced by the sight of the fugitives, showed signs of unsteadiness; but Rakoczy, in his usual cheerful manner, threatened to shoot the first who ran, and thus averted the danger.
Very fortunate indeed it proved that the men kept their ranks, as we were suddenly assailed by a body of hussars, who did their best to ride us down.
"Steady, my lads!" cried the colonel. "Keep shoulder to shoulder. If you give way, we're lost."
The leader of the hussars was a handsome young fellow with fair hair and blue eyes, and even in the stress of the fight I recognized Captain von Theyer, one of the leaders of the Viennese insurgents.
He caught my astonished look, and dashed at me sword in hand; but a bullet struck his horse in the chest, and the animal reeled over heavily.
A trooper sprang to the ground, and, dragging his leader free, helped him to mount his own horse, and carried him out of the fray.
"A gallant fellow and a gallant deed," I said, thinking of the trooper, as the hussars galloped off.
"Well done, lads!" cried Rakoczy. "They will learn to respect the 9th Honveds."
We had, however, not yet finished with the hussars, who, led by Von Theyer, returned again and again to the charge, striving desperately to break our ranks.
Met each time by a rain of bullets, they wheeled and galloped away, though twice Von Theyer brought them within touch of the bayonets.
It seemed odd that a prominent revolutionist should thus be leading a charge of Austrian cavalry; but whatever his politics might be, there was no questioning his bravery.
Three times we sent them back with many empty saddles, but their fair-haired young leader was not to be denied.
"Steady!" exclaimed the colonel. "Keep your fire! Here they come!"
They made a brilliant show with their shining breastplates and helmets and nodding plumes as, holding their sabres ready, they thundered down on us.
"Fire!"
Steady as rocks, the Honveds kept their ground; the rifles blazed out; the hussars were checked.
No! Here they were amongst us, cutting and slashing; and foremost of them all rode Von Theyer.
A superb rider and a fine swordsman, he was thebeau idealof a cavalry leader, and handled his men splendidly.
As if I were the special object of attack, he rode straight at me, and crying, "Remember Vienna!" struck furiously with his sword.
With difficulty I parried that blow and several others; but Von Theyer stuck to his work, and the glittering steel flashed incessantly about my head.
I was kept far too busy to see how the fight went elsewhere, but every now and then I heard Rakoczy's cheery voice, and guessed that all was well.
Suddenly there rose a cry in German of "Back! back!" and Von Theyer, roused to a sense of his men's danger, reluctantly drew off.
It was high time. Bearing down from the left, came two squadrons of our own hussars, mounted on magnificent horses, which carried them straight through the disordered ranks of the Austrians.
Then my young opponent showed his value as a leader. With skill equal to his bravery he got his men together, and with little extra loss, as far as could be judged, retired in good order.
"That fellow meant business," said the colonel, as we continued the retreat. "See what comes from interfering in the concerns of other people."
"What do you mean? I haven't done anything to make him angry."
"Ha, ha!" laughed Rakoczy. "What about saving the fräulein's life? Do you think this young gallant likes you any the better for getting into the lady's good graces? I'm glad to see you blush; it shows there is some blood left in your body, which I began to doubt."
Later on I thought a good deal of this little speech, for I had never forgotten the fair young girl in Vienna; but just then there were many things to distract my attention.
Except for our own regiment and the regular cavalry, the Hungarian army had become a helpless, drifting mob.
Heavy guns, baggage-wagons, creaking carts filled with the wounded, infantry without arms, dismounted horsemen, knots of soldiers separated from their officers, some running, others moving with a dogged sullenness, were all jumbled together in extraordinary confusion.
Had the Austrians followed up their victory, they could have swept us all, bag and baggage, into the Theiss.
Fortunately the pursuit was confined to a single brigade, and even that we had the utmost difficulty in beating off.
About two miles eastward of Kapolna, Görgei rode up, attended by his staff, and a ringing cheer greeted his arrival.
His cap was gone, his clothes bore the marks of close hand-to-hand fighting, there was blood on his cheeks, yet he did not look downcast--only savagely determined.
"Colonel," he said, "do you see that wood? Your regiment must hold it for the next two hours--three, if possible, but two for certain."
