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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>THE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Red, White, and Green" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Herbert Hayens" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1901" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="40137" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2012-07-03" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Red, White, and Green" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Red, White, and Green" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="red.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2012-07-04T05:19:01.875950+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40137" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Herbert Hayens" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2012-07-03" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.19b4 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-red-white-and-green"> -<h1 class="document-title level-1 pfirst title">THE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN</h1> - -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en noindent pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst">This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the <a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a> -included with this eBook or online at -<a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a>.</p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container noindent white-space-pre-line" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst white-space-pre-line"><span class="white-space-pre-line">Title: The Red, White, and Green<br /> -<br /> -Author: Herbert Hayens<br /> -<br /> -Release Date: July 03, 2012 [EBook #40137]<br /> -<br /> -Language: English<br /> -<br /> -Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line">*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK <span>THE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN</span> ***</p> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 67%" id="figure-31"> -<span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -Cover</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 65%" id="figure-32"> -<span id="the-white-coats-poured-in-their-volley"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"The white-coats poured in their volley. Page <a class="reference internal" href="#id1">190</a>.</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 59%" id="figure-33"> -<span id="i-shook-my-sword-at-the-retreating-figure"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-vignette.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"<em class="italics">I shook my sword at the retreating figure.</em> Page <a class="reference internal" href="#id2">364</a>.]</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None center container titlepage white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="pfirst white-space-pre-line x-large"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">The</em><br /> -<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Red, White, and Green</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">By</em><br /> -<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">HERBERT HAYENS</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst small white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Author of "A Captain of Irregulars," "A Vanished Nation,"<br /> -"A Fighter in Green," "An Emperor's Doom,"<br /> -&c. &c.</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">THOMAS NELSON AND SONS</em><br /> -<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">London, Edinburgh, and New York</em><br /> -<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">1901</em></p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">By the same Author.</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">THE BATTLE AND THE BREEZE. Price 5s.<br /> -A VANISHED NATION. Price 5s.<br /> -A CAPTAIN OF IRREGULARS. Price 5s.<br /> -A FIGHTER IN GREEN. Price 5s.<br /> -IN THE GRIP OF THE SPANIARD. Price 5s.<br /> -AN EMPEROR'S DOOM. Price 5s.<br /> -CLEVELY SAHIB. Price 5s.<br /> -UNDER THE LONE STAR. Price 5s.<br /> -THE BRITISH LEGION. Price 3s. 6d.</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">T. NELSON AND SONS,<br /> -<em class="italics white-space-pre-line">London, Edinburgh, and New York.</em></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container plainpage white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="center large pfirst white-space-pre-line">CONTENTS.</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<ol class="left medium upperroman simple white-space-pre-line"> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#will-the-regiment-march">WILL THE REGIMENT MARCH?</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-soldier-of-the-right-sort">A SOLDIER OF THE RIGHT SORT</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-insurrection-in-full-swing">THE INSURRECTION IN FULL SWING</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#vienna-in-flames">VIENNA IN FLAMES</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#arrested">ARRESTED</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#hard-work-at-pesth">HARD WORK AT PESTH</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-fight-in-the-mountains">A FIGHT IN THE MOUNTAINS</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-drawn-battle">A DRAWN BATTLE</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-retreat">THE RETREAT</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#on-the-sick-list">ON THE SICK LIST</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#gorgei-to-the-rescue">GÖRGEI TO THE RESCUE</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-sorrowful-victory">A SORROWFUL VICTORY</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-visit-from-stephen">A VISIT FROM STEPHEN</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-quarrel-with-count-beula">THE QUARREL WITH COUNT BEULA</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#how-stephen-carried-the-flag">HOW STEPHEN CARRIED THE FLAG</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#i-join-the-staff">I JOIN THE STAFF</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-wounding-of-gorgei">THE WOUNDING OF GÖRGEI</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#gorgei-forgets-his-wound">GÖRGEI FORGETS HIS WOUND</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#sent-scouting">SENT SCOUTING</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#nearly-captured">NEARLY CAPTURED</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-last-blow">THE LAST BLOW</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-surrender">THE SURRENDER</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#count-beula-dislikes-hanging">COUNT BEULA DISLIKES HANGING</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-end-of-count-beula">THE END OF COUNT BEULA</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#imprisoned-at-arad">IMPRISONED AT ARAD</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#led-out-to-execution">LED OUT TO EXECUTION</a></p> -</li> -<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#an-austro-hungarian-alliance">AN AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN ALLIANCE</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container plainpage white-space-pre-line"> -<p class="center large pfirst white-space-pre-line">LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</p> -<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="left medium pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-white-coats-poured-in-their-volley">"THE WHITE-COATS POURED IN THEIR VOLLEY,"</a> <em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Frontispiece</em><br /> -<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#i-shook-my-sword-at-the-retreating-figure">"I SHOOK MY SWORD AT THE RETREATING FIGURE,"</a> <em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Vignette</em><br /> -<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#from-the-woods-they-poured-a-hot-musketry-fire-upon-the-defenders">"FROM THE WOODS THEY POURED A HOT MUSKETRY FIRE UPON THE DEFENDERS"</a><br /> -<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#my-heart-leaped-to-my-mouth-as-i-saw-stephen-foremost">"MY HEART LEAPED TO MY MOUTH AS I SAW STEPHEN FOREMOST"</a><br /> -<a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#gorgei-and-his-staff-rode-to-the-front-where-the-russian-generals-met-them">"GÖRGEI AND HIS STAFF RODE TO THE FRONT, WHERE THE RUSSIAN GENERALS MET THEM"</a></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst x-large" id="will-the-regiment-march">THE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst">CHAPTER I.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst"><em class="italics">WILL THE REGIMENT MARCH?</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"Cowardly rats, deserting a sinking ship!" -exclaimed my brother Stephen; "I would not raise -my little finger to help them!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems to me this insurrection will do good to our -cause."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen pushed his chair back from the breakfast-table, -and stood up.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are Hungarians," said he, "and we fight for our -nation. We want no assistance from these Austrian rebels. -If they care a kreuzer for their country, why don't they -rally round the emperor?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Laughing at Stephen's expression of disgust, I crossed -the room to the little window, and looked into the street.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the morning of October 5, 1848, and still fairly -early, yet the people of Vienna were pouring by in -hundreds, all eager, restless, and apparently too excited to -think of such an ordinary thing as breakfast.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some were mere lads, pale-faced and spectacled, but -armed with sword and pistol, and looking very resolute; -these were students from the public schools and -universities. Mingling with these enthusiastic youths were -a few shopkeepers, a more considerable body of -respectably-dressed artisans, numbers of National Guards in -uniform, and, most significant of all, the men from the -slums--bare-headed, dirty, gaunt, but carrying knives, hatchets, -clubs, and other death-dealing weapons.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thus far, this year of 1848 had produced most remarkable -changes throughout Europe.</p> -<p class="pnext">Louis Philippe, King of the French, had been driven -into exile; Sicily had revolted against King Bomba; -insurrections had arisen at Madrid; the whole of Germany -had been, and was, in a state of turmoil; the Prussians -had conquered Poland afresh.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thrones had crumbled into dust, and monarchs and -rulers had been swept away like chaff before the wrath -of the people.</p> -<p class="pnext">But of all the European countries, none in this wild -gale of popular fury was so severely tried as the proud -empire of Austria.</p> -<p class="pnext">In northern Italy, the veteran Radetzky was upholding -the black and yellow flag of Austria against a host of -insurgents; in Bohemia, the Slavs, bent on founding a -great Slav nation, were suppressed with difficulty by the -Austrian general, Prince Windischgratz; my own gallant -land of Hungary had drawn the sword to win back the -ancient rights of which it had been deprived by the -Viennese government; while here at Vienna, in the very -heart of the empire, thousands of men were working their -hardest to overthrow their own Kaiser.</p> -<p class="pnext">With these people neither Stephen nor I had the least -sympathy. We were Hungarians, but royalists, loving -our country with a fond and faithful affection, yet -wishful to preserve our loyalty to the emperor-king.</p> -<p class="pnext">News of the dispute between Hungary and Austria -had reached us in London, and we had just arrived at -Vienna on our homeward journey.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother Stephen was eighteen years of age, and my -senior by twelve months.</p> -<p class="pnext">In figure he was tall and elegant; his face was regularly -oval, with a pale complexion; his forehead was high and -broad, his mouth small and well formed. His black hair -fell in long curls almost to his shoulders; he wore a black -moustache in the Hungarian fashion; and his eyes were -dark and fiery.</p> -<p class="pnext">A true Magyar, every inch of him, he might have -stood beside King Stephen of glorious memory.</p> -<p class="pnext">He came to join me at the little window, and we were -still gazing intently at the throngs below, when some one, -hurrying up the stairway, knocked at the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come in!" I cried, and turning round added hastily, -"Why, it is Rakoczy, looking as miserable as a caged -bird! Are the folks too busy demonstrating to get you -some breakfast?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The newcomer closed and locked the door, and came -over to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">John Rakoczy, or "John the Joyous," as we called him, -was, like ourselves, a Hungarian, though there was a slight -mixture of German blood in his veins.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a handsome man, several years older than myself, -with chestnut hair, dark-blue eyes, and a frank, open, -jovial face.</p> -<p class="pnext">His merry laugh and light-hearted manners had earned -him the title of "John the Joyous;" but on this October -morning his face was gloomy and troubled.</p> -<p class="pnext">He placed himself between us, so that he could speak to -both without raising his voice.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Heard the news?" he asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We've heard the row!" I replied. "These poor people -will strain their throats."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The city's in a state of insurrection. The students -and the Nationals and the Burgher Guards are going to -overthrow the government."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Barking dogs never bite," said Stephen sarcastically.</p> -<p class="pnext">"These will soon--they're only sharpening their teeth; -and the Richters are to help them."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Richter Grenadiers?" I exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes. Our fellows have beaten Jellachich, who is in -sore straits; and Latour, the war minister, has ordered -the grenadiers to march to his assistance. They are in -a state of mutiny, and the citizens are backing them up."</p> -<p class="pnext">Earlier in the year, Croatia, under its Ban or Governor, -Baron Jellachich, had revolted from Hungary; and though -at first the emperor had denounced the rising, he had now -taken Jellachich under his protection.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Count Latour can take care of himself," said Stephen; -"he is a man, not a lath."</p> -<p class="pnext">Our companion rubbed his hands together softly, and, -lowering his voice to a whisper, said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"This affair is serious. Don't ask how I obtained the -information, but you can rely on its truth. A secret -meeting was held last night in the city. The chiefs of -the extreme party were present, and to-morrow, when -the regiment marches out, has been fixed for a general -rising."</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is interesting to the Viennese," said my brother, -"but not to us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wait a bit. You know what happened a few days -since in Pesth?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen's face flushed with shame, and I hung my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">On September 28, Count Lamberg, the Austrian -commander-in-chief, had been seized in the streets of Pesth -by an armed rabble, and cruelly put to death--a foul -crime that would long stain the fair name of Hungary.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To-morrow," Rakoczy continued, "the victim will be -Count Latour, and the butchers will cry, 'Long live -Hungary!'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do we want with such brutes?" cried Stephen -passionately. "Cannot we fight and win our battles with -our own swords? We shall be disgraced for ever by this -rabble!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The count must be put on his guard," I exclaimed. -"I will go to his hôtel and inform him of the plot."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be useless trouble," said Stephen. "One man -cannot fight against thirty thousand, and the count is too -brave a veteran to yield."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He must yield or die," said John. "I have learned -enough to know that. The chiefs of the revolution have -decided to kill him unless he recalls the order for the -regiment to march."</p> -<p class="pnext">I put on my hat; the others did the same, and -accompanied me into the street.</p> -<p class="pnext">A crowd of students rushing by caught sight of our -costume, and surrounding us, cried, "Long live Hungary!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Much to their surprise, we bared our heads and -responded by a hearty, "Long live King Ferdinand!" for, -although our country was at war with Austria, we -remembered that Austria's emperor was Hungary's king.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the square on the north side of the hôtel we stopped, -and I gave my weapons to Stephen, so that the guards -might not suspect me of having any design on the life of -the minister.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tell him," said Rokoczy earnestly, "that unless he -gives way his life is lost."</p> -<p class="pnext">I left them standing at the corner of the square, and -went on alone to the courtyard of the hôtel.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hundreds of citizens stood about, all armed and gesticulating -violently, but as yet offering no personal mischief -to any one. Several times I had to stop while they cheered -for Hungary and Kossuth; but at length, after considerable -pushing and squeezing, I reached the gate.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were few soldiers about, and these could -certainly have been overpowered by one determined rush -of the mob outside; but the time for that had not yet -come.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first the officer on duty made some difficulty about -passing me; but at length I was sent under escort across -the courtyard, and admitted into the building.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here still further delay occurred. Count Latour was -busy; he could not see me; it would be better to call -another time, or deliver my message to the count's -secretaries.</p> -<p class="pnext">Patience, however, is a useful weapon, and by its aid -I found myself at last in the audience-chamber, where -the minister was engaged in animated discussion with his -colleagues.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, young sir?" exclaimed the noble-looking veteran -sharply. "Your news must be of extreme importance to -justify your persistence."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You shall judge for yourself, count, if these -gentlemen will leave us for five minutes."</p> -<p class="pnext">At this the others smiled, and one muttered something -about a Magyar adventurer.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had entered the room with peace in my heart; but -this insult was abominable, and I loudly demanded to -know if they took me for an assassin.</p> -<p class="pnext">A little old man with a white beard and small ferret -eyes stopped my high-flown speech by saying, "Remember -Lamberg!" and at those words, so full of meaning, I hung -my head in shame.</p> -<p class="pnext">Would that fatal act be thrown into the teeth of the -Magyars for ever?</p> -<p class="pnext">I think that the count must have pitied me, for he said -kindly,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is your name, my young friend? It is needless -to ask your nationality."</p> -<p class="pnext">The question restored my self-respect, and I raised my -head proudly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"George Botskay has little reason to be ashamed of his -name," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A son of the late General Botskay?"</p> -<p class="pnext">I bowed in reply, and the count addressed a few words to -his colleagues, who retired one by one with evident reluctance.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, my lad," exclaimed the fine old soldier, "what -is it you wish to say? I am very busy, and cannot spare -much time."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have come to warn you, count," I began, but at that -he stopped me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The son of General Botskay should have known that -I take no warning from rebels," he said sternly, and made -a movement to ring the bell.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One moment, count; you must listen to me. I have -learned by accident something you ought to know. The -city is up in arms"--Latour smiled--"and the grenadiers -are to be prevented from marching."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have issued the order," he said, as if that settled the -matter.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will not be obeyed. The leaders of the insurrection -met last night in secret, and made their arrangements. A -revolution has been decided on, and you, count, are to be -the first victim."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why do you tell me this?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That you may be prepared."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Are you on our side?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No. I must fight for my own country."</p> -<p class="pnext">He took a sheet of note-paper from a drawer, and -placing it in my hand, said, "Read!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was an anonymous letter, warning him that unless -he recalled the order, the people would put him to death.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It came this morning," he remarked quietly. "The -writer will learn my answer to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">Gazing at the well-knit figure and the calm, proud face -of the sturdy veteran, I felt convinced that he would not -move a finger to avert the impending tragedy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You seem sorry," he said, "but there is little to grieve -about. I am a soldier, and know how to die at my post. -Still, I thank you for trying to help me; and may the time -soon come when Austrians and Hungarians will once more -join hands as brethren and loyal subjects of the emperor."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Amen to that!" I replied fervently, and the proud old -noble, shaking my hand, himself led me to the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the head of the stairs I turned and glanced at him -again. He waved his hand cordially; his features were -calm and unruffled, his air was serene, as though he -knew nothing of the dangers which threatened him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Brave old count! After all, he chose the better part!</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy and my brother waited at the corner of the -square, but they saw at once that my errand had been in -vain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He will die at his post, if need be," I said, as we got -clear of the crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What else could he do?" asked Stephen. "You would -not expect the soldier of half a century to run away from -the armed rabble."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," exclaimed Rakoczy, "we have done our best to -save him; now we must look to ourselves. I suppose you -two intend joining the army?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes; but we will wait and see what happens to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If you could stay a few days longer, we might all go -together."</p> -<p class="pnext">This proposal suited me capitally; and as Stephen did -not wish to lose the speaker's company, it was agreed -that we should remain in Vienna till the end of the -week.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We aren't likely to miss much," said Rakoczy. "Kossuth -can do nothing till the Honveds have been properly -drilled. At present they are no better than these worthy -citizens who shout 'Long live Hungary!' so abominably."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Honveds, or Home-Defenders, were practically -peasants drawn from the plough, without drill or -discipline, or even knowledge of arms beyond their scythes -and pikes and cumbrous old-world guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">No general would expect them to stand for an instant -against the Austrian veterans; and, as Görgei, our great -leader, humorously said, he reckoned much more upon their -legs than their arms.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, they were brave fellows at bottom, and those -who laughed at them had reason to repent of it before the -war ended.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the afternoon Rakoczy left us to attend to his -private affairs, so Stephen and I strolled about the city -watching the actions of the excited people.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was easy to tell that something out of the common -was going to happen; and when we returned to our rooms -I felt more sorry than ever for the brave old count, who -so proudly defied the enemies of his master.</p> -<p class="pnext">But to help him further was beyond our power; we -could only wait and watch the events of a new day.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was certain that Latour would not withdraw his -order; but whether he would meet force by force and -command Count Auersperg to bombard the city, or offer -himself as a sacrifice to the fury of the mob, we did not -know. From midnight till about three o'clock a dead -silence brooded over the town, but when daylight fairly -broke Vienna was in arms.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy joined us at breakfast, and by his advice we -ate a substantial meal before venturing out, as the time of -our return was very uncertain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said he, on rising from the table, "pistols in -working order? There will be a big <em class="italics">kravalle</em> before the -day's over."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If it's nothing worse than that, so much the better," I -replied. "A street brawl doesn't hurt."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen locked the door, put the key in his pocket, and -we all three went down into the street, where the people -were packed like herrings in a barrel.</p> -<p class="pnext">Men, women, and children of all classes were there--the -shopkeeper, the artisan, the labourer, and the dweller in -the slums who had come out expressly for plunder, and who -would as soon cut a Hungarian as an Austrian throat. One -of this last class, however, a brawny fellow, hatless and -coatless, with arms bare to the elbow, and carrying a -murderous-looking axe, professed great sympathy with the -Magyars, and attached himself to Stephen, much to the -latter's disgust.</p> -<p class="pnext">John and I walked directly behind, laughing to see my -rather fastidious brother in the society of the <em class="italics">soi-disant</em> -patriot.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Keep a brave heart, young sir!" we heard the unwashed -one say, "and trust to us. We'll see you get your rights. -Down with the emperor and up with the people! It's our -turn now!" and he put one arm affectionately round my -brother's waist.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bravo, comrade!" cried John, winking at me. "The -brave Viennese will take care of Hungary!