"We'll hold it, general, living or dead," replied Rakoczy.
"Good! If I can stop any of those wretched runaways, they shall support you."
"We'll do it by ourselves, general," cried an old sergeant; and the men, repeating his words, cheered loudly.
The general's face lit up with a proud smile.
"I'll trust you, my fine fellows!" he said, and off he dashed at full gallop, the officers of the staff trying in vain to keep pace with him.
We reached the wood and took up a position, just in time to receive the attack of a lancer regiment, which came on with gaily fluttering pennons.
Down toppled the first rank, horse and rider, as the rifle fire blazed out. The others, wheeling to right and left, galloped off in two long lines.
Again they came, but it was cruel work for them. Hardly an enemy could they see, yet the bullets sped fast and true, and hardly a lance-point reached the line of rifles.
Then, to complete the misfortune of these gallant fellows, the hussars, making a brave show in their gaudy trappings, again came to our assistance, riding up from the left, and, before the lancers had time to re-form, scattered them in all directions.
"A cheer for the hussars, my lads!" cried Rakoczy, and we sent up a shout that might have been heard a mile off.
The brave fellows waved their sabres in response as they galloped past to their former position on the left of the wood, out of sight, but ready to lend us a helping hand.
The time dragged on very slowly. The lancers had disappeared, but a regiment of Croats took their place, and peppered us from a distance with their long guns.
Then we heard on our left the rattle of sabres, the clash of steel against breastplate and helmet, "Forward! forward!" in German, and knew that our friendly hussars were engaged in fierce conflict.
At the same time the Croats, like savage dogs unleashed, bounded across the open ground.
The Honveds stood firm, and fired as fast as they could load; but in the excitement the bullets flew wide, and though many of the southern warriors fell, we could not stay the onslaught.
They had left their stanitzas behind, and with wild yells came on, their famous red mantles fluttering in the wind, their terrible handjars gripped tightly.
Our men continued firing till the very last instant, then a hand-to-hand struggle began.
The active Croats jumped like wild cats at our throats, and it was a case of life or death with every man thus attacked. None asked for quarter, none thought of giving it; it was a terrible life-and-death struggle between Croat and Magyar.
Had half a battalion been sent to the help of our assailants, we must have been driven out, so evenly were the scales balanced; fortunately they were left to do the work by themselves, and just failed.
Every minute after the first rude shock helped us, for the hot fit of the Croats cooled, while the Magyars fought with increased stubbornness.
Finally, we pushed them out of the wood, and the ping of the bullets was heard again as the Magyars, reloading their rifles, poured a volley into the midst of the fugitives.
I watched them go, and then, faint from loss of blood, leaned against a tree.
Another victory such as that, I well knew, would clean out the 9th Honveds, and so did Rakoczy; but he didn't say so.
On the contrary, I heard him praising the men for their bravery, and telling them that with another good regiment they could drive the Austrians back to Vienna.
When he caught sight of me he said softly,--
"Hurt, George?"
"Another scratch," I replied faintly; "but, I say, colonel, what has become of the hussars?"
"Vanished. Beaten off by numbers, I expect. We shall have those lancers gliding amongst us soon; but come and lie down behind a tree for a while. The two hours are nearly up, and we shall be moving."
"No, I shall be all right; but isn't that a cloud of fog?"
"It is, my boy--the jolliest fog you've ever seen, and just in the nick of time. That will stop the Austrians better than a thousand bayonets. Well, if you won't lie down, you won't.--My lads, I don't think Captain Botskay's company need hang their heads when the battle of Kapolna is mentioned;" and he went on his way, carrying encouragement to every part of the line.
Rakoczy had blessed the fog; and, indeed, it proved of the utmost service to us.
Without our knowing it, the situation had become critical. The friendly hussars had been compelled to retreat; the Austrian lancers were working round our left; the Croats, mad for vengeance, were clamouring to be led to the attack; and two light batteries had been pushed up to shell us from the wood.
At the very first discharge of the cannons, Rakoczy retired the greater part of the regiment, confident that the enemy would not attack for some time.
My company was left to further the deception, and between the discharges of the big guns the men kept up a vigorous musketry fire, which, though it did little or no damage, warned the enemy we were still in our places.