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Right you are, brother!" shouted back the brawny -ruffian. "We'll join hands. Long live Hungary and the -Viennese! No more emperors! No more kings! We'll -have a republic and be our own masters!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"And not do any more work!" said John.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No; we've had our share. Let the rest take a turn;" -and he gave Stephen another squeeze to show his goodwill.</p> -<p class="pnext">Happily for my brother's peace of mind, we had by this -time reached the end of the narrow street, and a vigorous -push by the crowd parted us from our enthusiastic -friend.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had started with the intention of going to the hôtel -of the war minister, but it soon became plain that we had -no choice in the matter; we were compelled to go wherever -the mob carried us.</p> -<p class="pnext">One thing I noticed which rather astonished me--the -National Guards and the armed students had disappeared. -Here and there one certainly caught sight of a citizen -warrior, but they were very few, and I wondered what had -become of the others.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We shall soon find out," said Rakoczy, to whom I put -the question. "There's mischief brewing somewhere. -Listen to, that!" and a great shout of "Long live the -Grenadiers!" rose on the air. The people, sufficiently -excited hitherto, now became frantic. They waved their -arms, and cheered the mutinous regiment wildly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Link arms!" exclaimed Rakoczy, and it was well we -took his advice. A tremendous rush nearly took us off our -feet, and we were carried along in the midst of the -tumultuous throng.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tabor! Tabor!" shouted the crowd. "Make for the -bridge of Tabor! That's where they cross! Hurrah for -the Grenadiers! Down with the emperor! Death to -Latour! Long live the brave Hungarians!"</p> -<p class="pnext">As we approached the bridge of Tabor the excitement -became intense. We were pushed this way and that, and, -but for the linking of arms, we must quickly have lost -sight of one another.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Keep a firm grip," cried John. "Look out! There -goes the military!" and instantly the cheers for the -Grenadiers redoubled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's a cavalry regiment escorting them," I -exclaimed; "and look! Some one has brought up a couple -of guns!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"They want twenty," said Stephen. "Ah! now for it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">At the farther end of the bridge the National Guards -and the University Legion were drawn up in battle array, -waiting to oppose the passage of the troops.</p> -<p class="pnext">The mob pressed to and fro like the unquiet waves of -the sea; now we were thrown almost bodily into the ranks -of the soldiers, again carried back many yards.</p> -<p class="pnext">The windows of all the houses anywhere near were filled -by groups of rioters, who levelled their guns ostentatiously -at the loyal troops, while the <em class="italics">sans-culottes</em> in the streets -roared approval.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the moment my brother spoke we had a full view of -the situation.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Grenadiers, with their escort, had reached the -bridge-head. Behind them were a body of infantry and -the artillerymen with a couple of guns. An officer in -general's uniform commanded the whole.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly the Grenadiers broke loose, and, with triumphant -cries of "Long live Hungary!" crossed the bridge at -the <em class="italics">pas de charge</em>.</p> -<p class="pnext">The students and Nationals received them with open -arms; the general sat on horseback, immovable as a bronze -statue. Then a smile, half of pity, half of scorn, appeared -on his face. He opened his mouth to give an order, when, -from the farther side of the bridge, rang out a sharp report, -and the Austrian fell dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen tore himself from me, his eyes flashing, his -handsome face crimson with anger.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You cowards!" he cried, and would have run to the -bridge had not Rakoczy dragged him back by main force. -Only just in time!</p> -<p class="pnext">Crash! And a storm of grape whizzed through the air -as the gunners discharged their two pieces.</p> -<p class="pnext">The insurgents who were advancing to the charge -wavered; another dose of iron hail, and they fell back -in disorder.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the loyalists were few, their enemy legion.</p> -<p class="pnext">Their brave leader, too, was dead; and, though they -fought valiantly for a time, the end was certain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The students especially behaved like madmen. Shot -and shell tore through their ranks, making long, narrow -gaps, but the survivors pressed on; the mob picked off the -loyalists; the men at the windows shot them down; the -Nationals eagerly backed up their comrades; the bridge -was gained; there was a desperate, confused, hand-to-hand -struggle round the guns, and then a loud shout of victory -echoed and re-echoed through the exultant multitude.</p> -<p class="pnext">"To the gates! Seize the gates!" they yelled; and -presently another cry rose--one which we had been -expecting every moment to hear.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Death to Latour!" bawled a huge, hairy-throated -fellow; and we recognized our acquaintance of the morning, -whose butcher's axe was wet with blood.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's the word!" cried another. "Death to Latour, -and no more ministers!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward! Forward! Long live the republic! Up -with the tricolour!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"To the hôtel!" said Stephen feverishly. "We may yet -help to save him."</p> -<p class="pnext">Alas! if we were powerless in the morning, we were -equally so now. The mob carried us whithersoever it -listed. We were flung bodily from side to side, shot down -narrow streets like stones from a catapult, jammed together -without power of movement, then pushed forward again by -the masses in the rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy soon disappeared. Stephen was yards in front, -separated from me by hundreds of yelling madmen. I was -panting and breathless, and felt as if some one had beaten -me well with a stout stick.</p> -<p class="pnext">A man just before me--a small, pale man with -wide-open, frightened eyes--went down, and was lost in the -crowd; it was like dropping a pin.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had his life been worth the value of the universe, no -one could have saved him; as it was, he simply dropped, -like a stone into the water, and the crowd pressed over -him.</p> -<p class="pnext">To add to the uproar, the tocsin sounded, and everywhere -it seemed as if the soldiers were discharging their -muskets.</p> -<p class="pnext">In one street people were busy erecting a barricade. -The head of the crowd, seeing this, wished to turn back; -they might as well have tried to turn the stars in their -course.</p> -<p class="pnext">The street was narrow and sloping; unfortunately, we -shot into it from the higher end, and there was no stopping.</p> -<p class="pnext">Those in front raised a cry of despair as they were hurled -against the half-built barricade, the workers on the other -side of which ran into the houses, while the living torrent -swept on.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crash went the structure--logs of wood, bodies of -carts, stuffed sacks, piles of stones, and human beings all -mingled together! I caught a brief glimpse of Stephen -wedged into the corner of a doorway, looking as if he -would be squeezed to death, but there was no helping him.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was off my feet, supported only by the bodies of my -nearest companions, one of whom moaned in pain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Through the <em class="italics">débris</em> we were hurled, swept round the -corner to the left, and dropped, panting and bruised and -battered, in the Place of St. Stephen.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="a-soldier-of-the-right-sort">CHAPTER II.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">A SOLDIER OF THE RIGHT SORT.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">I stood for several minutes between the palace and the -great church trying to draw some breath into my -lungs, for the pressure of the crowd had left me like a -squeezed lemon.</p> -<p class="pnext">To search for the missing Rakoczy was useless labour, -but it might be possible to return to the narrow street -where I had last seen my brother.</p> -<p class="pnext">I soon discovered, however, that the short delay had put -that also out of the question. The people were pouring -into the Place; and, though the terrible stress had been -lessened, I was still a prisoner, blocked in on all sides by -the tumultuous throng.</p> -<p class="pnext">The huge bell in the tower of St. Stephen's clanged out -its brazen peals of warning and menace, and a sharp -musketry fire told me that fierce fighting was going on -in the very shadow of the sacred edifice.</p> -<p class="pnext">A handful of loyal National Guards, faithful to their -oaths, and led by a brave commander, were, like good men -and true, sacrificing their lives in the performance of duty.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of course, the contest was a hopeless one; but the men -stood their ground bravely, and I guessed from the savage -cries of the rioters that the faithful few were selling their -lives dearly.</p> -<p class="pnext">From where I stood nothing could be seen save the -heads of the populace; but the surging of the crowd -backward and forward showed how the fight progressed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Clang! clang! pealed the great bell, swinging high in -the air, while below the whirr and rattle of musketry -mingled with the frantic shouts of the people.</p> -<p class="pnext">A louder yell than usual proclaimed that something -decisive had occurred, and soon the news spread to the -very outermost of the packed onlookers.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now they have them! Into the church! Follow -them up! Well done, brave Nationals! Well done, -students! Now we'll see who's to be master!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was even so. The gallant band, overwhelmed by -numbers, had fallen back foot by foot, until the insurgents -by one wild rush had forced them into the cathedral, -where their leader was slain on the high altar itself.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this I learned only from the conversation of the -people, being unable to see anything for myself.</p> -<p class="pnext">But from what happened next I might easily have -known the end had come.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the middle of the throng a cry rose, and the -multitude in their thousands took it up, shouting wildly, -"Latour! Death to Latour!"</p> -<p class="pnext">This way and that they rushed, some to the south, some -to the north of the Place, seeking any outlet which would -lead them to the hôtel of the minister of war.</p> -<p class="pnext">In an instant I was caught up and hurried off out of -the Place, across a wide street, then into a network of -narrow ones, until I was stopped with the rest in front -of the hôtel where lived Count Latour.</p> -<p class="pnext">Was he still there? There had been ample time for -escape, and I hoped against hope that he had taken -advantage of it; but, remembering the calm, proud face -of the man, I had my doubts.</p> -<p class="pnext">The gates were closed; the soldiers, scanty in numbers -but well disciplined, stood at their posts, eyeing the frenzied -mob with contempt.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the students at once opened fire; the soldiers -replied, and, the target being so broad, every bullet lodged -somewhere.</p> -<p class="pnext">Inside the building Count Latour was holding a council -of war, and the members, fearful lest in the growing excitement -the monarchy itself should be swept away, prevailed -on him to issue the order to cease firing.</p> -<p class="pnext">This of course paralyzed the action of the loyal troops, -both at the hôtel and at the barracks, while the spirits of -the rebels were proportionately raised.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the conversation of those near me, I gathered that -their surprise was equal to their delight, but they gave no -thought to the humanity of those in power.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fearful cry, "Death to Latour!" was again raised. -The gates were threatened. The soldiers, prevented from -firing by the order of the council, were unable to act. -Fresh bodies of rioters came swarming from various -directions. The pressure grew terrible; the gates--I suppose, -as I could see nothing--gave way; the courtyard was -filled with the noisy, shouting, bloodthirsty pack; the -doors of the great building were smashed like glass; and -the crowd, screaming and struggling, surged up the broad -staircase.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the first rush some were thrown violently against -the outer walls; others, by no power of their own, were -carried into the interior of the building, and fate so willed -that I belonged to the latter portion. The name of the -gallant old count was on the lips of every one, as if he -were responsible for all the ills in the world, so easy is it -to inflame the passions of a mob which does not think for -itself.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was on the first landing that we received a slight -check.</p> -<p class="pnext">A few National Guards, still loyal to their pledges, -attempted to stem the human torrent. Their success -was only momentary, and they were borne back, but not -dispersed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here the crowd broke up, some running one way, some -another, but all intent on killing Count Latour.</p> -<p class="pnext">I followed the Nationals, thinking they would most -likely retire in the direction of the council chamber.</p> -<p class="pnext">This they did, and that apartment was speedily filled. -I caught a glimpse of Latour, round whom the handful of -loyalists pressed. His face was pale; otherwise he showed -no sign of fear, but gazed calmly on the throng of butchers. -Once he made an attempt to speak, but his words were -drowned in the tumult.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Kill Latour!" was the savage cry. Beyond that one -scarcely heard anything.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the brave Nationals resolved to make a fight -of it, and by a stroke of great good fortune I managed -to join them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Long live Latour! Long live the gallant count!" I -cried, with all the strength of my lungs, and his defenders -echoed the cry.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the others drowned our shouts with "Kill Latour!" -and one man, towering above the rest, sprang at the count -with uplifted axe.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the burly ruffian who had walked with us a -short time in the morning, and at sight of me his face -grew black as a thunder-cloud.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Traitor!" he shouted, and, swinging round, aimed his -axe full at my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was little time for action, much less for thought; -but, having my pistol free, I levelled it swiftly, and shot -the truculent bully dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count threw me a glance of gratitude mingled with -pity; and in truth it appeared as if I needed the latter.</p> -<p class="pnext">The insurgents rushed at us, bore us back, flung themselves -into our midst, and, acting like wedges, split us into -small groups.</p> -<p class="pnext">I found myself in front of Latour, where the fighting -was fiercest, and emptied my pistol recklessly into the crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bullets cleared a space, but it was soon reoccupied. -Most of the loyalists were overpowered and disarmed, and -now their opponents came to help seize Latour.</p> -<p class="pnext">Planting my feet firmly on the ground, I stood by the -side of the veteran, and did my best to save him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The attempt failed; it was hopeless from the start, and -the end came very suddenly.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were scarcely half a dozen of us all told, standing -shoulder to shoulder, to stay the rush, and we toppled -over like so many wooden pegs.</p> -<p class="pnext">I lay on the floor half stunned, with the body of a man -right across my chest. He was badly hurt, and kept -moaning feebly.</p> -<p class="pnext">For several minutes I was unable to rise, or even to -move, and during that time the noise of the fighting grew -less and less distinct, finally dying away altogether.</p> -<p class="pnext">The shouts of the populace, however, continued to ascend -from the courtyard, and could be plainly heard through -the open windows.</p> -<p class="pnext">As soon as I had recovered a little strength, I shifted -the wounded man gently, and stood up.</p> -<p class="pnext">The rioters had left the apartment; only the dead and -those seriously injured remained, and amongst these I -looked in vain for Latour.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had they spared his life? The idea seemed too good -for truth, but it was just possible.</p> -<p class="pnext">Picking up an abandoned sword, I made my way from -the chamber to the staircase. Several bodies lay where -they had fallen; otherwise the place was empty.</p> -<p class="pnext">I ran down to the first landing, and overtook a frightened, -pale-faced man--a servant, probably, belonging to the -hôtel. The fellow looked at me with such a comical -expression of woe, that, in spite of the day's work, I could -hardly refrain from laughing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's nothing to be afraid of," I said, slapping him -on the shoulder. "I'm not going to eat you. What have -the rebels done with Count Latour?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The man's eyes opened wider than before. He bowed his -head and mumbled some words which I could not understand.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Speak up!" I cried sharply, "or, by the honour of a -Botskay, I'll throw you over the balustrade."</p> -<p class="pnext">The threat reduced him to a state bordering on -imbecility. He made no attempt to speak, but, plucking at -my cloak like a chidden dog, led me into a small chamber -having a window which overlooked the courtyard.</p> -<p class="pnext">What I saw there held me spellbound; and the man, -seeing he was no longer noticed, quietly slipped off.</p> -<p class="pnext">Outside, Count Latour, the minister of war, the veteran -general who had carried the black and yellow flag to -victory a score of times, who over and over again had -risked his life to uphold the honour of his country, hung, -battered and dead, suspended from a lamp-post.</p> -<p class="pnext">The mob still lingered about, but in smaller numbers; -the most violent had departed to pursue their work of -butchery elsewhere.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many of the disloyal National Guards, who found it -easier work to insult a dead man than to combat a living -one, swaggered about, looking fierce and truculent. Some -decently-dressed citizens regarded the murdered count, it -appeared to me, with pity and sorrow; even to some -of the insurgents remorse had come with terrible swiftness.</p> -<p class="pnext">The students and men of the slums had gone--the -former to fight, the latter most likely to plunder. More -peaceable people helped to fill up the gap thus caused.</p> -<p class="pnext">I left the room and descended the stairs slowly, thinking -of Stephen. Where was he? Had he been killed by -that terrible crush in the narrow street? Perhaps he was -still there, hurt and unable to move. I must go and -find out.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the lower part of the staircase I met numbers of -citizens coming to view the scene of the struggle.</p> -<p class="pnext">I stood aside to let them pass, and they, recognizing -my nationality, saluted me with the cry of "Long live -Hungary!" I thought of the dead man outside, and the -blood surged to my face.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the courtyard there was room to move freely, and, -anxious on my brother's account, I was hurrying away, -when the sound of a girl's voice coming from the left -caused me to stop.</p> -<p class="pnext">A low, angry growl from a section of the onlookers -told me something was wrong, and I ran to the spot.</p> -<p class="pnext">A young girl, evidently of high birth, stood facing a -group of Nationals. Her head was uncovered, and her -hair hung down her back in a thick, wavy, chestnut-coloured -mass. She had a beautiful face, sweet and fresh -as the morning; her features were regular and refined; -her dark-blue eyes were of wonderful depth and expression.</p> -<p class="pnext">She was slightly, almost delicately framed, and little -more than a child in years; but the inherited pride of -centuries burned in her face, and she confronted the citizen -soldiers fearlessly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Standing erect, with her head thrown back defiantly, -she pointed to the body of the murdered man, and, with -a superb gesture of scorn, exclaimed in a ringing voice, -"You pitiful cowards!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The crowd murmured, some in sympathy, others in -anger. Several of the Nationals moved as if to chastise -the speaker, but she did not quail.</p> -<p class="pnext">One, a bigger poltroon than his fellows, placed his hand -on her arm; but at that instant I sprang to the girl's side -and sent the aggressor sprawling.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is true!" I cried recklessly. "You are a pack of -cowards to murder an aged and unarmed man!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"A Hungarian and a traitor!" shouted a voice from -the crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No traitor," I replied, "as I hope my sword may prove; -but no assassin either."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't be a fool," said the unseen speaker, but using -now the Hungarian tongue. "What is the daughter of -an Austrian noble to you? These others are our friends, -and they have done no worse than we did in Pesth."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Knock him on the head, and the girl too!" cried one -of the soldiers; but he kept clear of the sword which I -had brought from the council chamber.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Leave me, sir," implored the high-spirited girl. "The -butchers will kill you. I do not fear them."</p> -<p class="pnext">I looked at her in smiling admiration, and said, "A -Magyar does not leave a lady in distress. Permit me to -take you away from this crowd."</p> -<p class="pnext">Thinking perhaps of my danger, she shuddered slightly, -and passed her arm within mine, while I prepared to -guard her with my life.</p> -<p class="pnext">We might have escaped without further trouble, but -for the action of one of the Nationals, who, angered by the -girl's taunts, threw himself across our path.</p> -<p class="pnext">I requested him to stand back, but he refused insolently, -and endeavoured to run me through with his bayonet.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this several of his comrades came to his assistance, -and there was nothing for it but to cut my way out.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the citizens now interfered, crying "Shame" -on the soldiers for attacking a girl; and, while our -opponents stood undecided, I received a welcome though -unexpected reinforcement.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a movement in the crowd as of a person -pushing his way through; and all at once I beheld my -brother, who, crying, "A Botskay to the rescue!" sprang -between us and the soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">In either hand he held a loaded pistol, and there was an -air of determination in his handsome face which showed -he would not hesitate to fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had just told the girl who the newcomer was, when a -second man broke through the crowd and joined us.</p> -<p class="pnext">A giant of a fellow he was, wearing a round hat and -furred coat, and carrying in his hand a ponderous club -which would have crushed the skull of an ox.</p> -<p class="pnext">My fair companion cried delightedly, "Franz! Franz!" -and the man bowed to her with an air of respectful -deference.</p> -<p class="pnext">His countenance was of a ruddy colour, his hair sandy; -he had pleasant blue eyes, a cheerful face, and the massive -limbs of an athlete.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Make way there!" he cried, twirling his tremendous -club as if it had been a soldier's cane; "make way there -for the Fräulein von Arnstein!"</p> -<p class="pnext">A portion of the spectators, crying, "Room for the -Fräulein von Arnstein!" hustled the soldiers, who, being -pressed by Franz and Stephen, sullenly began to give -ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">The movement was very slow, and we had not made -much progress when a young man rode into the courtyard, -and was received with round after round of cheering.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was dressed in civilian costume, but wore in addition -a broad red sash and a red cockade in his hat.</p> -<p class="pnext">Who or what he was I did not know, but he was -plainly a person of importance amongst the rebels.</p> -<p class="pnext">At sight of our companion his face expressed the -broadest astonishment, and leaping to the ground he -advanced quickly towards her.</p> -<p class="pnext">Speaking in a soft, silky voice and using polished, -well-turned phrases, he expressed his regret at the conduct of -the Nationals, and offered to accompany her home.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You will encounter neither danger nor insult while -with me," he concluded smilingly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The girl looked at him in genuine scorn.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your offer comes too late," she said coldly. "These -two gentlemen and my servant Franz are ready to protect -me from all the cut-throats in Vienna, either in or out of -uniform."</p> -<p class="pnext">The stranger's face turned white, but his eyes burned -like fire, and I prepared for mischief.</p> -<p class="pnext">He controlled his passion, however, bowed low, and -made a sign to the Nationals, who stood back, leaving the -way to the gates clear.</p> -<p class="pnext">As for the girl, she took no further notice of him, but, -still leaning on my arm, walked out haughtily.</p> -<p class="pnext">Franz marched in front with his club, Stephen, who -had replaced his pistols, followed, while we two brought -up the rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was difficult to carry on a conversation, owing to the -shouting; and indeed it suited me well enough to walk in -silence, and to glance from time to time at the face of my -beautiful companion.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last Franz stopped before a large house, and the -fräulein, making a gracious inclination of the head, begged -us to enter, that her mother might thank us for what -we had done.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen, who cared little for the society of ladies, -would have declined the honour, but I did not give him -the chance, thanking her myself for her courtesy.