It was gloomy work standing there in the thick fog, while the shot and shell screaming over our heads lopped the branches from the trees or tore great holes in the ground. Occasionally a man would sink with a deep groan, but for the most part we were untouched; and when at length the colonel sent us word to withdraw, we were able to carry off all our wounded.
The fog by now had become so thick that we could not see the trees, though we felt them frequently; but out of the wood the marching was easier.
We tramped on in the midst of the darkness like a regiment of lost souls.
The earth was blotted out completely. It was worse even than what we had encountered in the mountains. We could see nothing, and hear nothing beyond the muffled sound of our own footsteps.
As far as I could tell, we might be marching right into the midst of the Austrian troops.
The fog filled our nostrils and throats, almost choking us.
The intense silence was appalling. For my part, I should gladly have welcomed the roar of hostile cannon, just to be sure we were still in the land of the living.
The wound in my shoulder, which Mecsey Sándor had bandaged, bled afresh; my head grew heavy; my eyes ached with pain; I felt hardly able to keep upright. Once my foot slipped, and the man against whom I stumbled, taking my arm, supported me.
I was ashamed of my weakness, yet it was good to lean upon a strong arm, and for a time I walked quite steadily.
An extraordinary accident put an end to my powers of endurance, and left me with no more strength than that of a baby.
We were walking step for step, my companion and I, when suddenly I brought my foot, not to the ground, but into the air, and pitching forward, fell into icy-cold water.
My companion came too. Others followed us, some dropping clear into the water, some breaking holes in the coating of ice that before our arrival had covered its surface.
In the thick fog we had walked into a stream. Fortunately it was of no great depth, the water being only up to our waists; but the shock, the bitter cold, and the struggle for breath took away all my remaining strength.
The soldier, however, kept firm hold, and pulling me on my feet, pushed and dragged me till we reached the opposite side, when another man pulled me out.
Concerning the rest of the inarch I remember very little. Two men seemed to be carrying me cradle-fashion, and occasionally a tall, dimly-seen figure put some food into my mouth.
Sometimes they placed me on the ground, where I stayed for hours; then raising me again they carried me as before.
The fog went with us all the time, so I could not divide night from day, and no sound ever broke the weird silence.
At last there came a time--how long or short soever from the beginning of the journey I did not know--when I saw the burning of many lights, as of huge watch-fires, and heard the shouting of men.
My bearers joined in the noise, and then, putting me down, fell to waving their arms violently, and the black shadows going to and fro across the lights looked like windmills.
After that they took me to some covered place, where, being warm and comfortable, I straightway fell asleep.
From then my impressions grew more distinct. I remember seeing Rakoczy's face, which looked less cheerful than usual, and the spectacled countenance of Görgei.
I thought Stephen also looked sorrowfully at me, but that was a dream, as I afterwards discovered.
It would have suited me to lie thus snug and cosy for ever; but the march was not ended, and one day I was carried into the open and placed in the bottom of a cart.
Several other men were already there, and one in particular groaned most miserably at every jolt of the clumsy vehicle.
Of course, I saw little of what went on, but the fog had departed, and the blessed light of day itself cheered me, while it was good again to hear the different sounds--the rumbling of wheels, the neigh of horses, the shouts of the drivers, the steady tramp, tramp as of the marching of thousands of men.
That ghostly regiment, gliding through the blackness, unseen, unheard, had in my weakened state preyed on my nerves.
Now I was really in the land of living beings again, and I smiled to myself at hearing the crack of the carter's whip, and the familiar words addressed to the horses.
Somewhere on the journey we halted a long, long time, and at length proceeded very slowly and cautiously.
We were crossing the Theiss on a narrow and temporary bridge, though the infantry had gone over on the ice.
Soon after this the wounded man at my side ceased his groaning, which enabled me to go to sleep; but I did not guess that the poor fellow would never disturb any of us again.
The next time the wagon halted, a man, clambering into it, brought a flask, from which several of us drank.
The stuff, whatever its name, had a strange flavour, something like new milk; but it warmed me all over, and even before the cart again started I was sound asleep.
CHAPTER X.
ON THE SICK LIST.
I awoke to find myself lying on a heap of straw in a mud hovel, having one very narrow door, and a window about a foot square, through which the daylight tried to force a way.
The meagre light from two candles showed that I was not the only inmate of this poverty-stricken dwelling.
Ranged round the walls were five other figures, each on a bundle of straw and wrapped in a bunda.
The air was very close, and there was a strong smell of pigs, which made me think that some unfortunate animals had been turned out, or perhaps converted into pork, to make room for us.
However, I felt warm, and warmth in those days was the greatest happiness.
I positively shuddered at the mere remembrance of the intense cold of the last week or two.
It was all very calm and still, when a man in the opposite corner sat up, and in a high-pitched voice began to sing with all his might the well-known revolutionary song of Petöfi--"Rise, Magyars, rise!"
He was evidently in a high state of fever and perfectly delirious, but he went right through the song without a mistake or a pause, and finished by cheering lustily for Hungary.
Seen by the dim light, the spectacle was wonderfully striking. The bandages stained with blood, the face deadly white, the large, dark, fiery eyes burning with fever, the thin arm, freed from its covering, energetically beating time--all these moved me profoundly.
"That's Petreskey," said the man next to me. "He takes a fit every now and then and makes that row. We came from Kapolna in the same cart, and if the black and yellow dogs hadn't shot my arm off, I'd have pitched him out. Who wants to hear that stuff? Lie down, will you, and let a fellow go to sleep."
"Shut up, Janko! Can't you see the chap's out of his mind? Let the poor beggar sing. It does him good."
"Shut up yourself!" growled my neighbour. "D'you think I want to lie here listening to that rubbish when my good right arm's gone from the shoulder? 'Rise, Magyars, rise' won't put that on again."
Meanwhile Petreskey, staring round the room with his wild eyes, broke out again, and sang till he was too weak to utter another note.
The two other men had taken no notice of the incident, but lay on their straw like logs.
I tried to get into talk with the surly Janko, but he only grunted morosely and covered his head with his bunda.
The next man, however, told me we had crossed the Theiss, and were now encamped at Tisza-Fured, on the road to Debreczin, but more than that he did not know.
Towards noon a surgeon paid us a visit; but before that we had been fed by two soldier-servants, and I for one thoroughly enjoyed the hot, nourishing broth which they brought.
The surgeon seemed a tender-hearted fellow, and had a kind word for every man in the room, even the bad-tempered Janko. He came to me last, and asked if I were not George Botskay, a captain in the 9th Honveds.
"What there is left of him," I answered; "but there doesn't appear to be much."
"Nonsense! You'll be marching to Pesth in a week or so. Now you're fit to be moved, we must take you out of this. I'll see your colonel."
I was glad to hear Rakoczy still lived, and inquired anxiously after Stephen.
"On General Görgei's staff?" asked the surgeon pleasantly. "Oh yes, but he is hardly ever to be found; the general keeps him galloping about the country day and night. At present I believe he is at Debreczin. Keep up your courage; you've pulled through the worst of it."
This was pleasant hearing, and when the surgeon finally departed I nestled down on my heap of straw with quite a feeling of content. The day and night passed without further incident, except that the poor, crazed Petreskey woke me up from a sound sleep by another vigorous performance of "Rise, Magyars, rise!"
Soon after breakfast the door opened, and Rakoczy entered, his face beaming with smiles, his eyes bright and sparkling.
Stephen had once compared him with a sunbeam, but to me that morning he seemed more like a million sunbeams rolled into one.
At the sight of him even Janko forgot to look sulky, and saluted with his remaining arm.
None of the patients belonged to his regiment, but he went to each in turn, soothing the excited Petreskey, and speaking kindly words of sympathy and cheer to all.
When, having satisfied himself that not one of the poor fellows would feel himself neglected, he came to me, he was fairly bubbling over with pleasure.
His lips twitched nervously, and I believe his eyes were moist; but he carried the matter off in his usual jocular way.
"Well, George," he exclaimed, laughing, "I hear the silovitz got into your head, and you pushed poor Mecsey Sándor into the river. There's nothing like a cold bath when the brain's heated; but 'twas rather rough on Sándor, who had drunk none of your plum brandy. However, the poor fellow bears no malice, and will be glad to see you in your sober senses again."