</p> -<p class="pnext">So the three of us--the lady leading--passed over the -threshold, and, traversing a wide hall, mounted a stately -staircase, which led to a magnificent apartment, as -sumptuously furnished as any I had seen in Paris.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here we were left by our charming guide, who, -however, shortly returned with an older lady, grave and -ceremonious, but no doubt kindly at heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was the Baroness von Arnstein, the mother of the -proud yet dainty girl, whom she called Theresa, and the -wife of an officer highly placed in the army commanded -by Prince Windischgratz.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness listened to her daughter's story, and at -the end thanked us for having, as she was pleased to say, -saved her child's life.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having passed an hour very pleasantly, and promised -to repeat our visit, we took our leave of the ladies, and -once more found ourselves in the streets of the excited -city.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was late evening now, and rapidly growing dusk; -but the people were still abroad, shouting, singing the -French Marseillaise, and congratulating each other on the -result of the day's doings.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many, however, occupied the time in far different -fashion. Some paid visits to the principal shops, -especially to those containing food or weapons, which they -promptly seized. Others, with an eye to the future, were -erecting barricades or strengthening old ones, and trying -to put the city in a state of defence.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Imbeciles!" exclaimed Stephen angrily. "When -Windischgratz arrives he will knock the place about -their ears. I wonder what has become of Rakoczy."</p> -<p class="pnext">"She has the most beautiful eyes," I murmured, pursuing -my own train of thought, "and of the loveliest blue. -And what remarkable bravery to be shown by a girl so -young!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Remarkable folly," replied my brother, "if you are -speaking of the Austrian maid; but enough of her. Let -us think of Rakoczy. The poor fellow may be dead, or -sorely needing our help."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If so, he will take some finding. I haven't seen him -since we left the bridge; but I don't think 'The Joyous' -will come to any harm. Look at that red light in the -sky! There is a big fire somewhere."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is at the arsenal, my brave Hungarians!" said a -wild-looking fellow staggering along beneath a load of -plunder. "The students are attacking the arsenal. -Never fear, my boys! We'll soon give you your independence!"</p> -<p class="pnext">This speech was particularly galling to Stephen, who -moved on quickly, saying, "Come, George; it is likely we -shall find Rakoczy there."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was difficult to get near the arsenal, as the streets -were crowded, and from some we had to turn back, owing -to the erection of barricades.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were hungry, too, having eaten nothing since the -early morning; and seeing an open café, I persuaded -Stephen to enter. The place was dirty, and the food not -the best; but hunger is a good sauce, and we ate what was -set before us without complaining.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the talk of the men in the café we learned that -the soldiers guarding the arsenal were making a stout -fight against the students and National Guards, though, -unless reinforcements arrived, they were certain to be -overpowered by numbers.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said one fellow, chuckling, "we have our -revolution at last. There's no drawing back for the -faint-hearts now."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Latour's death has let them in up to the neck," said -another. "They'll find it mighty hard to pull out of -that bog!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"And a good job too!" replied the first speaker. "What's -the use of making a revolution in kid gloves? Strike -while the iron's hot is my motto. Why should we stop at -Latour when there's bigger game to be found at -Schönbrunn? Why not--"</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortunately by this time we had finished our meal, and -were moving to the door; so, linking my arm in Stephen's, -I led him out hastily.</p> -<p class="pnext">Though the government called him a Hungarian rebel, -he had scanty sympathy with Austrian republicans, and I -feared an explosion which would do little good.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once outside the shop, we forgot the incident in looking -at the sky, which, near the arsenal, had now become a -deep-red colour, made more intensely vivid by the -increasing darkness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The building's on fire!" I said. "The garrison will -have to surrender."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Unless the sparks fall on the powder-magazine, and -then--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be farewell both to soldiers and students!"</p> -<p class="pnext">A man whose face was blackened by powder, came up -the street shouting, "The arsenal's captured! Cheers for -the brave students!" and immediately the people set off -running.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let us go too!" said Stephen. "It is possible we -may find our friend;" and I, knowing how irresistibly a -fight attracted "John the Joyous," willingly agreed.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-insurrection-in-full-swing">CHAPTER III.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE INSURRECTION IN FULL SWING.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">For some time the flames from the burning building -leaped high into the heavens, and, spreading out, lit -an immense area by their glow; but gradually the vivid -red grew paler, and we concluded that the insurgents, -having captured the arsenal, were now trying to extinguish -the fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">A nearer view, however, made it plain that our -informant had brought false news, as the garrison still -maintained a fierce fight against the students and the -National Guards. The scene was more striking even than -that at the hôtel of the minister of war. The darkness -of the night was illumined by the flames which continually -burst forth from one part of the arsenal, while the flashes -from hundreds of rifles showed that the roofs and windows -of the adjoining houses were occupied by the insurgents.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not much chance for the garrison," I said. "All -these houses command the arsenal."</p> -<p class="pnext">Still the unequal contest continued; the soldiers stuck -to their posts, and while some threw water on the flames, -the others returned the fire of the rioters.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sharp-shooters on the roofs and at the windows -suffered little, but their allies in the street, being more -exposed, by no means escaped lightly.</p> -<p class="pnext">All through the night the struggle lasted, but between -five and six o'clock in the morning it became plain to -every one that the powder-magazine was in imminent -danger of being blown up.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then the brave garrison agreed to an honourable -capitulation; and as they marched out, the people, with -savage cries of triumph, flung themselves into the building.</p> -<p class="pnext">The students and many of the National Guards did -their utmost to save the magazine; of the others, some -sought for weapons, while the remainder appeared bent -solely upon destruction.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a tremendous amount of work, the fire was got -under, but really I expected to see it break out again in a -dozen different places.</p> -<p class="pnext">The more foolish of the rioters played the strangest -antics, and having obtained both rifles and ammunition, -found pleasure in firing them at anybody or anything.</p> -<p class="pnext">All the treasures were brought into the streets, and the -swords of the great Scanderbeg and Prince Eugene became -the property of men of the lowest classes.</p> -<p class="pnext">We saw, without being able to prevent it, the helmet of -that Francis the First who was taken prisoner at the battle -of Pavia, tossed from one to the other of the ignorant mob, -and watched the destruction of the armour once worn by -the mighty Wallenstein and the faithful Daun.</p> -<p class="pnext">We could not find Rakoczy; so, after searching a long -while, we decided on returning to our lodging.</p> -<p class="pnext">The streets were less crowded now than they had been -during the last twenty-four hours. Numbers of people, -tired by the fighting and excitement, had gone to rest; -others, shocked by the excesses committed, had withdrawn; -and indeed the broadening daylight made every one look -more or less ashamed of the night's events.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the talk of the rioters we learned that the emperor -had left Schönbrunn with his family for Olmutz, and that -Count Auersperg had sent four thousand troops to form an -escort. The rest of the army had been stationed in the -gardens of the Schwartzenberg and Belvidere palaces on -heights commanding the city.</p> -<p class="pnext">But for the order to cease firing, these same soldiers -would most likely have nipped the insurrection in the -bud.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still we did not meet Rakoczy; but a scrap of paper -pushed beneath the door of our room relieved our anxiety -concerning him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"8 a.m.--Call again later. Don't leave before seeing -me.--J.R."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now we can go to bed with easy minds," I said, passing -the paper to Stephen.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were both exceedingly tired, and having once fallen -asleep, knew nothing further till awakened by a loud -knocking.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rakoczy," murmured Stephen lazily. "Let him in, -George. There's no more rest for us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Joyous" now began to troll forth a Magyar hunting-song, -and the sound of the rich, full notes put all sleep to -flight. Dressing hastily, I went into the sitting-room and -opened the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">Street fighting and loss of sleep appeared to have little -effect on our companion. His handsome face was bright -and cheerful as usual, and bidding me finish my toilet, -he continued his song.</p> -<p class="pnext">"So the insurgents carried out their threat?" I said, -when, some time later, the three of us sat down to -dinner.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Heard the news at the arsenal?" he asked. "What a -rush it was! The crowd swept me away like a chip in -the Danube. And as to getting back; there wasn't the -slightest chance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We were separated too," said Stephen, "but met again -in front of the hôtel. George had quite an adventure. -Rescued a royalist maiden from the mob; quite like a -hero of romance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A charming girl--the daughter of Baron von Arnstein. -But Stephen has left out his share of the business;" and I -straightway related all that had happened.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fortunate youngsters," said Rakoczy. "And a plucky -girl. We shall soon be looking for an Austro-Hungarian -alliance. I have some news, too, though not as pleasant -as yours. Count Beula is in the city."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What of that?" asked Stephen coldly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A great deal. He is the head of the Hungarian Committee -formed to aid the Viennese in their insurrection."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The work ought to suit him," I said carelessly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"So it will till the Austrians recapture the town; then -he'll change sides fast enough."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Very likely," said Rakoczy. "But that isn't the point. -At present the rebels are victorious, and Count Beula is a -man of importance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, it has nothing to do with us," observed Stephen -rather crossly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wrong again, my boy. By virtue of his office, he -orders you to appear before the committee this very -evening;" and the speaker took a printed paper from -his pocket.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen tore the document in halves, and threw the -pieces on the floor.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I won't go!" he exclaimed haughtily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, you will."</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother sprang to his feet. His face was crimson, -and he angrily demanded what Rakoczy meant.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't lose your temper. The explanation's simple. -Unless you attend, the committee will brand you either -coward or traitor."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rakoczy is right, Stephen. My advice is to go and -hear what the count has to say."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen examined his pistols and reached down his sword.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Very well," he answered grimly; "but I'm afraid the -meeting won't be any the pleasanter for my company. -When do we start?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Joyous" laughed genially.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not for a couple of hours yet; but if you're tired of -the house we can take a stroll through the town."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen and I considered this a good suggestion, so, -having locked the door, we went out on a tour of inspection.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time there was no mistaking the fact that the -city proper was completely in the hands of the insurgents. -The tricolour floated over the principal buildings; the -National Guards patrolled the streets, and directed the -operations of the people who worked feverishly at the -strengthening of the barricades; the gates were guarded -by armed students enrolled as soldiers. Of the imperial -government not a trace seemed to be left.</p> -<p class="pnext">Turning back from the Scotch Gate, Rakoczy led us -through several streets, and finally stopped before a house -which, outwardly at least, differed in no wise from its -neighbours.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our guide, speaking a word to the doorkeeper, led the -way into an ordinary passage, at the farther end of which -a second janitor directed us to a large room.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several men had already assembled, and others came -afterwards, bringing up the number to perhaps twenty.</p> -<p class="pnext">They sat in rows facing a raised desk, and we, -being of modest dispositions, took our seats right at the -back.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How long before the mummery begins?" asked Stephen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't know. Never was here before. Expect they're -waiting for the count. Choice company some of these -gentlemen, eh?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Half of them, at least, are not Hungarians," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Friends of Hungary, my boy. A few Magyars like -Beula, half a dozen Poles, several Italians from the -Austrian provinces, a German or two from Munich, and a red -republican from Paris. Here comes the count;" and a -hum of applause greeted the president as he took his place -at the desk.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a man about Rakoczy's age, a true Magyar in -appearance, richly dressed, and exhibiting an air of easy -self-assurance which suited him well.</p> -<p class="pnext">As soon as the applause subsided, he rose and began in -German to congratulate his associates on the triumph of -the revolution. The emperor, he said, was a fugitive, the -empire destroyed; henceforth the Austrians were a free -people, and the brave Hungarians would hold out to them -the right hand of brotherhood.</p> -<p class="pnext">This statement produced frantic cheering, and the president -had some difficulty in restoring quiet.</p> -<p class="pnext">Much yet remained to be done, he continued; but before -opening the regular business he had a pleasing duty to -perform, to welcome to that meeting, in the name of the -committee, three Hungarians, the possessors of glorious -names--names that would endure while Hungary remained a nation.</p> -<p class="pnext">This harangue had exhausted Stephen's patience, and -when the speaker went on to glorify the actions of bygone -Rakoczys and Botskays, he sprang to his feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now for a thunder-clap!" exclaimed my companion.</p> -<p class="pnext">Unlike the president, Stephen spoke in the Hungarian -tongue, which prevented the majority of his hearers from -understanding a word he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">The others, however, did not miss a syllable, as their -angry faces showed, and the hand of more than one man -played ominously with his weapons. But Stephen, in his -passion, heeded nothing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am a Hungarian, but not an assassin!" he cried -boldly. "We will fight the Austrians on the field of -battle as long as any of you; but we won't help to -slaughter defenceless old men, nor butcher brave soldiers -on the altar of God. Magyars, I am ashamed of you! -Has the ancient spirit descended so low as to find cause -for satisfaction in a brutal murder? Let the Viennese -fight out their own quarrel; Hungary is strong enough to -stand alone."</p> -<p class="pnext">"My brother is right!" I cried, before the men could -recover from their astonishment. "Only last evening I -stood by the side of Count Latour when he was hacked to -death by brutal savages who shouted, 'Long live -Hungary!' Have we not been shamed enough by the riff-raff -of our own people in Pesth? In the olden days we met -our foes in the open. If we have not the courage to do so -now, let us be quiet, and not try to screen ourselves behind -a petty squabble in the Austrian capital."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I," said Rakoczy, in his musical voice, "am a Magyar -of the Magyars. I fight against Ferdinand the emperor, -who takes from us our privileges; but Ferdinand the king -is the lawful ruler of Hungary, and when he restores our -rights I shall hold that man a traitor who raises his voice -against him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well spoken!" cried Stephen.--"And now, Count -Beula, President of the Committee and slaughterer of -old men, you know what at least three Hungarians -think."</p> -<p class="pnext">Before he had finished speaking, a dozen men placed -themselves between us and the door to bar our passage.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Are we to be your next victims?" asked Stephen -scornfully. "Well, every man to his trade."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy had levelled his pistols, and I followed his -example, though nearly a score against three made long -odds. Fortunately the threatened struggle was prevented -by Count Beula, who ordered his men to let us go.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They will not escape their punishment," he said. "The -nation shall judge them."</p> -<p class="pnext">"As it shall judge you," I answered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come," said Rakoczy, taking my arm; "let us leave -before your brother starts on the war-path again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The next thing," I remarked, when we were again in -the street, "is to get away from Vienna. It seems to -me that we are in an awkward fix. The imperialists -will probably kill us because we are Hungarians, and the -insurgents because we are not."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can go to-morrow, unless the count has given -orders to arrest us at the gates."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps it will be better," exclaimed Stephen. "I am -tired of Vienna."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope the fräulein will not be hurt in the scuffle."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why not stay behind to protect her?" said Rakoczy -in his laughing way, little dreaming that we should all -three be compelled to remain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet that is what happened, as the next morning the -gates were zealously guarded, and we tried in vain to pass. -It was rumoured that Jellachich, the Ban of Croatia, had -arrived within a few hours' march of the town, and the -insurgents were taking extraordinary precautions.</p> -<p class="pnext">Guns were placed above the gates, and men stood near -with lighted matches; National Guards patrolled everywhere; -ten thousand men--students, Nationals, men in -blouses, and coatless artisans with upturned shirt-sleeves--lined -the ramparts; crowds thronged the steeples, gazing -earnestly for the first signs of the savage Croats.</p> -<p class="pnext">We spent the day in ineffectual efforts to leave the -capital, and on trying again the next morning found we -had lost the last chance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Jellachich was actually in sight, and from the roofs of -the lofty buildings we could see the varied uniforms of -his motley army.</p> -<p class="pnext">The red caps of the Illyrians, the grey blouses of the -Seregranes, and the scarlet mantles of the Croats, formed -a portion of the picture, while in the background could be -distinguished the imperial uniform of the Austrian cavalry -and artillery.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No running away now," I said. "We must stay and -see the end of it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy laughed. His main regret was that we had no -part in the approaching conflict.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If the Viennese really hold out," Stephen said, "there -will be plenty to be done in caring for the wounded, and -we will help in that."</p> -<p class="pnext">For the next three or four days the city was in a state -of suppressed excitement. Of course the air was thick -with rumours, mostly ridiculous, but eagerly believed by -the credulous burghers. Meanwhile only one thing was -certain--that Jellachich, changing his position, had joined -Count Auersperg in the Belvidere Gardens.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They'll wait for Prince Windischgratz, who can bring -twenty thousand men from Bohemia," said Rakoczy, "and -then good-bye to the insurrection."</p> -<p class="pnext">Since the terrible evening when Latour lost his life, the -insurgents had refrained from violence; and although many -robberies were committed, the disorder was far less than -we had expected.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every day I walked past the residence of the Baroness -von Arnstein, but all was quiet there, and once I met the -ladies returning without escort from a visit to some -friends.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness greeted me kindly, but with a certain -haughtiness which was entirely absent from the behaviour -of her daughter, who showed frankly that she was pleased -to see me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have not paid us your promised visit yet," she said; -"but perhaps you are too busy? No? Then we shall -expect you to come with your brother."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen did not greatly appreciate the honour, but he -consented to go, and we passed several very pleasant -evenings with the Austrian ladies.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of Count Beula and his committee we saw nothing more--they -were busy making speeches; but Rakoczy, in case -of accidents, obtained from Messenhauser, the Viennese -commander-in-chief, a document which gave us, as -non-combatants, the right to assist the wounded.</p> -<p class="pnext">A fortnight now passed without incident, except for -the arrival of Joseph Bern, the famous Polish general, who -instantly set about the work of defence.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A marvellous man!" said Rakoczy one evening. "Over -fifty years old, yet hot-headed as a boy. You should see -him in a battle with the shells bursting and the bullets -coming down like hail. He's a regular salamander, and -the hotter the fire the better Bern is pleased."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He certainly knows how to make the men work."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Isn't there some gipsy prophecy concerning him?" asked -Stephen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, and Bern believes in the truth of it. An old -woman told his fortune many years ago, and prophesied -he would never come to any harm till 1850. His body -is covered with scars, but Bern doesn't count these. The -Poles are fanatical about him, and believe he can't be -killed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If the Austrians catch him," said Stephen, "they will -put it to the test by means of a hempen rope."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rather a risky experiment, for Bern," replied our -companion with a humorous twinkle.</p> -<p class="pnext">That same night Prince Windischgratz arrived with a -fresh army, twenty thousand strong; and, having joined -his colleagues, he summoned the city to surrender.</p> -<p class="pnext">The reply was a curt refusal, and the citizens prepared -for the ordeal of battle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Three more days passed quietly while the royalists -placed their guns in position; then, at ten o'clock on the -morning of October 28, 1848, the tocsin rang loudly, and -the <em class="italics">générale</em> beat to arms. Instantly the citizens ran to -their appointed places, and it must be admitted that very -few showed traces of fear or cowardice. The men in -blouses, accompanied by hundreds of women and girls, -guarded the barricades; the students formed up on the -ramparts, where all night they had lain by the long line -of watch-fires; and the Nationals, rifle in hand, marched -to their stations.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was nearly noon when a signal-shot was fired from -the Schwartzenberg heights, and immediately the bombardment -began.</p> -<p class="pnext">Shot and shell and flaming rockets came hissing and -roaring into the city; but the civilian gunners stood to -their pieces, and answered shot by shot, though without -doing much damage to their opponents.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was soon seen that the principal attack would be -made by way of the Leopoldstadt and Landstrasse suburbs, -to the former of which I hastened with my brother and -Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Croats and Chasseurs had already reached the -Prater, from the houses and woods of which they poured -a hot musketry fire upon the defenders of the first -barricade. Men dropped fast, and we were soon busy -carrying those who were seriously wounded into places of -safety, where their hurts might be attended to by the -surgeons.</p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 63%" id="figure-34"> -<span id="from-the-woods-they-poured-a-hot-musketry-fire-upon-the-defenders"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-054.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"<em class="italics">From the woods they poured a hot musketry fire upon the defenders.</em>" Page 54.]</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The bullets fell thickly around us while we ran here -and there with flasks of water to moisten the parched -throats of the stricken men.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some, alas! were dying, and for these we could do -little but cheer their last moments; others, who possessed -a chance of recovery, we raised in our arms and bore -tenderly away.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had just returned from one of these sad errands -when Rakoczy, seeing a fallen body on the top of the -barricade, immediately climbed up in order to examine it.</p> -<p class="pnext">We paused in our work to watch the handsome, bright-eyed -fellow as he stood there, quite cool, the target for -hundreds of rifles.</p> -<p class="pnext">The insurgents, understanding his action, cheered and -cheered again as he bent over the motionless body; but -his heroism was useless--the man was dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rising slowly, the brave Rakoczy stood for a second, -glancing toward the Prater, then returned to us untouched.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Dead," he said briefly; "and the Austrians are -preparing for a rush."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen glanced at the handful of insurgents who still -fought doggedly, but their time was almost come.</p> -<p class="pnext">A savage cry heralded the onslaught of the Croats, -those hardy fighters from the south; and five minutes -later the defenders of the barricade were in full flight, -leaving behind only their wounded and dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first I thought of retreating also; but "The Joyous" -was already giving aid to another sufferer, and the sight -of his calm face brought me to my senses.</p> -<p class="pnext">So we three stayed, doing what we could; and almost -immediately the enemy were upon us, leaping, shouting, -tiring, and cheering like a body of savages.</p> -<p class="pnext">A wild-looking lot they were, having little uniform, -save the famous red mantle which hung loosely over the -shoulders, and was fastened round the throat with a small -cord.</p> -<p class="pnext">For the rest, speaking generally, their costume was a -dark cap carelessly placed on the side of the head, rough -brown jacket almost threadbare, drawers tied in at the -knees, gaiters, and clumsy-looking sandals fastened with -strips of leather. Most of them wore a gay-coloured sash, -and all were armed with the weapons peculiar to their -country.</p> -<p class="pnext">Each man carried a stanitza or long gun, a long and -ornamented pistol, a cartouch-box on his shoulder-belt, and, -in a richly-embroidered sheath, a handjar, which is half -yataghan and half carving-knife.</p> -<p class="pnext">You may be sure I did not see all these things as the -redoubtable warriors came swarming over the barricade, -but later I had ample opportunity of studying the weapons -of the Ban's soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">After them marched a regiment of Austrian infantry, -well disciplined and steady as a rock.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the Croats went by, I expected every second to be -shot through the head, or to feel one of the murderous -handjars in my throat; but I continued my labour, at -least with outward calm. Happily, the Viennese had left -the adjoining houses empty, so there was nothing to hinder -the imperialists from advancing, or to further excite their -passions.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Croats swept by like a furious whirlwind, the -Austrians followed more steadily, and we were left to our -self-imposed task.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the enemy had disappeared, dozens of women and -men not engaged in the fight came from their hiding-places, -and we were surrounded by a band of willing helpers.</p> -<p class="pnext">The dead we left where they had fallen, for time was -precious; but the others were all removed into the houses, -and made as comfortable as possible till the surgeons -arrived.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had just finished our work, and were resting a while, -when the booming of cannon sounded not far off.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're taking the second barricade!" I exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will cost them dear," said Rakoczy; "Bern is there!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let us go and see," said Stephen; "we may be of use."</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="vienna-in-flames">CHAPTER IV.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">VIENNA IN FLAMES.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">For the second time the Croats were about to hurl -themselves against the barricade defended by the -daring Pole. A cluster of bodies twenty yards in advance -of it showed where the first rush had been stayed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The black nozzles of several guns peeped from the huge -pile, and the gunners stood ready with lighted matches.</p> -<p class="pnext">Looking at Bern, I remembered Rakoczy's story, and -really it appeared as if the man were bullet-proof. Others -exposed themselves for a moment, and were shot down; -he, holding a short riding-whip in his hand, stood with -the most perfect <em class="italics">sang-froid</em> in the hottest of the fire, -cheering, directing, encouraging, and was not hit once.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I should have -doubted a narrator who told me the story, for the thing -was almost incredible even to an eye-witness.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the Croats were ready. The signal rang out; they -went forward in loose formation, slowly at first, afterwards -more quickly, a few dropping by the way. Then, with an -appalling yell, they literally flew over the ground, -brandishing their handjars.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once at close quarters, the Viennese would go down -before them like ripe corn beneath the sickle.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians in reserve cheered. Another minute and -their allies would be swarming over the barricade, when -suddenly, from the mouths of Bern's heavy guns, belched -sheets of flame. There came a tremendous report; the -barricade trembled; the whole scene was blotted out by -a cloud of smoke, which drifted slowly away, and then -the Croats were seen retiring sullenly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of all their number, one alone had reached the goal, -and he was a prisoner.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Viennese cheered like mad; Bern gave some orders -to his artillerymen; the imperialists covered the retreat -of their allies by a sharp musketry fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then both sides paused--the insurgents smilingly secure -in their stronghold, their opponents to get ready for a -fresh attack. With many other non-combatants, we had -climbed to the roof of a house, from which we obtained -a splendid view.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Austrians are going to do the work," said Stephen, -who had a strong prejudice against irregular troops.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's throwing life away," answered our companion; -and even I, who knew much less of military matters -than he did, felt that the drilled infantry had little chance -of success.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, they were forming steadily for the assault. -The officers sprang to the front, holding their swords -unsheathed, the drums beat the advance, and the regiment -moved on with the regularity of clockwork.</p> -<p class="pnext">They made a brilliant spectacle, those hardy veterans, -with heads erect, and resolute, determined faces, marching -to destruction like one vast machine.</p> -<p class="pnext">Faster and faster their feet moved, faster and faster -the drums beat, rataplan, rataplan, till the music got -into their bodies, and with a "Vivat der Prinz!" they -broke into a swift run. I looked at the Polish leader; -he stood like some genius of the conflict, directing and -even controlling the progress of the strife.</p> -<p class="pnext">The infantry, although advancing so swiftly, never for -an instant got out of hand. As one man fell, another filled -the gap; and when we last saw them before the thick -smoke shut out the view, they were in even lines, shoulder -to shoulder, as if on parade.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crash, crash, went the heavy guns, and the shot and -shell ploughed through the solid ranks, making great -gaps, as we well knew, though nothing was visible till the -sulphur cloud lifted.</p> -<p class="pnext">The attack, like the two preceding it, had failed -miserably. Would they try again? It really seemed like it, -though in the three assaults they had been punished fearfully.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They may keep on like that all the afternoon," said -Rakoczy, "but they won't take the barricade. These -front attacks are useless. I wonder the Ban permits them. -Oh, there's the reason! See!" and he pointed toward -the barricade.</p> -<p class="pnext">Everything there was in confusion. While most of the -citizen fighters clung to their posts, many ran or tried to -run away.</p> -<p class="pnext">In vain the Polish general exposed himself with the -utmost recklessness; the position was lost.</p> -<p class="pnext">While one body of Croats, supported by the Austrian -infantry, had been attacking in front, the remainder, led -by Ban Jellachich, had fought their way through the -suburb of Leopoldstadt, and clearing the Avenue of the -Emperor Francis, had fallen upon the barricade in the rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward, forward!" rang out the cry at our feet, and -the whole force advanced at a run.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians charged with bayonets levelled; the -Croats, discarding their stanitzas, gripped their handjars, -and with loud shouts hurled themselves against the position.</p> -<p class="pnext">Between these two forces the Viennese were crushed. -The gunners stood bravely by their guns till they were -cut down. Bern appeared to be tranquilly giving orders; -half a hundred students, banding themselves into a solid -body, fought doggedly; but from the moment Jellachich's -troops arrived the issue was certain.</p> -<p class="pnext">A great burst of cheering rose when the black and -yellow standard of the Austrians and the red, white, and -blue of the Croats fluttered side by side on the summit of -the barricade.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fight, in that place at least, was over; the citizens -had disappeared. The imperialists embraced each other, -shook one another by the hand, laughed and danced and -waved their caps in the air, shouted for Jellachich and the -emperor, and finally ran on to pursue their victorious -career. Round the captured barricade the dead lay thick, -and the wounded as usual moaned piteously for water.</p> -<p class="pnext">We went amongst them, doing the little that was possible -to ease their pain, and helping to remove some into -safer quarters.</p> -<p class="pnext">To add to the horror, one of the houses caught fire, -and it was feared that the whole street would soon be -ablaze.</p> -<p class="pnext">Farther off we could hear the booming of the heavy -guns, the sharp rattle of musketry, the shouts of the -combatants, the cheers and counter-cheers which told us how -the battle was going.</p> -<p class="pnext">From time to time, too, people brought reports of the -fight, and they all boded ill to the insurgents.</p> -<p class="pnext">The railway station of Gloggnitz, the Hôtel des -Invalides, the Veterinary School, were taken one after the -other by the imperialists, who, when night fell, were -practically masters of the suburbs of Leopoldstadt and -Landstrasse.</p> -<p class="pnext">And such a night as that twenty-eighth of October -I had never beheld. The town was on fire in more than -twenty different places. Half the houses of the two -suburbs were riddled by shot and shell; the flames were -consuming the other half.</p> -<p class="pnext">Red tongues of fire leaped into the sky, forming a grand -but terrible spectacle.</p> -<p class="pnext">The homeless people stood in the streets, some -hopelessly dazed and stupid, others fighting the flames as -sturdily as they had fought the Austrians; while a few -philosophers, who had nothing at stake, looked on calmly -at the conflagration.</p> -<p class="pnext">As for us, our time was fully occupied in removing -the wounded from the burning or threatened buildings. -Throughout the night we toiled, and it was pleasant to see -the genial Rakoczy, with his bright, cheerful face, giving -water here, binding up a wound there, or helping to carry -a sick man to a safer shelter.</p> -<p class="pnext">A few kind words, a cheery smile, a pressure of the -hand, a look of sympathy, he distributed impartially; and -men of various nationalities must have blessed the -handsome Hungarian, who spent himself so freely in their -service.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several times we had to face the gravest dangers. -Houses were burning, walls falling; but the helpless must -be rescued, and Rakoczy, never blenching himself, inspired -confidence in others.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many pitiful little dramas took place in the streets, -where women and children searched, often, alas! in vain, -for the bodies of their loved ones.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thus the night passed, and the return of day revealed -the horrors of the scene more plainly still.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the hours of darkness there had been something -grand about the conflagration. The great red blotches -lighting up the sky, the vivid tongues of fire leaping, as -it seemed, sportively from point to point, darting here and -there, now joining, now separating, throwing into bold -relief some noble building which again was lost in the -black smoke, bringing into view the varied uniforms of -the victorious soldiery--all these things powerfully seized -the imagination, crowding out the more prosaic horrors.</p> -<p class="pnext">Daylight restored the true proportion of things, and it -was indeed a sorrowful sight on which we gazed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Charred and blackened walls met us at every turn; -half-consumed houses, battered and ruined buildings, huge -gaps in the streets where the fire-fiend had worked his -will; and, worse than all, the white-faced, sad-eyed women -and innocent children, bereaved alike of home and of the -strong arms that had hitherto been their support.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some, wringing their hands in despair, cried aloud the -names of their lost ones; the majority, dazed by grief, -sought silently and with an unremitting patience that -touched the hearts of the beholders.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fighting, as far as we could tell, had long since -ceased, and was not renewed.</p> -<p class="pnext">A rumour spread that the chiefs had sent to ask for -a suspension of hostilities while they talked over the terms -of surrender, and I thought they acted very wisely.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bound to submit," said Rakoczy cheerfully, "they -can't do anything else. A revolution seldom succeeds -unless the army joins the people."</p> -<p class="pnext">We spent the day amongst the wounded, and at night, a -capitulation having been agreed on, helped to convey some -of them into the city.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, quite worn out by thirty-six hours of continuous -labour, we went to our lodgings, and after eating a little -food, lay down to rest.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy, who lived in another house, joined us the next -morning at breakfast, and we sat for an hour talking over -our plans.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen was anxious to leave Vienna at the first opportunity, -and as Rakoczy had finished his private business, -it was arranged that we should do so.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We will go and see the imperialists march in," -remarked John; "afterwards it will be easy to slip away."</p> -<p class="pnext">Accordingly we went out, and found the streets filled -with excited people who were shouting tumultuously, "Long -live the brave Hungarians!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"What's the meaning of this craze?" Stephen asked, -looking at us in surprise.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Something up," said Rakoczy, "and something queer -too. Let us follow the crowd; we shall soon learn."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Strange there should be so few students and National -Guards about," I remarked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're on the ramparts and at the gates. They'll -stay till the surrender is formally completed."</p> -<p class="pnext">Several men in blouses heard the word "surrender," and -immediately shouted, "No surrender! Down with the -Hapsburg butchers! Long live the brave Hungarians!"</p> -<p class="pnext">On all sides the cries were repeated, and we, more -astonished than ever, ran on quickly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Place of St. Stephen's appeared to be the rendezvous, -where a wildly-excited mob had gathered round the noble -cathedral. A cheer rose from the surging mass as a young -man, mounting above the heads of his fellows, read out the -contents of a billet sent down from the summit of the -tower by Messenhauser.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were too far off to hear the exact words, but they -were to the effect that the Austrians were being attacked.</p> -<p class="pnext">The thoughts of every one immediately flew to the -Hungarians, and shouts of "Long live Hungary!" once -more rent the air. A light cloud of annoyance spread -over Rakoczy's face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's no soldier's doing," he said. "No one but an -imbecile would pit our raw recruits against an army of -veterans."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Viennese thought differently; and when, two hours -later, a second bulletin was issued, stating that the -Hungarians were advancing, the citizens became wild with joy.</p> -<p class="pnext">The capitulation was forgotten; flags were waved, -cannon discharged, and paeans of victory sung.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen and I talked largely of Hungarian prowess, -and of what our countrymen could do; Rakoczy smiled -and said nothing, which showed his wisdom.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fight had drawn nearer; the insurgents were -cannonading the imperialists from the ramparts with their -long-range guns; we stood in the Place of St. Stephen's, -and gazed eagerly at the summit of the tower.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly a great stillness fell on the crowd. By what -mysterious means the knowledge of the evil news spread -from the mind of one man to another I cannot say, but -certain it is the cheers and flag-waving stopped before the -vast majority of the crowd even knew that Messenhauser -had sent down his third note.</p> -<p class="pnext">A yell of rage and disappointment greeted the reading -of the message.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy's good sense had proved superior to our -boasting: the Hungarians were in full retreat.</p> -<p class="pnext">The news produced a startling effect on the Viennese. -Obedience to any power came to an end; the reign of -disorder began.</p> -<p class="pnext">Shops were looted and private residences sacked; -furniture was thrown into the streets, and the owners were -assaulted; the town went mad.</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought of the Baroness von Arnstein and her pretty -daughter; and Rakoczy, guessing at the cause of my gloomy -face, proposed that we should go round to their house.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Von Arnstein is known to be with the army," he said, -"and it is just possible the worthy citizens may wreak -their vengeance on his family."</p> -<p class="pnext">We found the ladies at home, and very glad they were -to see us.</p> -<p class="pnext">In spite of her pride, the elder lady showed signs of -fear--not so much, I think, on her own account as on her -daughter's.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is terrible," she said, "and just as we hoped the -mischief was at an end. Your countrymen have much to -answer for, mein Herr."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nay," replied Stephen, to whom she spoke. "The -Hungarians fight against men; they do not attack women -and children."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But," said the young girl, "the rebels acted very -unfairly in firing on the soldiers this morning."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And unwisely, too," answered Rakoczy. "They are in -a worse position now than they were before. They are -bound to capitulate within a few hours."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Meanwhile," said I, blushing boyishly, "if agreeable -to you, we propose to remain here till the danger is -over."</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness thanked us warmly for what she was -pleased to call our chivalrous conduct, while the fräulein's -eyes spoke as eloquently as her mother's lips.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My servants are well armed," the elder lady continued, -"and Franz is a host in himself, but we shall certainly feel -more secure, knowing you are with us. Yet how strange -it is that we should be relying on the services of three -Hungarian gentlemen!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Really," exclaimed the fräulein with a merry laugh, -"we ought rather to be afraid of you. But why do -your people quarrel with us, and drive away our poor -emperor?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy drew out a locket, which hung round his neck -by a fine gold chain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you recognize that picture?" he asked, releasing -the spring.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why, it is the emperor himself."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is also the King of Hungary, for whom thousands -of Hungarians would lay down their lives."</p> -<p class="pnext">The girl knitted her brows, as if trying to solve some -knotty problem.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't understand," she said. "You fight against the -emperor, yet you profess great devotion to the King of -Hungary, who is the same person."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yet it is very simple. The Magyar's first love is for -his country, his second for the king. Now, as emperor, -Ferdinand has taken away our rights, which we must have -back. When we get them, no king will have more loyal -subjects than Ferdinand."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But I understood you were all republicans," said the -baroness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are royalists, madam," replied Stephen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Who will fight for a republic. That is what Kossuth -wants. We know here what the pulling of the wires will -lead to. If your countrymen succeed in this war, they -will become the subjects, not of King Ferdinand, but of -Dictator Kossuth."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Listen!" I exclaimed. "The street is filled with -people."</p> -<p class="pnext">The windows in the lower part of the house were -already secured by heavy wooden shutters, and now we -heard Franz barring the door at the main entrance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy and Stephen ran to aid the servants in case of -need, while I stayed with the ladies.</p> -<p class="pnext">I suggested it would be well to draw the curtains, but -the baroness would not consent, so we sat looking down -into the street.</p> -<p class="pnext">The people did not appear to have any wish to do harm. -They passed along singing, and waving flags, and many -were already out of sight when some one raised a cry of -"Von Arnstein." At the sound of that name the others -stopped, and quickly collecting in front of the house, began -in loud tones to abuse the absent noble.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness gave an expressive little shrug of the -shoulders.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What poltroons!" she exclaimed contemptuously. "If -my husband were here they would run like a flock of -frightened sheep."</p> -<p class="pnext">With this remark I could scarcely agree; nevertheless -I had sufficient wisdom to keep my doubts to myself.</p> -<p class="pnext">I looked at the fräulein. Her face was pale, but she was -perfectly cool and collected; as she said afterwards, a -soldier's daughter must learn to face danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's only a street brawl," I said. "They will get tired -soon and go away."</p> -<p class="pnext">But it is always difficult to reckon on what a mob will -do, and this was a case in point.</p> -<p class="pnext">The words had hardly left my lips, when a man, wearied -perhaps of shouting, varied his pastime by aiming a stroke -at the door with a heavy hatchet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The effect of that one blow was to change the character -of the crowd entirely.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hitherto it had been one of merely disorderly citizens, -lawless and unruly, no doubt, but not bent on any definite -mischief. The ringing of the axe against the door acted -as a signal for the loosing of a flood of evil passions.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every one struggled to get in a good blow, and instead -of the harmless though bitter language of a few minutes -previously, we heard the more alarming cry of, "Death to -the aristocrats! Death to Von Arnstein!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness moved nearer to the window, and I placed -myself in front of her, saying,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is madness, madam!"</p> -<p class="pnext">She asked me with haughty courtesy to stand aside, and -I, fearful of the risk she was running, appealed to her -daughter. Her answer was to place herself by her mother, -who opened the window.</p> -<p class="pnext">The battering at the door and windows stopped while -the crowd looked up curiously.</p> -<p class="pnext">In a clear, hard, but passionless voice the baroness said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am Von Arnstein's wife; this is his daughter. My -servants are armed, my house is defended by friends. If -you enter, it will be at your peril."</p> -<p class="pnext">For answer, some one on the outskirts of the crowd -fired a shot, which lodged in the window-frame, and I -drew the ladies back.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Foolhardiness is not bravery," I said brusquely, and -shut the window.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then the attack on the door recommenced, and we heard -quite distinctly the thud, thud of the heavy weapons.</p> -<p class="pnext">I went to the head of the stairs and looked down.</p> -<p class="pnext">Franz stood by the door with his ponderous club in his -hand; I pitied the man who should be first to enter.</p> -<p class="pnext">The other servants were on the stairs, and by their looks -I judged they would be of scanty service to their mistress.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother and Rakoczy, sword in one hand, pistol in -the other, stood near Franz.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Joyous" caught sight of me, and laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A new way of entertaining guests," he said. "The -Baroness von Arnstein will become famous for her receptions!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The door yields!" exclaimed Franz gravely. "See to the -ladies, mein Herr;" and he took a firmer grip of his club.</p> -<p class="pnext">I nodded and went back, though I would rather have -remained; shortly afterwards a yell of delight from the -crowd proclaimed that the door had fallen.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness looked at her daughter, who smiled back -in answer; neither appeared the least moved.