"Then it was Mecsey who saved my life?"
"Truth, you may say that. He hauled you out from under the ice, and pushed you on to dry land."
"What a night it was! I should think the whole regiment had a drenching."
"Yes, but they didn't go at it in your hot-headed way. After your company had found the stream, the others walked in quietly, and out at the other side. Görgei says he didn't think you were in such a hurry to retreat."
"Don't poke fun, but tell me what happened. Were there many lives lost?"
"At the water-jump? No. A few ugly bruises covered the mischief. We lost heavily in the wood though, and have had to fill up the gaps with raw material. You'll be sorry to miss the chance of drilling the recruits."
"Had quite enough of that at Pesth," I replied, laughing.
"And a very fine drill-sergeant you'd have made by sticking at it; but I'm keeping the men outside waiting. They're going to take you to another hut. It's quite as dirty as this; but you'll have more room, and be with the officers of your own regiment."
He went to the door and called two men, who carried me out tenderly to an ambulance, and then, helped by two comrades, bore me some two hundred yards over very rough and uneven ground to a hovel which might have been twin brother to the one I had just left.
There were the same narrow door and square foot of window, while the furniture consisted of three bundles of straw, two being already occupied. My nose also informed me that the former inmates of the place had been on terms of social intercourse with the pigs.
"Gentlemen," said the colonel, "I have brought Captain Botskay to share your apartment."
At the sound of the colonel's voice the figures on the straw showed signs of life, stirred, and finally sat up, when I recognized them as two young lieutenants named Thurzo and Dobozy.
"Glad to see you, captain," said the first, adding quickly, "That is, sorry you've been hurt, but right glad of your company."
Dobozy had been wounded in the wood, and I had sent him to the rear, which he remembered and now gratefully acknowledged.
"I must be off," said the colonel, "but will look in to-morrow. Meanwhile I'll send Mecsey Sándor to wait on you; he'll be delighted, and you can't very well push him into another river."
The soldiers had carried me with great care, but even so my limbs ached with the jolting, and after a little talk with my companions I was glad to drop into a sound sleep. Towards the evening Sándor arrived, and I thanked him warmly for what he had done.
"'Twas nothing, captain," replied he stolidly--"nothing at all compared with what you did for me in the mountains. You risked your life; I didn't."
"You saved mine, though, and I shan't forget it."
Neither of us spoke on the subject again; but I resolved that, when the war ended, the honest fellow should have reason to remember his brave act.
The two lieutenants were already strong enough to hobble about, but several days passed before I was able to join them.
Rakoczy called every morning, sometimes in the evening as well, and his visits did more toward our recovery than all the doctor's stuff.
One day, however, he came to say good-bye. The regiment had received orders to recross the Theiss.
"We're going to drive the Austrians out of Szolnok, unless they take it into their heads to drive us back to Tisza-Fured. Bern has done wonders in Transylvania. The white-coats called the Russians in to help them, but the Pole has cleared the country of the lot. The news has put heart into Vetter, and he intends to move forward with the whole army."
"What has Vetter to do with it?" I asked in surprise.
"Oh, I forgot you didn't know. He's the new chief. There's been a bit of a squabble, and Dembinski had to stand down; but it's all right now. Make haste and get well, or you'll have no share in planting the red, white, and green colours on the walls of Vienna;" and he went out, laughing merrily.
I asked my comrades what the colonel meant by a squabble, but neither knew what had happened. Both, however, rejoiced at the fall of Dembinski; and Dobozy, who had been wounded at Poroszlo, said there was some angry talk among the officers of Görgei's brigade at that place.
We questioned Sándor, but he knew little beyond the fact that there had been a general kravalle, or brawl, which brought Kossuth post-haste from Debreczin, and ended in Vetter being proclaimed commander-in-chief.
The doctor told us the same story, but with few fresh details; and it was not until Stephen found time to hunt me up that we learned the truth.
My brother had altered much in the short time since the war broke out.
From a boy, he seemed to have become a man all at once, and I cannot say that I liked the change.
To me he was the same loving brother he had always been, and we embraced each other with every mark of affection; but there was a sternness of purpose in his face and a determined courage that I thought ill suited one who was really little more than a lad.
The two lieutenants had very considerately gone outside, but now I called them in and introduced them to my brother.
"The general gives you little leisure time," Thurzo remarked.
"Very little," replied Stephen; "but then he gives himself less. I doubt if even Kossuth works harder."
"Glad to hear you give the dictator his due."
"Oh, I don't deny that Kossuth is an extraordinary man, a genius of the first water, and in his way a devoted patriot. Whether we win or lose the game, Kossuth's name will live for ever. Without his marvellous eloquence we couldn't have carried on the war; but though I admire the man I doubt his object. Kossuth the patriot deserves well of his country, but Kossuth the democrat is another person. We don't want a French revolution in our country."
"Bravo!" cried Dobozy. "Hungary a kingdom is my motto; and not Hungary a republic."
"The 9th Honveds are all royalists," remarked Thurzo quietly.
"And every regiment in the brigade," said Stephen. "Kossuth discovered that not very long ago."
"Tell us about it, Stephen. We've only heard just the bare outline."
"Well, the fuss began at Poroszlo during the retreat. As you know, Görgei's brigade did the covering work, and halted at Poroszlo. The place was strongly entrenched and fortified, and Dembinski sent orders that we were to occupy a position in front of the guns. You may be sure Görgei wasn't such an idiot as to obey, and the general talked about putting him under arrest. He sent off a messenger full speed to Debreczin, but by the time Kossuth arrived the game was over."
"What had happened?"
Stephen smiled grimly; he seemed to have forgotten how to laugh.
"We promptly shut the Pole up," he said; "and Kossuth found his chief general a prisoner."
"And he submitted?"
"What else could he do? We were all in one mind. So the upshot of the matter was that the Diet gave the command to Vetter."
"Not to Görgei?"
"No," said Stephen bitterly. "It's my opinion they're jealous of him. By the way, your regiment has distinguished itself at Szolnok. It led the attack, and fairly drove the Austrians out of the town."
"Well done, 9th Honveds!" exclaimed Thurzo. "Wish I'd been with them!"
"There will be enough and to spare of fighting before the war ends," said my brother. "The army moves in a few days for Pesth."
I asked him to look in again before they left, and he promised to do so if Görgei gave him a chance.
When he had gone, my comrades talked over the news, and it was plain that, like myself, they foresaw trouble in the future.
Thurzo put the matter very straight.
"If the Austrians win," he said, "we shall all have to pay, and a very dreary performance it will be. If the victory falls to us, we shall very soon be flying at one another's throats."
"The army is with Görgei," I said.
"But Kossuth has a powerful following, and the Poles will help him to a man."
"Worse still," said Dobozy. "Hungary is fast becoming the dumping-ground for the republicans of every country in Europe. Germans, Italians, French are all swarming over here like carrion-crows to a dead horse."
"They wish to help the cause."
"By forming a republic," replied Dobozy angrily; "and we won't have it. I'm like your brother, and think Kossuth a great genius; but he isn't the only man in Hungary."
I record these remarks, because they serve to show how, even at this early period of the campaign, a wide gulf was opening between the two parties in the country. Later, it formed a deep grave in which we buried our hopes.
Before the war ended we proved up to the hilt the truth of that old saying, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
Another day passed, and then Stephen came to say good-bye.
"I'm off with an important order for General Damjanics," he said. "The camp breaks up to-morrow. Why do you look so gloomy? You're mending nicely, and will be fit to travel in another week."
"I hope so. It isn't pleasant to be left behind when others are going to the front."
"Fortune of war, George, and it's no use grumbling. Well, good-bye; we shall meet in Pesth."
I embraced him rather sadly, and, going outside, watched him mount and ride away.
All that day we looked on at the preparations for the march, and early the next morning went to see the breakup of the camp. The men, who were in good spirits, sang at their work, cheered the generals--Görgei and Klapka in particular--and showed a willing eagerness to be led against the enemy.
There must have been fifty thousand of them altogether, besides a host of camp-followers, and they were filing past till late at night--batteries of artillery accompanied by smart, keen-looking gunners; dashing hussars in their showy uniforms; veterans who had made good many a desperate fight under the black and yellow banners; home-trained Honveds drilled into decent soldiers; raw recruits indifferently armed, but supposed to be valuable on account of their enthusiasm; while over all flew our glorious red, white, and green colours.