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fighting on the stairs had lasted ten seconds -perhaps, when the servants came rushing into the room in a -body. Their faces were white; their hands shook so that -the pistols they carried pointed to twenty different places -at once, and I thought it extremely likely that the rioters -would be spared the trouble of killing us.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Put those things down, you scoundrels!" I cried, -feeling certain they would be more dangerous to us than to -the enemy; and when it was done, I added, "Now, back -to the staircase and fight for your mistress, or I will kill -every man of you!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"What cowards!" exclaimed the baroness scornfully. -"They will do no good."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They may form shields for braver men," said her -daughter.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, the sounds of the fighting grew more -acute, and, knowing how far outnumbered my companions -were, I felt compelled to run to their aid.</p> -<p class="pnext">The servants whom I had driven out were huddled -together at the top of the stairs, doing nothing; but, -half-way down, Stephen and his two companions were still -making a great fight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Uttering a cry of encouragement, I ran down, and, -discharging my pistol into the thick of the crowd, drew my -sword.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother had received a slight cut across the head; -Rakoczy, as yet untouched, was smiling cheerfully, and by -his marvellous skill of sword keeping back the most -dangerous of the assailants.</p> -<p class="pnext">Franz's right arm was hanging by his side useless; but -he swung his club with the left, and smiled grimly when -a man dropped.</p> -<p class="pnext">The situation, however, grew desperate. Force of -numbers compelled us to yield several steps; Stephen had -again been hit, and Rakoczy was bleeding from a wound -in the arm.</p> -<p class="pnext">I would like to record how, in this last extremity, we -alone, by the aid of our good swords, cleared the house of -the rioters; but that would not be true, as we owed our -safety to quite other means.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the next chapter I will relate exactly what happened.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="arrested">CHAPTER V.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">ARRESTED.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">We were, as I have mentioned, being pushed steadily -back, and the mob had begun to cheer, when a -disturbance arose near the doorway, and a man, elbowing -his way to the front, demanded angrily that the conflict -should cease.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the sound of his voice many of the rioters fell back -sullenly; and the rest, being thus deserted by their -companions, were compelled to follow, though not without -angry cries and mutterings.</p> -<p class="pnext">The newcomer, taking his stand directly below us, faced -the mob, and in a sensible speech urged them to withdraw. -The man was evidently well known to his hearers, and it -was plain that he possessed considerable influence.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first they seemed half inclined to resent his interference, -but by a skilful mixture of flattery and firmness -he finally succeeded in getting them to disperse.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he turned to us with graceful courtesy, and I -recognized the handsome young fellow who had so -opportunely come to our assistance outside the hôtel of the -minister of war.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, before he had time to speak, we were joined -by the ladies, who had watched the progress of the fight -from the stair-head.</p> -<p class="pnext">The young fellow removed his cap, and bowed deferentially, -almost to the ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am happy," he began with a stammer, very different -from his former fluent speech, "to be of service to the -Baroness von Arnstein and her daughter."</p> -<p class="pnext">The elder lady looked at him in scorn, and said coldly, -"Your ragamuffins have much to answer for, Captain von -Theyer."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And as for the service," exclaimed Theresa, "but for -these gallant gentlemen who have now twice defended -me against my own countrymen, it would be far too -late."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Were you in your right place, you would be outside, -not inside, the walls of Vienna," the baroness said with a -marked sneer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I have done what I believed to be my duty," the -young man replied humbly, "and my influence has always -been used on the side of mercy. This very night I am -trying to arrange conditions for the entry of the emperor's -troops."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Conditions!" cried the baroness scornfully; "Windischgratz -will make no terms with the rebels!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The night grows late," said Theresa, making him a -mock curtsy, "and we have yet to repair the mischief -done by your friends."</p> -<p class="pnext">I was sorry to see the humiliation put upon this -blue-eyed young fellow; and though it was no concern of mine, -I felt relieved when, with a confused apology for the -excesses committed by the rioters, he took his leave.</p> -<p class="pnext">Besides, it was necessary to set Franz's arm, and Stephen -also required attention, though happily he was not seriously -hurt.</p> -<p class="pnext">The servants, who during the fight had left us in the -lurch, now came forward to help.</p> -<p class="pnext">While one went to fetch a surgeon, others temporarily -refixed the shattered door, and washed the blood-stains -from the stairs.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy bound the arm of the valiant Franz, who, after -receiving the thanks and praises of the ladies, was taken -to his room.</p> -<p class="pnext">We persuaded Stephen to lie down on a couch, where -the baroness herself washed his wounds, while Theresa -prepared a cooling drink for him.</p> -<p class="pnext">As soon as the surgeon had paid his visit, the ladies -retired, and Rakoczy and I took it upon ourselves to -watch through the remainder of the night.</p> -<p class="pnext">We did not think it likely that the rioters would return; -still it was possible, and we resolved upon leaving nothing -to chance.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother, weakened by loss of blood, had fallen -asleep; the servants, with the exception of two posted -as guards over the broken door, had gone to bed; the -house was quite still.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy walked to and fro very softly, so as not to -disturb Stephen, and I stood at one of the windows -thinking of the yellow-haired fräulein and the dashing -young leader of the insurgents.</p> -<p class="pnext">The hours dragged by very slowly, but daylight came -at last, and I immediately sent one of the servants into the -streets for news.</p> -<p class="pnext">He returned in about an hour, smiling and well pleased. -The city was perfectly quiet, he said. There were no signs -of fighting; the insurgents had once more submitted, and -in a short time the National Guards were to give up their -arms to the imperialists.</p> -<p class="pnext">With this information we joined the ladies at breakfast, -Stephen looking rather pale but not seriously ill, and the -rest of us little the worse for the night's adventure.</p> -<p class="pnext">Franz, too, was doing well, and the knowledge of the -capitulation relieved the mind of our hostess from further -fear.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were still sitting at table talking over the events -of the brief revolution, when the loud report of a cannon -caused us to spring to our feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baroness asked to have a window opened, and a -white-faced servant obeyed with trembling fingers.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Surely I hear the great bell of St. Stephen's?" -exclaimed our hostess in astonishment.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, madam," said Rakoczy; "the tocsin is certainly -sounding."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The people have broken faith again," said she. "I -wonder the prince stoops to treat with them."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If you will permit me," said Rakoczy, "I will find -out what is happening, and bring you a report. My -friends will stay with you in case there should be -danger."</p> -<p class="pnext">This proposal was agreed to, and as soon as he had -gone we moved to the back part of the building, from -which the southern part of the city could be seen.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was plain that the terrible struggle had recommenced. -To the clanging of the great bell were added -the sharp fire of musketry, the heavier booming of the -cannon, and the shouts of the combatants.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly, from the direction of the imperial stables, -came a flight of shells and a line of fiery rockets, which -fell hissing and sputtering on the doomed houses.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed as if the horrors of the twenty-eighth were -to be repeated. The flames from the burning buildings -illumined the sky in several different parts of the town, -and we anxiously awaited the return of Rakoczy to learn -the reason for these strange doings.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was one o'clock when he came back, and by that -time the firing had ceased.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is all over now," he said. "The imperialists are -in possession of the gates, and are disarming the National -Guard. This last fight was a mistake. The leaders gave -no orders for it; but the people grew excited, said they -were betrayed, and, rushing to St. Stephen's, sounded the -tocsin. Of course that set all the hot heads in motion, -and very soon they were at their posts on the barricades -and the bastions. Windischgratz replied promptly, as -you would observe, and the magistrates, hoping to stop -such a senseless fight, took the keys of the city to him -on the glacis. The troops are working hard to put out -the fires, and I think the Viennese have seen the last -of their insurrection."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be rather awkward for the leaders," I remarked, -thinking of the handsome young captain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are like eels," said the baroness spitefully, "and -will manage to wriggle out of it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If they are half as clever as Captain von Theyer, they -will be in no danger," exclaimed Theresa. "He will -persuade his judges that everything he has done has been -for the emperor."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A tongue of silver is a very good gift, sometimes," -observed Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I should think a steel blade would be of more -importance to a soldier," retorted Stephen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It cannot do half as much mischief!" cried Theresa -merrily. "But, are you going?" for my brother had -risen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is necessary," he answered, with the quiet, -half-pathetic smile peculiar to him. "You do not need us -longer; your friends are at hand. We, on the contrary, -have to seek ours."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Which means you are about to join the ranks of our -enemies?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We are Hungarians, and should be disgraced if we -stood idly by while our countrymen fought for liberty."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I suppose you are right," said the baroness; "but it -is a great pity. However, I hope the conflict will be -short; and though I must wish for the success of my -own side, I trust that God, who watches over each of us, -will bring you safely through the fight."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We shall never forget what you have done for us," -said Theresa softly, and her proud eyes strongly suggested -tears.</p> -<p class="pnext">We wished them good-bye; and even when in the -street I, for one, looked back to catch a last glimpse of -the pretty fräulein as she waved her hand from the -window in farewell.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And now for Hungary!" cried "The Joyous," "though -I fear we must travel afoot: horses are not to be had -for love or money."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can walk," replied my brother. "I have had -more than enough of Vienna."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I believe George is sorry at leaving the pretty -Austrian."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And her mother," I added, trying to make a laugh -of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this "The Joyous" smiled, saying I was a hypocrite, -and that it would be well to take me away with all -speed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The streets were filled with soldiers, both Croats and -Austrians, so we felt little surprised at finding a party -of the latter drawn up near the house in which we -lodged.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were two or three trifling articles belonging to -us in our rooms; so, while Stephen settled accounts -with the proprietor, Rakoczy and I ran upstairs. My -brother shortly rejoined us, the things were packed in -a small handbag, and we were ready to depart, when -some one knocked at the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come in!" cried I briskly, and an officer in the -Austrian service entered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I extremely regret my errand," said he pleasantly; -"but duty is duty, and you must consider yourselves my -prisoners. Feeling sure you would not care to make a -scene, I have left my men in the street. You have simply -to give your parole not to attempt an escape, and I shall -not use force."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Very kind of you!" exclaimed Rakoczy. "But isn't -there some mistake?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The officer took a paper from his pocket.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Stephen and George Botskay and John Rakoczy," he -said, and proceeded to read descriptions of our persons--accurate, -indeed, but expressed in very flattering language.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come!" laughed "The Joyous;" "after that it will be -uncivil to refuse our parole."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And quite useless," I added in Hungarian. "If we -escaped the officer, we could not leave the city."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you say, Stephen?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Surrender is a poor way of beginning a fight."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So it is!" laughed our companion; "but, as your -brother remarked, we can't help ourselves. The question -is, Shall we walk to prison as gentlemen, or be dragged -there as criminals? So, by your leave, I'll take advantage, -in all our names, of the offer we have received."</p> -<p class="pnext">Our captor, who was certainly a very polished -gentleman, did all he could to soften the blow.</p> -<p class="pnext">Very few people noticed us as we walked towards the -infantry barracks, where we were to be detained till -further orders.</p> -<p class="pnext">The officer did not know the reason of our arrest; but -he assured us the victors were acting mercifully, and, -unless our fault had been extremely grave, we need not -fear.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the barracks the soldiers offered us no indignities, -which was in striking contrast with their treatment of -some students brought in at the same time, whom they -loaded with abuse and even struck.</p> -<p class="pnext">They looked on these enthusiastic youths as the authors -of all the mischief, and to a certain extent they were -doubtless right.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our prison was a small, square room with whitewashed -walls, bare of furniture, but having benches round the -sides.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said I in disgust, "what are we to do now?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Go to sleep, and dream we are in Pesth," replied -Rakoczy, lying down on one of the benches.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen paced backward and forward restlessly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't understand it at all," he observed. "Why -have they arrested us? What can we be charged with?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Depends upon who our accusers are," answered -Rakoczy. "It is plain that some kind friend has -denounced us by name to the Austrian general."</p> -<p class="pnext">At once I thought of Count Beula, but John shook his -head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think not. The count owes us a grudge, but he -will pay his debt in Hungary, not here. My idea points -to a different man altogether--a clever and unscrupulous -fellow, who has no wish to see an Austro-Hungarian -alliance."</p> -<p class="pnext">He looked meaningly at Stephen, who nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't speak in riddles!" I exclaimed irritably. "Tell -me in plain words what you think!"</p> -<p class="pnext">He clapped me on the back, and after indulging in a -little good-humoured chaff, explained that in his opinion -we owed our arrest to Captain von Theyer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's this way," he continued, laughing at my surprised -looks. "There's no doubt that the captain cares a good -deal for the pretty Theresa. It is equally certain that he -has no friend in the baroness."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well?" I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't be impatient. I'm coming to the point. Had -this insurrection proved successful, Von Theyer would now -be a very important person, and his influence worth -securing, even by the powerful Baroness von Arnstein. -Unluckily for him, it has fizzled out like a damp squib; -so he has seized the first opportunity of making his peace -with the victors."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What has that to do with us?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much. For one thing, he thus shows his zeal in the -cause of the imperialists. In the second place, he would -not be too pleased at finding how friendly we had become -with the fräulein."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you mean the fellow is jealous of us?" I said, -blushing crimson.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of me," replied Rakoczy, curling his moustache and -looking very grave.</p> -<p class="pnext">I half suspected he was quizzing me, but could not feel -quite certain, till I caught him winking at Stephen, when -they both laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The jest won't prove quite so pleasant if we're locked -up till the end of the war," I said; but of that Rakoczy -had no fear.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, we had spent several tedious days in our -temporary prison, when one morning a party of soldiers -came to escort us to the general, who was inspecting the -barracks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Prince Windischgratz, attended by several members of -his staff, was in a room in the officers' quarters.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a noble-looking old man, dressed in full uniform, -with his breast covered by medals and ribbons--mementoes -of many hard-fought campaigns. His face was mild and -humane, but the firm chin and the latent fire in his eyes -showed that he could be severe when necessary.</p> -<p class="pnext">Addressing us in a mild voice, he asked us how it -happened that we were found in Vienna with arms in -our hands.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy was about to reply when Stephen forestalled -him, which I regretted, as my brother was not remarkable -for the calmness of his language.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Before answering that question," he said hotly, "we -have a right to know by whose authority three peaceable -travellers have been arrested like criminals, and deprived -of their liberty."</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the officers uttered angry exclamations, but -the prince smiled good-naturedly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There is some difference between peaceful travellers -and armed rebels," said he; "and you are suspected of -being the latter."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is false!" retorted my brother flatly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Appearances are against you. You were seen at the -bridge of Tabor, and at least one of you is supposed to -have joined in the disgraceful murder of the noble Count -Latour."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hungarians are not assassins," said Stephen coldly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The friends of Count Lamberg speak differently," -interrupted one of the officers with a bitter sneer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are ungenerous, sir, to taunt the Hungarian -nation with the crime of a handful of ragamuffins," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, yes," exclaimed the prince; "but that is not the -point. Can you deny the charges made against you?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen glanced round him indifferently; he would not -deign to answer, and I followed his example.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy, however, still smiling and confident, spoke -for all.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have asked a question, prince," he said, "and you -shall have a reply, though it may not be to the liking of -some of these gentlemen. We were all three present at -the attack on the bridge, and when your general fell, I -by main force prevented my friend Stephen Botskay from -throwing himself single-handed against the rebels. As to -the murder of Count Latour, George Botskay risked his -life time and again to save him, not from Hungarians, but -from Austrians. Do you see this wound?" and he bared -his arm. "That was done by an Austrian pike. Would -you know why that gallant lad's head is swathed in -bandages? Ask your fellow-countrymen, prince. The -answer will show you that not Hungary alone harbours -assassins."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Talk is cheap," sneered the officer who had spoken -before. "Why, that very fellow was at the first barricade -in the Prater!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is that so?" asked the prince.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Rakoczy simply; "I was there."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Which many a poor fellow had reason to be thankful -for," I interrupted. "More than one man in your ranks -to-day owes his life to John Rakoczy's bravery."</p> -<p class="pnext">"At this rate, your highness, it will soon appear that -the town was captured by these heroes," chuckled a grizzled -veteran.</p> -<p class="pnext">I concluded that the speaker was of high rank, as every -one laughed at his remark, as if he had said something -witty.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were still enjoying the joke when the door opened -and another officer entered the room.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a man past the prime of life, with grey hair -and white moustaches, but alert, strong, and vigorous. -His sight was keen, his bearing martial, and the deep -scars of two wounds long since healed bore witness to his -courage as a soldier.</p> -<p class="pnext">His entrance attracted notice, and the prince himself -stepped forward to greet him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The others withdrew a little way, leaving the two -chiefs together, and they immediately began talking very -earnestly. From time to time they both looked at us, -and gradually a pleasant smile spread over the prince's -face.</p> -<p class="pnext">At length the conversation was finished, and the prince, -turning to his staff, said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Gentlemen, we owe these brave Hungarians an apology -for our suspicions. Instead of aiding the rebels, they have -acted in a very noble manner, and to them Baron von -Arnstein is indebted for the lives of his wife and -daughter.--Baron, these gentlemen are no longer our prisoners; I -wish they could be counted amongst our friends."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That would follow naturally," said Rakoczy, "if every -Austrian were a Prince Windischgratz."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I cannot accept the compliment; it would be unfair to -my brave colleagues," the general replied. "However, I -can thank you all three for your generous behaviour, -which I do most heartily."</p> -<p class="pnext">We replied in the same spirit, and, accompanied by -Baron von Arnstein, left the room.</p> -<p class="pnext">That nobleman could with difficulty restrain his emotion; -he thanked us twenty times while crossing the barrack -square, and urged us repeatedly to return home with him. -I should have liked this famously; but Stephen was -anxious to leave the city, and I did not wish to thwart -him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Accordingly, after our weapons were restored, it was -agreed that the baron should conduct us through the -Austrian lines. He had only heard of his daughter's -rescue that morning, and, knowing there were three -prisoners bearing the same names as those mentioned -by his wife, had immediately hurried off to Prince -Windischgratz.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not ask where you are going," he said, as we -passed through the city gate into the ruined suburb, "but -I could wish that your steps pointed westward rather than -to the east."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps it will be as well not to tell you," replied -Rakoczy with a smile; "but if ever you need a friend in -the Hungarian army, let one of us know."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is a terrible business, but we at least must not -quarrel. Still, I cannot understand why you and gallant -lads like these should be so eager to fight for a republic. -I should have thought you were royalists to the backbone."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So we are," said Stephen promptly. "Royalists and -loyalists too, if the emperor will but grant our rights."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you think, then, would happen, if by any -means the war should end in your favour?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We should force the emperor to restore our constitution, -and then return to our allegiance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Shake hands all round," said Rakoczy genially.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baron shook his head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pardon me," he said; "but I am getting an old man, -and years bring experience. You deceive yourselves, or -rather, have had dust thrown in your eyes. Kossuth and -his friends are not fighting for a restored constitution, but -to make Hungary a republic. Victory on your side will -mean an exchange of Ferdinand the king for Kossuth the -dictator."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then," exclaimed Stephen sternly, "defeat will be -more welcome than victory, for, if what you say be true, -the land will swim in blood. Here are three royalists -whose forefathers drew the sword for Maria Theresa, and -there are scores of thousands like us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You will hear our armies join battle to the cry of -'Long live Hungary and King Ferdinand!'" said Rakoczy. -"We don't want a republic."