We went back to our hovel, where the patient Sándor had prepared supper, and drank a glass of silovitz to the success of our comrades.
I pass over the chronicles of the next week. They would prove but dreary reading, since we had nothing to do from morning till night but grumble at being left behind.
The unfortunate doctor was so baited and badgered that at last, I verily believe, in sheer self-defence, he reported us as fit for service; and one fine morning, though the weather was still bitterly cold, we left Tisza-Fured with about a hundred soldiers, who were going to rejoin their various regiments.
Having plenty of provisions, we followed in the track of the army, as being the safest and most direct route; and everywhere the inhabitants of the villages through which we passed gave us a hearty welcome.
At Kapolna, the scene of our former defeat, we made a long stay, having arrived there about noon, and not leaving till next morning.
The town presented a very melancholy appearance. Many of the houses were burned to the ground, and in every direction traces of the fierce fight were plainly visible.
Still, the sufferings of the people had not weakened their loyalty to the cause, and the leading citizens feasted us generously.
For the first time since leaving Pesth I slept in a real bed, and the sensation was quite novel.
It was so extremely comfortable that I did not wish to turn out the next morning, but Sándor kept up such a tremendous hammering at the door that I was compelled to rise. I learned from my host that Görgei, with the seventh corps, was marching towards Hatvan; while Vetter, commanding the main army, was trying to push himself in between Jellachich's corps and Windischgratz, the latter of whom lay at Godolo.
Where we should find the 9th Honveds I could not tell, but decided to join Görgei, on the chance that they were with him.
After a hearty breakfast, I went into the street, where the men were already assembled under Thurzo and Dobozy.
Hitherto there had been little fear of danger; but now I took some precautions, since we might likely enough meet with the scouting parties either of Windischgratz or Jellachich, the latter of whom made very free use of his cavalry.
Many of the inhabitants assembled to give us a parting cheer, and we set off in high spirits.
The governor had provided me with a couple of trustworthy guides, as he feared the Austrians held the highroad, and we had no wish to run into their arms.
The ground was covered with snow over a foot deep, and we stepped out as briskly as we could, to keep ourselves warm. I had left the heavy carts which had contained our provisions at Kapolna, dividing what was left of the food equally amongst the men; and this proved fortunate, as the lumbering vehicles would have hindered us greatly.
In the evening we reached an isolated village, and nearly terrified the good people out of their wits, as, in the gloom, they mistook us for the enemy.
However, the matter was soon put straight. The men were willingly received into the houses and made welcome; while I, having posted the sentries, went to sup with the curé--a very hospitable and obliging host.
Twice during the night I visited the sentries, finding all quiet; and on the following day the guides told me they thought the most dangerous part of the journey was past. This proved right; nowhere did we meet with a trace of the Austrians, while the villagers assured us we should soon overtake Görgei.
The guides again took to the highroad, which after-events showed we need not have left, and we continued our march until within a mile or two of the village called Hort. Here we came upon a number of camp-followers, who said Görgei was attacking the Austrians in the village, and almost at the same time there fell on our ears the roar of heavy guns. My men were fatigued by a long march, but they brightened at the sound of the familiar music, and were for running forward to help in the fight; but I thought Görgei might be trusted to win the battle without the aid of my scratch detachment, and proceeded at the ordinary pace. By the time we reached Hort, our comrades were driving the Austrians through the streets of Hatvan, and finally over the river Zagywa.
"Just our luck!" grumbled Thurzo, as I halted the men in the town and looked about for a responsible officer; "half a day sooner, and we should have been in the thick of it. Listen! There's a big fight going on down by the river."
"Our fellows trying to capture a bridge, most likely," observed Dobozy, which was really the case.
"Beg pardon, captain," said Sándor, "but there's a man of our regiment going to the rear; perhaps he can tell us where the colonel is."
This was a good idea, and I put the question to the man, whose arm was gashed by a sabre cut.
"Outside the town, captain," he replied. "In a field to the right."
After thanking the man, I set my detachment in motion once more, glad at the thought of again meeting my genial friend.