</p> -<p class="pnext">This talk of the baron's, so like what we had before -heard, set us thinking, and it was in rather a sad humour -that we crossed the Austrian or rather imperialist camp.</p> -<p class="pnext">The baron saw us in safety to the farthest outpost, -where we stopped to wish him farewell.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good-bye," he said kindly. "I cannot pretend to hope -your armies will prove successful, but from my heart I -wish you personally good-luck in your venture. Our -people will do you no harm, except to make prisoners of -you; but mind the Croats--they are rather bloodthirsty, -and not over well disciplined."</p> -<p class="pnext">We thanked him for his advice, sent back a friendly -message to his wife and daughter, and then set out on our -journey.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A fine fellow," remarked Rakoczy, throwing a glance -back. "I hope we shall never meet him in a charge."</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="hard-work-at-pesth">CHAPTER VI</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">HARD WORK AT PESTH.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"Rakoczy! Not dead? Where did you spring -from? Vienna? Been helping the <em class="italics">prolétaires</em>? -No? Then you must have been plotting treason with -the imperialists. But come into my tent. Who are your -companions? I can see they are true Magyars. Sons -of the late General Botskay?--Welcome, my lads! Your -name alone would draw a welcome from any Magyar -in the country."</p> -<p class="pnext">A tall man, plainly dressed in the uniform of a major -of Honveds, having a strong, wiry, but spare frame, his -hair cut quite close to his head, sharp eyes--their light -half hidden behind spectacles--his face hard and -weather-beaten, with a reddish undergrowth of beard; such in -appearance was Arthur Görgei, who was to become, -without exception, the most famous general in Hungary.</p> -<p class="pnext">From Vienna we had journeyed to Presburg, and thence -to Raab, following the Hungarians, who were moving back -on Comorn, and overtaking them at Raab.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy, who had known Görgei in private life, -immediately inquired for the general, and we were conducted -to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Haven't any refreshments to offer you," he continued, -when we were inside the tent; "but never mind--somebody -has."</p> -<p class="pnext">He went to the opening, and we heard him say,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here, Sturitz! Borrow me a bottle of wine or two, -and some glasses.--So, old fellow, you've been watching -the fight? Didn't you long to join in? How did the -good citizens like to see our retreat from Schwechat?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not at all. They were dumfounded. They couldn't -believe it possible that the Hungarians were running -away."</p> -<p class="pnext">The general clapped the speaker on the back, and -laughed with the most frank good-humour.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Run!" he exclaimed; "that word tells nothing! -They rushed headlong over one another; they threw -away what weapons they had and vanished. Moza was in -chief command, and he sent me with a brigade to attack -Schwechat. We were a mile and a half from our -supports. Windischgratz sent his horse-artillery at us, and, -heigh, presto! the brigade was gone. Out of nearly five -thousand I saw only one man, and he was an old soldier -on the sick list."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But what did the other brigades do?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei pushed up his spectacles and looked at us with a -twinkle.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The other brigades? The supports?" he said. "Oh, -they took to their heels before my fellows did; but they'll -all make capital soldiers after a few months' drill. Here -comes Sturitz with the wine, and we'll drink their healths."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Capital chap, this Sturitz, to send borrowing," -remarked Rakoczy, sipping his wine. "He brings good -stuff."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And, better still, forgets where it came from, so that -he can never repay it. So, my lads, you've come to join -the army? Well, there's one thing; your father's sons will -never show the men how to run away."</p> -<p class="pnext">"One moment, general," said Stephen. "Can you tell -me what we're supposed to be fighting for?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei looked from my brother to Rakoczy, who said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"In truth, general, things seem a little bit mixed. -Over in Vienna they talk as if we wanted to set up a -republic."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A republic?" cried Görgei. "What stuff! Haven't -they read history? Don't they know that Hungary is -royalist to the core? Why, if the king came to this -camp, the men would carry him shoulder high from one -end of it to the other. Why, at Schwechat they ran -away to the cry of 'Long live King Ferdinand!'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That ought to be proof enough," replied Rakoczy, -laughing, "and I'm glad to hear it; because, like these -lads, I've no idea of spilling my blood in order to make -Kossuth dictator."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're going to fight, my dear fellow, and not bother -your head about politics. First, though, there's a lot of -work to be done. We want ammunition and stores of all -sorts, and, as much as anything, we want soldiers; we've -plenty of men."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You aren't going to turn me into a drill-sergeant?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am though. 'Right! Left! Keep your heads up -there! Close up on the right!' That will be your work -for the next week or two, while I dodge about here, and -make Windischgratz believe we're burning to fight."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where am I to go?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pesth, with the rank of major. Tedious work you'll -find it, and no glory either; but you'll do more good there -than marching and counter-marching with me. Now, as -to these lads. Which is it to be--a showy uniform or -downright hard grinding?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take them on your staff," suggested Rakoczy. "They'll -get both then."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Haven't room for more than one."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let that be Stephen," I exclaimed promptly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take George. He is the better horseman," said my -brother.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Toss for it!" cried the general, taking a coin from his -pocket; "but don't stick to this bit of silver. I keep it as -a curiosity; it's almost the only one in the country."</p> -<p class="pnext">The spin of the coin decided in favour of Stephen, and -it was accordingly settled that he should remain with the -army, while I went to Pesth as a lieutenant of Honveds.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had drunk another glass of wine to the success -of the coming campaign; and Görgei, having made out the -necessary papers, gave Sturitz orders to furnish us with -horses.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, with kindly thought, the general took Rakoczy -outside, leaving me to wish my brother farewell.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the first time in our lives we had been called on -to separate, and the parting was a sad one to both of us; -but we made a fine show of good spirits, and talked -confidently of seeing each other again in a few weeks.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's Sturitz with the animals," said Stephen, as the -clatter of horses' hoofs sounded outside the tent. "Well, -good-bye, dear old fellow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't be too venturesome," I replied, and returning the -pressure of his hand, followed him to where the general -stood with Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here you are, George," cried the latter gaily. "Thanks -to the chief, we start the war on horseback, however we -may finish."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Remember," said the general, "drill, drill, drill, and -plenty of rifle practice."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll bear it in mind, general, and teach the fellows -how to hit a windmill at least.--Now, George, up you -get," and he swung himself into his own saddle with the -ease of a practised rider.</p> -<p class="pnext">Glancing back, I saw Stephen waving his cap, and -Görgei with his hands behind his back and his head bent -forward, already plunged in deep thought.</p> -<p class="pnext">The weather was bitterly cold, and the roads were -abominable; but we rode thoroughbred Magyar horses, which -carried us at a rattling pace.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was, in truth, rather miserable at leaving my brother; -but the crisp, keen air, the sharp gallop, and the merry -spirits of my companion soon chased away my melancholy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wonderful man, Görgei," he said, when the horses, -having settled down to a slower pace, made talking -possible. "Kossuth did one good thing in giving him a high -command. Hard as iron, and a born soldier."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Has he ever seen service?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Only for a short time as a lieutenant in the bodyguard. -But he has a spirit which nothing can break, an -energy that never tires; and he can endure as much fatigue -as any man in the country. I knew him and his brothers -when they were youngsters; in fact, we were boys -together. They were in good circumstances, but their -mother brought them up to live hard. They learned -early to take the rough with the smooth, and to laugh -at hardships. They never felt the cold in the bitterest -winter, and when the rain soaked them through, why, -they just got dry again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where are the others?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't know; but wherever the hardest work's to be -done, you may be sure. Stephen will find his job tougher -than ours."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will please him the more. By the way, I wonder if -Count Beula escaped from Vienna?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Most likely. Bern did. Görgei told me they smuggled -the Pole out, shut up in a coffin. That's how the story -runs, whether true or not; but, at any rate, Bern's in -Transylvania with 25,000 good fighting men."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's very good of the Poles to help us, but I'd rather -see a Hungarian army led by a Magyar chief."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So would I. Still, we ought not to grumble with the -bridge that carries us over the stream."</p> -<p class="pnext">Sound advice, no doubt, though it scarcely satisfied me, -and I was to think a good deal more about it before the -campaign finished.</p> -<p class="pnext">The journey to Pesth passed without incident, as we -were amidst friends; and the morning after our arrival in -the city we began our new duties.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the general had stated, there were numbers of men -willing and eager to join the army, but they were without -weapons, except hay-forks and such like implements, and -had not the faintest notion of military drill.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, they were enthusiastic, and if not patient, at -least tractable; so their instructors hoped to make -something of them before long.</p> -<p class="pnext">The drill-ground was the great plain or field of Rakos, -behind the city, which in olden days was the meeting-place -of the Diet, when our Magyar forefathers, attended -by their vassals, assembled to discuss the affairs of the -nation.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once again the place was filled with men who had -come together in thousands--ploughmen, carters, shepherds, -miners--not to talk, but to learn how to fight the -enemies of their country.</p> -<p class="pnext">To a military veteran the spectacle must have afforded -ample food for fun and amusement. Rakoczy laughed -without stint.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thousands of men, grouped in small detachments, were -going through the elementary steps--men drawn from all -parts of the kingdom, and dressed in every conceivable -style, but for the most part true Magyars.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here a peasant, in loose black linen shirt, black -trousers, embroidered waistcoat, and gay-coloured jacket, -wearing gaiter boots and a large-brimmed Spanish-looking hat, -jostled a neighbour in a sheepskin coat, with a hat made -of rushes, and huge sandals on his feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here one saw a group of hardy fellows arrayed in -embroidered petticoats and kalpags--the national caps, -made of fur and adorned with feathers; there, men from -the south with broad felt hats, leather girdles, gatya or -full white linen trousers, and shirts that scarcely reached -to the waist.</p> -<p class="pnext">In one respect, however, they were all alike--they were -dreadfully in earnest and bent on learning their new trade.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was early morning when we went out to the Rakos; -the sun had set when we returned to the city.</p> -<p class="pnext">All day long we had been hard at work drilling one -squad after another, till our limbs ached and our throats -were parched as the crater of a volcano.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy soon threw off the feeling of fatigue, and after -dinner strolled with others of the officers into the town; -but I was thoroughly tired, and slipped off to bed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Certainly Görgei spoke truth when he described the -work as tedious and without glory; but it had to be -done nevertheless, and for several weeks the unceasing toil -continued.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was little variety in our lives just at that time. -We went out in the morning, drilled the recruits all day, -and returned at night tired as dogs.</p> -<p class="pnext">Early in December we learned that the emperor had -abdicated in favour of the young archduke, Francis Joseph, -that Prince Windischgratz was almost ready to march, and -that Jellachich had already started.</p> -<p class="pnext">Though hearing nothing of Stephen, I did not feel -uneasy, as thus far Görgei had only made a show of -fighting to delay the enemy's advance while we were shaping -an army.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the second week in December every day brought -a rumour of some sort, which we had more leisure to talk -over, as the darkness made late drill impossible.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy and I spent Christmas Day in marching with a -batch of passed recruits to a small village situated several -miles from the city, where a body of troops had been -stationed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The weather was simply detestable. First it rained in -torrents, then it snowed, and the snow froze before -reaching the ground, and, but for the bundas or overmantles in -which we were wrapped, we should have perished on the -march.</p> -<p class="pnext">To add to the charm of the situation, the guide mistook -the route, and we wandered about for several hours, stiff -with cold and hollow from hunger.</p> -<p class="pnext">When we did reach the village, the welcome from the -troops made us forget the discomforts of the journey; and -as our duties ended in handing over the fresh soldiers to -the commandant, we spent the evening very agreeably with -the officers.</p> -<p class="pnext">The next morning, before starting for Pesth, we learned -that Görgei, having abandoned Raab, was falling back on -the capital, and that General Perczel was being hard -pressed by the Croats under Jellachich.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two or three days later the news came of Perczel's -defeat at Moor, and a message from Comorn announced -that Windischgratz had summoned the fortress.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei was now manoeuvring to join the remnants of -Perczel's army, in which he afterwards succeeded; but the -news of these disasters caused great consternation in Pesth, -and the members of the Diet determined to remove the -seat of government to Debreczin.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the last day of the year 1848, crowds of old men, -women, and children left the city, and my heart ached, -as I watched them toil painfully onwards, to think of the -terrible march that lay before them.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, as the man in Vienna had said, rose-water and -kid gloves go ill with revolutions; but I wished it was -possible to lift the burden from the shoulders of those so -ill fitted to bear it.</p> -<p class="pnext">That same night a grand reception was held in the -palace of Count Szondi, and as invitations had been sent -to all the officers still in the city, Rakoczy and I went.</p> -<p class="pnext">I have often thought since of that magnificent spectacle. -The brilliant uniforms of the soldiers, the sparkling eyes of -the beautiful Magyar ladies, who were all dressed in the -national costume, the ruby velvet dolmans of the wealthy -citizens, the gorgeous dresses of the nobles, the brilliant -lights from burnished chandeliers, the handsome furniture, -the rugs of ermine and sable, the masterpieces of famous -Hungarian artists hanging on the walls in heavily-gilded -frames, the incessant sparkle and play of diamonds as the -guests glided hither and thither, presented a scene that one -does not easily forget.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hitherto my time had been so fully occupied that I had -not been able to seek out old friends, and now most of -them had departed; but here and there I saw a familiar -face and heard a voice that recalled to me the joys of -bygone days.</p> -<p class="pnext">Chief amongst the guests, and surrounded by a group of -distinguished men and beautiful women, stood a remarkably -handsome man, above the average height, straight, and -of a fine athletic build.</p> -<p class="pnext">His black, curly hair hung over his shoulders, his -well-trimmed beard covered his breast. The manly expression -of his face and the fiery glow in his eyes formed a true -index to his bold, headstrong, and enthusiastic nature. He -looked fit to be, as he was, the leader of the Magyar -nobles who had taken up arms against the Austrian -oppression.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was Count Louis Batthiany before the evil days, -alas! so soon to come, fell upon him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Towards midnight there arose a great stir in the -crowded assembly, a movement of feet, a craning of necks, -a low hum which quickly swelled in volume; and turning -round I saw that another distinguished visitor had entered -the room.</p> -<p class="pnext">Watching his almost royal progress through the brilliant -throng, I thought of the words spoken by Baron von -Arnstein, and looked on coldly.</p> -<p class="pnext">But though, unlike the majority of my fellow-countrymen, -I had early been prejudiced against Louis Kossuth, I -have no wish to deny his marvellous and almost superhuman gifts.</p> -<p class="pnext">A true Hungarian, he loved his country with fond -affection; but his views were not mine, and even in those -days I thought him wrong.</p> -<p class="pnext">A man of medium height and wiry frame, he passed -through the crowded room with dignified carriage and -grace of movement. The paleness of his oval face was -very striking, and his high, open forehead betokened keen -intelligence. His eyes were blue, and though naturally -dreamy, they often flashed fire; his eyebrows were dark -and thick; and over his chestnut hair he wore a wig. He -had a small, well-formed mouth, fine teeth, firm, round chin, -and delicate white hands with tapering fingers like those of -an artist.</p> -<p class="pnext">He wore a plain Honved uniform, over which was -thrown a grey mantle.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count stepped forward to meet him, and the two -talked together earnestly, but in low tones.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Kossuth is a great man!" exclaimed a portly civilian -standing near us.</p> -<p class="pnext">"True, friend!" replied Rakoczy, with his ever-ready -smile, "but Hungary has no lack of great men; they grow -as thick as robinias in the gardens."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Kossuth is a splendid talker."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Right again, friend," said my companion dryly. "His -eloquence has created the raw material which Görgei will -fashion into an army. Some talk, some fight; let each -man stick to his trade."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope," said the citizen mildly, after a glance at our -Honved uniforms, "that Görgei will be able to make -something of you."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy laughed so heartily that several people turned -to discover the reason of his mirth, and we thought it best -to move away from the mild-mannered but caustic civilian.</p> -<p class="pnext">Soon after this Kossuth left, taking Batthiany with him, -and the rest of us moved into the large banqueting-hall, -where refreshments had been laid.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the last stroke of midnight Count Szondi rose, and a -great hush fell on the brilliant assembly as the old noble -with his venerable white locks faced us.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Magyars!" he said, and the veteran's voice was firm -and clear as a bell, "the year is dead; we do not mourn it. -The new year is born, and with it a glorious future for -Hungary. The Magyar is in arms; let those beware who -seek to thwart him. Magyars, let us drink to the -prosperity of the sacred fatherland."</p> -<p class="pnext">The words were few and simple--the speaker was no -orator; yet, as he raised the brimming glass to his lips, a -fit of wild enthusiasm seized every man and woman in -that spacious hall.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men cheered again and again till their voices -were hoarse; the women joined in the plaudits, their eyes -sparkling, their cheeks aflame with excitement. Handkerchiefs -fluttered and ribbons waved in the air; the scene -became indescribable.</p> -<p class="pnext">An officer said something, I know not what, but the -next moment Rakoczy was at the farther end of the room, -mounted on a chair.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sight of his handsome face arrested attention; the -hubbub gradually died away. Profound silence followed. -The people, thinking he was about to speak, listened -eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">I have mentioned that Rakoczy had a magnificent voice, -but until that night I had not even dreamed of its power.</p> -<p class="pnext">The lights, the wine, the beautiful faces of the Magyar -ladies, the martial aspect of the men, the stirring -excitement of the time, the dangers surrounding our beloved -country, the knowledge that thousands of our comrades -were in arms against the foe, all helped to enhance the -effect, but much was due to Rakoczy himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">We stood, I repeat, motionless as statues, gazing at him, -when suddenly there issued from his throat, echoing and -re-echoing through the hall, the first notes of the National -Hymn.</p> -<p class="pnext">We held our breath; tears were in the eyes of some; -half-choking sobs came from the throats of others; bosoms -heaved and cheeks burned like fire; men, unable to restrain -their emotions, clinched their hands till the finger nails dug -into the palms.</p> -<p class="pnext">Loud and clear the martial notes rang out. They spoke -to our hearts; they called us to battle, to death if need be, -in defence of our fatherland.</p> -<p class="pnext">We hung upon them breathlessly. Our hands unconsciously -gripped the hilts of our swords. The hot blood -tore through our veins. We heard nothing, were conscious -of nothing, but the glorious Magyar hymn whose notes -throbbed in every fibre of our bodies.</p> -<p class="pnext">The first verse was finished, and as Rakoczy began the -second every voice joined in. The restrained excitement -had burst its bonds like the Danube in flood. It could no -longer be held back; it was bound to find a vent, and it -found it in song.</p> -<p class="pnext">I know little of music, but grander music was never -heard than that in the banqueting-hall of Count Szondi -when the year 1849 was born.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the last notes died away, the cheering was frantically -renewed. Women sobbed openly, and there were few men -iron-nerved enough to hide their emotion.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, with a ringing "Elijen Szondi!" in honour of our -host, we broke up and passed singly or in groups into the -street.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was dark and dreary, snow lay thick on the -ground, a storm of frozen sleet hurled itself into our faces, -and the bitter cold made us shiver beneath our fur-lined -mantles.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A wonderful contrast this," I exclaimed, setting off -with "The Joyous" and several other officers for the -barracks.</p> -<p class="pnext">"As great as that between Hungary united and Hungary -divided against itself," replied one of them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Or as that between Batthiany and Kossuth," suggested -Rakoczy, after which we lapsed into silence.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="a-fight-in-the-mountains">CHAPTER VII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">A FIGHT IN THE MOUNTAINS.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"George!"</p> -<p class="pnext">I had not been in bed an hour, and it was quite -dark, when Rakoczy's voice wakened me from a sound sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Turn out and dress quickly," he continued. "We are -ordered to Waitzen; the men are under arms."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," I replied sleepily, and tumbling out grazed -my shins against an iron box.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Drawn blood already?" Rakoczy queried with a laugh. -"What a desperate fellow you are!" and as he went away -I heard him still chuckling to himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a vain attempt to dress in the dark, I procured -a light, and having made a hasty toilet hastened to the -officers' messroom.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several men were already there, scalding their throats -with boiling coffee, and eating the next two or three meals -before starting--a very good plan, too, as experience soon -taught us.</p> -<p class="pnext">As Rakoczy rightly said, on a campaign there is -nothing like being a day in advance of your proper -meals. Passing me a cup of steaming coffee and pointing -to the eatables, he exclaimed, "Fall to, Botskay. There's -no ceremony this morning."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Morning?" cried a youngster who, having burned his -throat, was glad to give vent to his ill-humour. "You -don't call this morning? Why, I hadn't got to sleep -before they woke me up again. Why didn't they tell us -before, and save us the trouble of tumbling in?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't know," replied Rakoczy innocently. "Ask some -one else."</p> -<p class="pnext">We were laughing at Rakoczy's pretended simplicity, -when another man, coming in, said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Jolly, this, isn't it? It's as black as pitch outside, and -hailstones the size of walnuts are falling. Anybody know -what it's all about?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Which? The hailstones or the blackness?" asked -Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This sudden turn-out. A pity we hadn't stayed at -Szondi's a couple of hours later."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I heard a rumour that Görgei had sent a messenger to -say he was retreating with the Austrians on his heels."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He should imitate the horses and kick out behind."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I expect he will show fight at Ofen."</p> -<p class="pnext">"With a crowd of peasants? Not likely. His best -plan is to fall back."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What an oversight that the general didn't put us on -his staff!" said Rakoczy. "We could have given him a -lot of useful information."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's the bugle, gentlemen! Ach!" as some one -opened the door; "what a blast!"</p> -<p class="pnext">I wrapped my mantle round me closely, took another -pull at the hot coffee, and went into the barrack-yard.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two or three hundred men were drawn up in waiting. -They were to convoy a huge store of food and ammunition -to Waitzen.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rather to my disgust, I found that Rakoczy and I were -to look after the carts, and a wretched time of it we had.</p> -<p class="pnext">For several hours we trudged along in the blackness -of the night, while the hailstorm beat down upon us -in fury.</p> -<p class="pnext">The roads were execrable, and frequently we were -compelled to stop while the teamsters got their animals out -of the holes into which they stumbled.</p> -<p class="pnext">This first spell of active service was hardly to my liking, -and even upon reaching Waitzen things were very little -better.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, a merry heart is a golden cure for most ills, -and it was not easy to be miserable where Rakoczy was.</p> -<p class="pnext">He laughed at everything, found amusement in the -storm, made light of the bitter cold, professed that half -a dinner was better than a full one, and that he preferred -to sleep on the floor, because there was no chance of falling -out of bed.</p> -<p class="pnext">After waiting two days at Waitzen we learned that -Görgei, by a sharp manoeuvre, had joined hands with -Perczel, and that the Austrians were marching into Pesth.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many of us had wondered at being sent with stores to -Waitzen, but now we began to understand something of -our leader's foresight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Leaving the main army to retreat behind the Theiss, -Görgei, making a great show with his scanty numbers, -turned north to join us, and this drew the bulk of the -Austrians on his own track.</p> -<p class="pnext">Amongst the first of the advance-guard to arrive at -Waitzen was my brother Stephen; and though he had -little leisure for conversation, the meeting did us both -good.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was looking a trifle thinner, but in good health, and -related with much glee his experiences with the general. -According to his account, he lived almost entirely in the -saddle, slept at odd times where he could, ate what he -could pick up, and had not once taken off his clothes since -we left him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of the general he spoke enthusiastically.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei never gets tired," he said. "He is made of -iron, and can do without sleep. As to riding, I never -saw any one like him. After a day's hard work he'll -jump into the saddle and ride to the outposts at full -gallop on a pitch-dark night and in the stormiest weather. -At first I used to ache in every muscle, but I'm getting -used to it. Now I'm off to Kremnitz."</p> -<p class="pnext">For several days longer we remained at Waitzen picking -up recruits from the north, and then moved on towards -Kremnitz.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy and I had been regularly appointed as -major and lieutenant in the 9th Honved regiment, the -men of which were well equipped and in fairly good -spirits.</p> -<p class="pnext">The recruits had brought our numbers up to about -twenty thousand; and, leaving Kremnitz, we marched in -a south-west direction to make Windischgratz believe we -were striking at Vienna. In this we succeeded, and thus -prevented the Austrian general from crushing our main -army, then in full retreat to Debreczin, behind the Theiss.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having accomplished his object, Görgei once more broke -fresh ground, and led us into the mountains, in order to -draw off a part of the Austrian force, and, by a -round-about route, to rejoin the principal army.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was certainly serving a rough apprenticeship to the -trade of war.</p> -<p class="pnext">The roads were covered with ice, the valleys were piled -with snow through which we had to force a passage, -sometimes being sunk in it almost to our arm-pits; and as we -stumbled along, huge avalanches thundered down the rocky -cliffs that on either side overhung our path.</p> -<p class="pnext">The majority of the soldiers, having newly joined, lost -their spirits, which made the officers' work much harder; -but we kept them going somehow, and struggled up and -through the narrow defiles with the Austrians in our rear, -and, for aught we knew, in front as well.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the beginning of the last week in January, the frost -broke up quite suddenly, and the narrow valleys were -flooded by water, which swept through the gorges, -carrying with it great pieces of floating ice.</p> -<p class="pnext">As our regiment led the way, we were the first to bear -the brunt of this new danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Steady, men!" cried Rakoczy. "Plant your feet -firmly on the ground and lock arms, or you'll be carried -away."</p> -<p class="pnext">The men responded instantly, but for a long time they -could make no headway against the torrent.</p> -<p class="pnext">Again and again we led them forward, but each time it -was only for a few paces.</p> -<p class="pnext">The noise of the rushing waters, the blows from detached -pieces of ice, the difficulty of securing a foothold, told on -the men's nerves, and kept them from fronting the danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel stormed, Rakoczy begged and prayed, -taunted them with cowardice, mocked at their fears, and -called them frightened children--all in vain; forward -they would not go.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general himself tried, and failed to put heart into -them. Then he whispered something to Stephen, who, -with a smile, turned and disappeared.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly there came a shout from the rear, feeble at -first, but rapidly increasing in volume.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Push on! Quick! Quick! The Austrians are on us! -The enemy! The enemy!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The greater danger swallowed up the less. The very -dullest recruit could understand what would happen if -the Austrians attacked us in that horrible defile, and in -a short time we were boldly striding through the torrent. -Those who would have lagged behind were dragged on -by their companions; and so, fighting, pushing, struggling, -shouting, we won our way bit by bit till we had safely -passed the most dangerous places.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the Austrians did not put in an appearance; -and when I asked Rakoczy what had become of them, he -laughed gaily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Gone back to where they came from, most likely!" he said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where's that?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei's brain."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What? Was it simply a trick?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ask Stephen when you get a chance; he ought to know."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And I've been expecting every minute to see the blaze -of their guns from the heights!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wait till we get nearer the summit; that's where the -real danger lies. The Austrian Schlick is coming down -post-haste from Galicia, and he's a tough fighter."</p> -<p class="pnext">Three days after this conversation the truth of these -words was brought home to us in a very striking manner.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei, who, as usual, was in advance, had sent forward -his scouts. A few light guns, which by incredible labour -had been dragged up the defiles, came next, and were -followed by the 9th Honved regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several other regiments followed at intervals, while the -others were ascending by different routes, keeping in touch, -however, with the main body, and all converging on one -pass, which it was hoped the Austrians had not seized.</p> -<p class="pnext">Unfortunately, Schlick had been too quick for us, and -the scouts returned with the information that the mouth -of the pass was blocked by huge boulders, behind which a -formidable body of troops with heavy guns was stationed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The regiment halted; Görgei went to reconnoitre, and -at once the artillery were ordered to advance, with the 9th -in support. The men were weary and footsore, half-starved, -numbed with cold, depressed by this everlasting retreat, and -I doubted very much if they were equal to the work in -front of them.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly the great guns thundered out, and our own -replied; the unequal artillery duel had begun.</p> -<p class="pnext">We moved up steadily, and the sharpshooters, running -forward and getting whatever cover they could, picked off -the Austrian gunners.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our own artillerymen worked their pieces bravely, but -were altogether overmatched.</p> -<p class="pnext">The place must be taken by storm, and the assault fell -to the share of the 9th.</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought of the barricade in the Prater, and remembered -how I had pitied the brave fellows who had thrown -away their lives in the attempt to carry it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now I was in a similar position, and my heart beat -quickly as I stood there waiting for the word of command.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men, for the most part, looked downcast, as if they -did not enjoy the prospect, and indeed it was a terrible -trial for young troops.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy's handsome face lit up with his usual smile as -he nodded to me pleasantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">At length the artillery fire on our side ceased, the word -rang out, the regiment moved forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">The order was that no man should stop to fire; but our -fellows were not veterans, and it was disregarded.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still, considering that hardly one of us had been under -fire before, we did not do so badly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei gave us a cheer as we passed the staff; Stephen -waved his hand to me, and we were gone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Into the mouth of the pass we rushed, so close to the -great boulders that we could distinctly see the muzzles of -the black guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward!" cried the colonel, waving his sword.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward!" echoed Rakoczy, still smiling; and we ran -with such speed that the first discharge checked only those -who fell.</p> -<p class="pnext">The second threw us into some disorder. The colonel -was killed outright by a cannon-ball, but Rakoczy took -command and led us on gallantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had, however, lost many men; and when, for the -third time, the iron balls tore through our ranks, the -survivors would have no more of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Back they went helter-skelter, tumbling over one another -in their eagerness to seek shelter, Rakoczy's orders -being unheeded in the stampede.</p> -<p class="pnext">The attack had hopelessly failed, and it was plain to all -that the bravest troops would only be thrown back crushed -and bleeding from that lane of death.</p> -<p class="pnext">The check was a serious one. To turn the position by -another pass would cause a delay of several days, which -might ruin the whole cause, for we did not know that -Windischgratz was still in Pesth.</p> -<p class="pnext">The artillery duel began again, while we re-formed our -ranks and looked about us gloomily.</p> -<p class="pnext">On our right and left huge precipices, covered with ice -and snow, towered skyward.</p> -<p class="pnext">If only it were practicable to scale them, we might yet -drive the Austrians out.</p> -<p class="pnext">I could not keep my eyes from the cliffs, nor dismiss the -idea from my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fifty good shots perched up there could pick off every -artilleryman who stood by the enemy's guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were numerous mountaineers in the regiment, and -I myself had always been reckoned a good climber.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had just escaped death; but unless some other plan -was discovered, Görgei would fling us at that barrier until -those who survived--if there were any--did get over. In -fact, he could not help himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">And if death came while I was scaling the cliff, why, -the result was no worse than if it met me in the narrow -path.</p> -<p class="pnext">I went to Rakoczy and told him what was in my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just for an instant he turned pale, and the smile left -his face, but he soon recovered his composure.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There are a hundred chances of death in fifty yards," -he said, "and a thousand when the Austrians see the -dodge."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There are five thousand in front of us," I answered. -"Still, that isn't the point. Will you give me an axe and -leave to go?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I wouldn't order or even ask you to try; but if you're -bent on it--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It may save hundreds of lives."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then I'll borrow you a hatchet, and call for volunteers."</p> -<p class="pnext">He turned to the regiment. "I want twenty men fond -of mountain-climbing to go on a little excursion with -Lieutenant Botskay."</p> -<p class="pnext">More than half the regiment stepped to the front, and, -selecting a score, I told them what we were going to do.</p> -<p class="pnext">The major sent for some hatchets, and then informed -Görgei, who instantly dispatched a cloud of sharpshooters -to distract the enemy's attention.</p> -<p class="pnext">Unbuckling my sword, I gave it to Rakoczy, and, in -case of accidents, wished him good-bye.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen had been sent on an errand by the general, and -I was rather pleased than otherwise by his absence; the -knowledge that he was below, gazing up at me and -trembling for my safety, might have preyed on my nerve.</p> -<p class="pnext">My twenty men--all muscular, wiry fellows--laid aside -their rifles, and, axe in hand, stood ready to mount.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fifty of the finest marksmen waited beneath the cliff, -ready to follow in our track if we should find or cut a -path, and to protect us from the enemy's fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, the sharpshooters at the front, snugly -sheltered behind rocks and boulders, discharged their rifles -incessantly, and, without doing much damage, kept the -Austrians well employed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our starting-point was a ledge, to which we were hoisted -on men's shoulders, and which was so narrow that we -could barely preserve a footing.</p> -<p class="pnext">A hum of sympathy rose from the ranks as I cut the -first notch; but for the fear of attracting attention it -would have been a roar of cheering.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy had said truly there were a hundred chances -of death in fifty yards. The cold was so intense that -several times the hatchet was within an ace of slipping -from my fingers; and once, while attempting to hang on -by a jutting ledge, I must have rolled over but for the -man behind me. The first part of the journey we did in -single file, and of course each climber made the way easier -for the next one, so that it became possible for Rakoczy to -send on the soldiers with rifles.</p> -<p class="pnext">Up in the pass our light guns had been partly silenced; -but the sharpshooters were busy firing as fast as they -could load, and so making the Austrians believe that -another assault was to be delivered.</p> -<p class="pnext">To this end, also, the 9th Honveds had been drawn up -and placed in position, but out of the line of fire, as if -they were only awaiting the support of the next regiment -in order to charge.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had reached an immense wall of ice, perpendicular, -smooth, and of almost unbroken surface, and I was regarding -it with dismay, when the man behind me exclaimed, -"To the right, lieutenant! There seems to be a tiny path; -we can creep round."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a tiny path indeed, so narrow that we had -to press against the wall like flies, and I doubted the -wisdom of attempting to pass.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will get wider, sir; and once round, the rest will -be easy."</p> -<p class="pnext">I gave one last thought to my friends and put my foot -on the ledge.</p> -<p class="pnext">In spite of the ice and snow and the bitter, freezing -wind I was hot enough now--so hot that my body was -bathed in perspiration.</p> -<p class="pnext">Placing the fingers of my left hand in a small crevice, I -cut a little nick farther on, and thus, step by step, made -my perilous way.</p> -<p class="pnext">Half-way across I was seized by a fit of terror, and -clung to the wall helplessly like a frightened child, not -daring to move, hardly, indeed, to breathe.</p> -<p class="pnext">Something had unnerved me; I scarcely knew what. -There had been a rasping of ice, a sound as of slipping -feet, a groan of anguish promptly suppressed, and I felt as -if the angel of death had lightly brushed me with his -spreading wings.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sound of an unfamiliar voice brought me to my -senses. A man was speaking, but it was not Szemere, the -one who had up till now been my close attendant.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hold tight, sir. Szemere has gone over--missed his -footing."</p> -<p class="pnext">I shuddered to think of the poor fellow's awful fate, but, -strangely enough, the knowledge of it restored my -courage. I ceased to tremble, braced myself up, and cut -another notch. Down below, the unequal fight was being -waged in the pass. We could hear the roar of the heavy -guns, the sharp, crisp rattle of the musketry, the shouts of -the combatants, while we hung like a line of flies to the -face of the cliffs.</p> -<p class="pnext">At length, with every muscle strained, with aching -limbs, with scratched face, and bleeding fingers, I cut the -last notch, and stood in comparative safety.</p> -<p class="pnext">The next man, a light, wiry fellow, he who had told me -of Szemere's death, cut the notch deeper, and as he did so -the axe slipped from his nerveless fingers and went -clattering down the abyss.</p> -<p class="pnext">The brown of his face turned to a greyish-white colour; -his legs tottered; his teeth knocked together; his hold -loosened; in another second he would be gone!</p> -<p class="pnext">I never could clearly understand what happened then. -I remember dimly that my arms were locked round the -fellow's waist, that our bodies were swaying to and fro, -that by force of instinct I used all my strength to swing -backward.</p> -<p class="pnext">In this I must have succeeded, for presently I found -myself lying on the flat of my back, still hugging the -soldier. A pull at my flask of silovitz set me right, and -then I forced some of the liquor into the mouth of my -companion. Directly the poor fellow recovered from his -stupor he knelt and kissed my hands, saying gratefully,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"My life is yours, sweet master. Mecsey Sándor is -your servant for ever and ever."</p> -<p class="pnext">We in Hungary adopt the plan of placing the surname -first; English-speaking people would call the man Sándor -or Alexander Mecsey.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the others now joined us; and, as the dead -Szemere had foretold, the most difficult part of the journey -was past. We were no longer compelled to march in single -file, but could spread out, and thus allow the riflemen to -follow closely.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now walking upright, now crawling on our hands and -knees, we drew near to the Austrian position, when a volley -from the enemy showed they had discovered us.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bidding my men lie low, I drew a small flag from my -pocket, and, standing proudly erect, waved the glorious -red, white, and green colours to the breeze.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men of the 9th greeted the flag with a tremendous -shout, which went echoing and re-echoing up the mountain -sides. The Austrians fired fast and furiously, but in their -excitement they aimed badly.</p> -<p class="pnext">We with the axes, of course, could do nothing more, but -the riflemen, taking shelter, poured in a terrible fire, against -which the enemy were powerless.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men at the guns went down one after another; and -every minute our fire became more severe, as Rakoczy -continued to feed us with fresh volunteers.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrian chief made a gallant effort to reach us, -and we saw his white-coated infantry helping each other -to scale the smooth walls.</p> -<p class="pnext">The attempt proved vain, as it was bound to do. The -men slipped and scrambled, fell, and rolled to the -bottom--many to lie there for all time.</p> -<p class="pnext">Those who climbed highest were greeted by the bullets -of my hidden marksmen; and though the white-coats -advanced with their wonted bravery, they struggled and -died in vain.</p> -<p class="pnext">So plain was this that the leader, while still -maintaining a brave show against Görgei, began to draw off his -troops, and from our vantage-place we watched them -sullenly retire.</p> -<p class="pnext">Very slowly and steadily they went, while we, -springing to our feet, cheered again and again.</p> -<p class="pnext">Down below, our comrades secured the abandoned post, -leaving the next regiment, which had suffered hardly at -all, to pursue the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a trying task to descend, especially as we had -several wounded men to carry, but the knowledge of -victory cheered our spirits; and at length, with the loss of -only two or three men, we reached the pass.</p> -<p class="pnext">How our regiment cheered as we ranged ourselves to -receive the general! He stood fronting us, his head bent -forward, his hands behind his back as usual.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Gallant lads, one and all," he said; "yours is to-day's -victory."</p> -<p class="pnext">We answered with an "Elijen Görgei!" and when he -departed, the men of the regiment crowded round to -congratulate their comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">As for me, the "Well done!" of Rakoczy, who was now -colonel, and Stephen's warm embrace, were sufficient -reward; but Görgei thought otherwise, and I, who had -entered the pass as a simple lieutenant, left it as a captain.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="a-drawn-battle">CHAPTER VIII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">A DRAWN BATTLE.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The taking of the pass, described in the preceding -chapter, was the first really stubborn affair we had -been engaged in, but during the remainder of the journey -the enemy attacked us many times.</p> -<p class="pnext">Soldiers have told me that, from a military point of -view, the march was a brilliant one, and that it stamped -our leader as a most accomplished general.</p> -<p class="pnext">To us it was exceedingly wearisome and distressing. -We had very little food, and that the coarsest. Our boots -were dropping to pieces, our uniforms were in rags and -tatters. Often we forced a passage through ice and snow -knee-deep. Frequently the fog enveloped us so thickly -that a man could not see his neighbour, and that in a -place where a false step meant death.</p> -<p class="pnext">At night our bivouac was the snow-covered ground, -where, wrapping ourselves in our bundas, we tried to -forget our misery for an hour or two in sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">In addition, the Austrians gave us plenty of employment -in the fighting line, especially near the summit, -where they occupied the passes in force.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, as Görgei had resolved to reach Kaschau, to -Kaschau we had to go; and by dint of climbing and fighting -we at length forced the mountain barriers, and began -the descent of the valleys.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the march I saw Stephen scarcely at all, -but Rakoczy and I were constantly together; and my -friend more than ever justified his old name of "The -Joyous."</p> -<p class="pnext">The hardships of the journey had no terrors for him. -He appeared warm in the bitterest cold, and when every -one else was soaked through, he, to judge by his smiling -face, was dry and comfortable.</p> -<p class="pnext">He joked with the men on their troubles till the poor -fellows almost began to believe they were grumbling about -nothing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Cold?" he would say. "Nonsense! Why, you're -glowing as if you'd just come from a vapour-bath. -Footsore? I wouldn't like to challenge you to a race for a -hundred gulden. Andras, how pleased you'll be when the -war's ended to say, 'I went over the mountains with -Görgei.' Your neighbours will never let you pay for a -bottle of silovitz all the rest of your life. 'The cosiest -seat in the inn for Andras,' everybody will say. 'He is a -warrior, if you like.' Why, the maidens won't dance with -another man in the room while you're there. Look at -Janko," as a burly fellow shot head foremost into a -snowdrift. "I'll warrant he expects to find something good in -there. Lucky fellow, Janko!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Sometimes he would start one of the fiery, soul-stirring, -popular songs, when the whole regiment, joining in and -forgetting all else, would swing along quite cheerfully.</p> -<p class="pnext">At night, while we lay on the snow-covered ground, -our teeth chattering with the cold, he would amuse the -officers by his glowing descriptions of the mountains in the -summer-time.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The noblest mountains in the world!" he would say with -enthusiasm. "It is a treat to saunter through the miles of -beautiful pine forests, or to gather the lovely gentians and -forget-me-nots, blue as if they had dropped from heaven, -or to linger by the edge of some boulder-wrapped lake, and -gaze into its clear green waters. In the early morning, -when myriads of dewdrops sparkle and flash like countless -diamonds, and the sun paints the cliffs with warm gold and -crimson and purple hues, the place is like paradise. Then -to stand on the summits and gaze over the fruitful plains, -yellow with ripening grain--ah, I tell you it is a treat to -wander amongst the Carpathians!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Then some one would point out in a jesting spirit -further delights to be enjoyed--the splendid mists, which -drenched us to the bone, and prevented us from seeing the -frightful chasms, down which we might tumble; the bitter -cold, but for which we should not appreciate the comfort -of our bundas; the slippery ice, which provided us with -endless fun and a cracked head occasionally.</p> -<p class="pnext">Gradually we would drop off into a restless sleep, and in -the morning pinch ourselves hard, to discover if our limbs -still had any feeling.</p> -<p class="pnext">The march towards Kaschau was marked by a series of -desperate fights with the troops under the Austrian general -Schlick.</p> -<p class="pnext">Sometimes they took up a favourable position, which it -cost the lives of many brave men to capture; sometimes, -creeping quietly through the darkness, they made an attack -just when, wearied out by the toils of the day, we had -fallen asleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">The last of these assaults was of a very determined -nature, and for a time had every chance of succeeding.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were within a day's march of Kaschau, and had -covered many weary miles since the morning.</p> -<p class="pnext">A thick fog had come up with the night--so thick, -indeed, it was that it closed us in like a curtain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Most of the men fell asleep directly they lay down, -and very soon there was not a sound to be heard in the -camp.</p> -<p class="pnext">Towards midnight I was awakened by a wild shouting, -and springing to my feet, found that the Austrians were in -the midst of us.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fight that ensued was of the weirdest kind. In -the darkness friend could not be distinguished from foe, -and many a man lost his life by sword or bayonet -thrust without seeing the hand that struck the blow.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy's voice kept his regiment well together, and -owing chiefly to the steadiness of the 9th Honveds the -Austrians were finally repulsed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Like ghosts they had come, like ghosts they vanished; -and but for the groans of the wounded, we might have -regarded the whole affair as a bad dream.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, for the officers, at least, there was no further -rest; and though the men went to sleep again, we were -kept busy doubling the sentries, restoring order, and seeing -after the poor fellows who had been hurt.</p> -<p class="pnext">Very glad we were when morning came; and having -eaten our breakfasts, which occupied little time, we set -out for Kaschau.</p> -<p class="pnext">I think Schlick's daring venture must have cost him -dear; at any rate we saw no more of the enemy, and in -the evening arrived, footsore and hungry, at Kaschau, where -an army corps under General Klapka met us.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy pointed out the general to me, and said that, -next to Görgei, he was the finest soldier in the army.</p> -<p class="pnext">In figure he was rather short, but exceedingly well -shaped, and he had the oval face, black whiskers and -moustache, and fiery, dark eyes of the true Magyar.</p> -<p class="pnext">His features were refined, his manners those of a -high-born gentleman, and his expression was so mild and gentle -that in private dress he would hardly have been taken for -a soldier.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet so brilliant was to be one, at least, of his exploits -that his name will live for ever in the memories of his -Magyar comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">At Kaschau we remained several days, both in order to -recover from our fatigue and to obtain a fresh supply of -ammunition, as the men had almost come to their last -cartridge.</p> -<p class="pnext">From Kaschau we proceeded to Mischkolz, where -Dembinski joined us with another army; and here, to our -disgust, we learned that the Polish leader had been made -commander-in-chief.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's Kossuth's idea," said Rakoczy, "and very badly -he'll find it work."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen, who at last had found time to spare an hour -with us, was very indignant.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A Magyar army has no need of a Polish general," he -exclaimed, "especially when it counts such men as Görgei -and Klapka among its leaders."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Pole is a republican," I remarked, thinking of the -talk at Vienna. "Görgei is a royalist."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And his proclamation did him little good with the -Kossuth party."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy here referred to the address our general had -published, in which he declared his army "would oppose -itself to all those who may attempt by republican intrigues -in the interior of the country to overthrow the -constitutional monarchy."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If Görgei held up his little finger, the army would -sweep Kossuth and his Poles out of the country!" my -brother cried warmly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But he won't, and I'm glad of it," said Rakoczy. "Let -us settle with the Austrians first; 'twill be time enough -then to fight one another. It's a good rule not to pick up -more than you can hold."</p> -<p class="pnext">What Görgei and Klapka thought of the matter I -cannot say; but it took a good deal of enthusiasm out -of the soldiers, who had learned to look on Görgei as their -natural chief.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, as Rakoczy well said, the Austrians must be -dealt with first; and as Windischgratz was advancing, we -broke up our camp, and marched, forty thousand strong, -with two hundred and twenty-five guns, to Kapolna, on the -road between Pesth and Debreczin.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here we occupied a strong position on the heights near -the town, each wing resting on a ruined village, with our -splendid artillery and several squadrons of veteran hussars -in the centre.</p> -<p class="pnext">Daylight had scarcely broken on the morning of the -twenty-sixth of February, when the sounds of heavy firing -announced that the battle had begun.</p> -<p class="pnext">My regiment was stationed on the left, and at first I had -ample leisure to view the struggle in the centre and on the -right.</p> -<p class="pnext">Compared with this tremendous fight, our encounters -with Schlick in the mountains were little more than -playing at war.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the centre, forty great guns on either side, served by -skilful gunners, thundered away at each other. Farther -along, the Austrian leader hurled battalion after battalion -against our right wing.</p> -<p class="pnext">By means of a field-glass I saw what happened to the -first, and the fate of several others was like it.</p> -<p class="pnext">A great, white-coated mass, looking grey, however, in -the early morning, went forward slowly, it appeared to -me, yet firmly. A few figures in the front formed a -sort of spear-head, which should help the mass to pierce -a way.</p> -<p class="pnext">These greyish-white dots were officers. One carried what -might have been a handkerchief; really it was the famous -black and yellow colours.</p> -<p class="pnext">The mass moved on slowly, steadily, firmly. On the -right of it shot and shell flew screaming and hissing; -flashes of fire burst from the guns; the earth shook with -the discharges; a curtain of smoke shut out my view.</p> -<p class="pnext">When it lifted I looked for the battalion. Yes, there -it was, compact as ever, undisturbed by the terrible fight -going on elsewhere, and marching steadily towards its -destination.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly some tiny curls of whitish smoke were wafted -from the heights. The battalion halted. There was a -movement in the ranks--I could not tell what; then the -mass advanced again. But as it moved away, I noticed -that some parts of it had, so to speak, dropped off; and -from this point there began a confused line of dots, thin in -some places, thicker in others.</p> -<p class="pnext">The column had become smaller, and each time the -little puffs of curly smoke appeared, it seemed to quiver, -as if with cold, and the line of dots was made longer.</p> -<p class="pnext">The spear-head had done its share towards forming the -track. The sides and base of it had vanished, but the apex -remained. It was the man with the handkerchief, which -he continued to wave without once looking back.</p> -<p class="pnext">I watched him with intense fascination, till once again a -thick black cloud drifted across my lens.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the battalion next came into sight, it was considerably -smaller, and it had left a heap much higher than any -of the others about thirty yards in the rear; but the one -remaining point of the spear-head still waved its black and -yellow folds to and fro.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly the movement of the mass increased in speed, -but it was still one body, save for that detached point in -the van.</p> -<p class="pnext">To it something--I could only guess what--at last -happened.</p> -<p class="pnext">The flag disappeared, the greyish-white figure sank to -the ground. I choked back a sigh of regret, when flag and -figure came into sight again, only the former had changed -its position from right to left.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now, too, the white puffs came out quicker from the -heights; and as the pace of the column increased, so did -these curly little clouds.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, as I looked, the battalion stopped dead; half of it -sank to the ground; the rest, each part separated from its -neighbour, fell to pieces; and the various atoms, without -any appearance of order, ran back quickly along the track -so recently made.</p> -<p class="pnext">One figure alone moved slowly--it was the apex of the -spear-head, the shaft of which had broken; and in spite of -the yellow and black colours, I was downright glad to see -the flag returning.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Steady, my boys, steady! Don't fire till you get -the word. Remember our general trusts to the 9th -Honveds."</p> -<p class="pnext">The words and the cheer that followed them brought -me back with a rush to the reality of my own position.</p> -<p class="pnext">That which had engaged my attention as a spectator I -was about to take part in as an actor.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two battalions were advancing at the double across the -plain, and others had formed up in support.</p> -<p class="pnext">We held one of the keys of the position, and Görgei -himself, trusting to Rakoczy's influence, had placed us there.</p> -<p class="pnext">If we retreated, the battle would be lost; and no -subsequent victory could ever wipe out our disgrace.</p> -<p class="pnext">Looking at the men's faces, I did not much fear the -result. The time had gone by when the 9th would run -away at the first shot, as this very battle was to prove.</p> -<p class="pnext">Steadily the men waited, trusting implicitly in their -colonel, while the two battalions crossed the plain and -dashed at the heights.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fire!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Sharp and clear the word rang out, and every trigger -was pulled at the same instant, as if the regiment had been -a machine.</p> -<p class="pnext">Down below, the slaughter was terrible; but we had to -deal with some of the best fighting men who had ever -followed the Austrian eagle into the battlefield.</p> -<p class="pnext">Only the dead stopped at the foot of the heights; all -the others, even the wounded, pressed on, and the arrival -of the second battalion more than made up for those who -had fallen.</p> -<p class="pnext">Up they came, scorning death, and contemptuous of the -Hungarian peasants so recently converted into soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">But "John the Joyous" led us, and we had learned many -lessons during our march over the mountains with Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">Standing our ground firmly, we poured volley after -volley into the midst of the climbing Austrians.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still the survivors advanced, and, fed from below, -maintained their numbers, while many of our fellows began to -drop.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel was everywhere, and his cheery voice -encouraged those under his command.</p> -<p class="pnext">While most of the Austrians came on, climbing and -firing in the open, many adopted the wiser course of seeking -cover, whence they could pick us off without much risk.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several men of my company lost their lives in this -way; but the fight came at length to a hand-grip, and -it was no longer a question of bullets, but of bayonets.</p> -<p class="pnext">Twice by main force we flung our assailants back; but -they returned to the charge, cheering loudly, as if bent -upon turning us out or of losing every man in the attempt. -We on our side would not give way, and so the stubborn -fight continued.</p> -<p class="pnext">The enemy were continually reinforced; our losses were -not made good, and the longer the struggle lasted the more -unequal it became.</p> -<p class="pnext">For myself, I feared that the attack would prove too -strong; and, as Rakoczy told me afterwards, he was of -the same opinion.</p> -<p class="pnext">One would not have thought so, however, at the time -of the fight. His face was full of confidence; his voice -had not lost an atom of its usual cheerfulness. To his -troops his presence appeared everywhere as an omen of -victory.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still the position was growing desperate, and though we -might have held our own for a while longer, the enemy -must finally have captured the heights, as there would -have been no one left to defend them.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel had posted my company at a spot where -the ascent was fairly easy, and, had the white-coats once -broken through, they would have turned the position from -the top.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You must die where you stand," he had said, "for the -honour of the Magyars," and we had answered with a -cheer.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the enemy were not at our throats then as they -were now, cutting and stabbing, or, seizing us bodily, -trying to hurl us over the cliffs.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still we held our ground, though the company was -sadly diminishing in numbers, and every fighting-man -who survived was more or less seriously wounded.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had twice escaped death myself, through the devotion -of Mecsey Sándor, who, since the affair in the pass, had -taken every opportunity to show his gratitude.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the second occasion I was engaged hand to hand -with an Austrian sergeant, sword against bayonet, when, -my foot slipping, down, I went, completely at the fellow's -mercy.</p> -<p class="pnext">Sándor, who though hotly engaged evidently kept one -eye on me, was at my side in a moment, and, parrying the -sergeant's blow, dealt one himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">My men cheered as I rose to my feet and again dashed -into the thick of the fight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then it was that, in the very wreck of our fortunes, a -cry rose from the rear--a cry that made our blood hot, -and victory, at least in that particular corner of the field, -certain.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei! Görgei! elijen Görgei!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Louder and louder it grew, putting heart into every -man; even the poor fellows on the ground, raising -themselves with difficulty, helped to swell the chorus.</p> -<p class="pnext">Riding along the heights, the general had seen how -terribly we suffered, and springing from his horse without -a moment's hesitation, had run to our help.</p> -<p class="pnext">The staff, leaving their animals, followed; and I saw -Stephen, his handsome face ablaze with passion, catch his -leader, and side by side with him shoot forward into the -press.</p> -<p class="pnext">The reinforcement was few in numbers, but Görgei -counted a host in himself, and the sight of his tall, spare -frame and spectacled, weather-beaten countenance inspired -us all with new courage.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians now gave way slowly, still fighting with -sullen desperation; but we pushed them harder and harder, -broke them up into little knots, forced them into a run, -till, thoroughly disorganized, they reached the plain a -beaten crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here their misfortunes were by no means at an end. -A regiment of hussars, issuing from a wood on the right, -scattered those who still kept together, and turned what -was already a bad defeat into a total rout.</p> -<p class="pnext">The cheers for Görgei rose again with tenfold vigour; -but the general, taking Rakoczy by the hand, exclaimed, -"Colonel, you and your brave lads have done to-day what -I shall never forget. I trusted you to hold this position, -and you have held it. Through me Hungary thanks the -gallant 9th Honveds."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, amidst another wild outburst of cheering, he went -back to the summit.</p> -<p class="pnext">While his chief talked thus to Rakoczy, Stephen came -to me.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the struggle he had not received a scratch; but it was -different with me, and my brother's face looked very grave.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's all right, old fellow," I said, trying to speak -lightly. "Not one of these cuts is really dangerous. I'm -only a little faint through loss of blood. A night's rest -will put me straight."</p> -<p class="pnext">He shook my hand warmly and followed his chief, but -I noticed that more than once he turned and looked back -sorrowfully.</p> -<p class="pnext">The combat, which had lasted for six hours, now ceased -on the two wings, but continued in the centre with -unabated fury.</p> -<p class="pnext">There the great guns were massed, and the veterans of -both armies strove, the one party to oust its opponents, the -other to maintain its position.</p> -<p class="pnext">The guns roared, sheets of flame sprang from their -muzzles, shot and shell tore, screaming, through the air. -Occasionally what appeared a solid body of living fire -shot skyward, accompanied by a loud report, as a -powder-tumbrel was struck by one of the flying missiles.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then for a time everything would be hidden by a dense -bank of smoke, and we waited breathlessly to see it lift. -But though human courage may be inexhaustible, there -is a limit to human endurance; and at last, as if by -common consent, both sides ceased to struggle.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A drawn battle," said Rakoczy, "and I don't think -we've had the worst of it. George, you'd better find a -surgeon and have those wounds dressed. We shall have -to fight again in the morning."</p> -<p class="pnext">As I had told Stephen, my hurts were not dangerous, -and directly the surgeon had bound them up I returned -to the front.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men lay on the hard ground with only their bundas -to shelter them from the bitter, piercing cold that crept -into their very marrows.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy, with several officers and the least fatigued of -the troops, was going about succouring the wounded; but -he would not allow me to help, insisting that I needed -rest. So, wrapped in my mantle, I lay down, and sad at -heart watched the myriads of brilliant stars that shone in -the unclouded sky.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-retreat">CHAPTER IX.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE RETREAT.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">In spite of the cold I fell asleep at last, and did not -waken until the morning.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Feel equal to another bout?" asked the colonel, -coming up to me.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Windischgratz won't strike till he can make pretty -sure of hitting the mark. Probably he expects Schlick -to join him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"According to the scouts, Schlick can't arrive till it's all -over."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile the morning advanced, and about seven -o'clock the enemy's heavy guns opened fire at Kapolna.</p> -<p class="pnext">Evidently the attack was to be conducted on a different -plan, and very soon the cause of the alteration became plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our position not being threatened, we were able to look -about, and from the height obtained a good view of the -field.</p> -<p class="pnext">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?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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?"</p> -<p class="pnext">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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Impossible!" cried one of the officers. "His men -would all have dropped on the march."</p> -<p class="pnext">In spite of our astonishment, however, the Austrian -general was on the field, and pounding away at our right -wing with terrific effect.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">On they went, and with an exulting cry swept into -the town, from which there immediately arose tongues of -fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">The combat was now hidden from us, and we watched -in the greatest excitement for what would happen.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was at this time that Stephen rode up with an order -for our colonel, and instantly the regiment was on the -move.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother's face brightened when he saw me, and he -stopped to say a word or two.</p> -<p class="pnext">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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Steady, my lads!" cried the colonel. "Keep shoulder -to shoulder. If you give way, we're lost."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A gallant fellow and a gallant deed," I said, thinking -of the trooper, as the hussars galloped off.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well done, lads!" cried Rakoczy. "They will learn -to respect the 9th Honveds."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Met each time by a rain of bullets, they wheeled and -galloped away, though twice Von Theyer brought them -within touch of the bayonets.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Three times we sent them back with many empty -saddles, but their fair-haired young leader was not to be -denied.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Steady!" exclaimed the colonel. "Keep your fire! -Here they come!"</p> -<p class="pnext">They made a brilliant show with their shining breastplates -and helmets and nodding plumes as, holding their -sabres ready, they thundered down on us.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fire!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Steady as rocks, the Honveds kept their ground; the -rifles blazed out; the hussars were checked.</p> -<p class="pnext">No! Here they were amongst us, cutting and slashing; -and foremost of them all rode Von Theyer.</p> -<p class="pnext">A superb rider and a fine swordsman, he was the -<em class="italics">beau ideal</em> of a cavalry leader, and handled his men -splendidly.</p> -<p class="pnext">As if I were the special object of attack, he rode straight -at me, and crying, "Remember Vienna!" struck furiously -with his sword.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That fellow meant business," said the colonel, as we -continued the retreat. "See what comes from interfering -in the concerns of other people."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you mean? I haven't done anything to -make him angry."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Except for our own regiment and the regular cavalry, -the Hungarian army had become a helpless, drifting mob.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had the Austrians followed up their victory, they could -have swept us all, bag and baggage, into the Theiss.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortunately the pursuit was confined to a single brigade, -and even that we had the utmost difficulty in beating off.</p> -<p class="pnext">About two miles eastward of Kapolna, Görgei rode up, -attended by his staff, and a ringing cheer greeted his -arrival.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll hold it, general, living or dead," replied Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good! If I can stop any of those wretched runaways, -they shall support you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll do it by ourselves, general," cried an old -sergeant; and the men, repeating his words, cheered loudly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general's face lit up with a proud smile.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A cheer for the hussars, my lads!" cried Rakoczy, -and we sent up a shout that might have been heard a -mile off.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the same time the Croats, like savage dogs -unleashed, bounded across the open ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our men continued firing till the very last instant, then -a hand-to-hand struggle began.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every minute after the first rude shock helped us, for -the hot fit of the Croats cooled, while the Magyars fought -with increased stubbornness.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">I watched them go, and then, faint from loss of blood, -leaned against a tree.</p> -<p class="pnext">Another victory such as that, I well knew, would clean -out the 9th Honveds, and so did Rakoczy; but he didn't -say so.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">When he caught sight of me he said softly,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hurt, George?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Another scratch," I replied faintly; "but, I say, colonel, -what has become of the hussars?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, I shall be all right; but isn't that a cloud of fog?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy had blessed the fog; and, indeed, it proved of -the utmost service to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">We tramped on in the midst of the darkness like a -regiment of lost souls.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">As far as I could tell, we might be marching right into -the midst of the Austrian troops.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fog filled our nostrils and throats, almost choking us.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was ashamed of my weakness, yet it was good to -lean upon a strong arm, and for a time I walked quite -steadily.</p> -<p class="pnext">An extraordinary accident put an end to my powers -of endurance, and left me with no more strength than -that of a baby.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Sometimes they placed me on the ground, where I -stayed for hours; then raising me again they carried -me as before.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fog went with us all the time, so I could not divide -night from day, and no sound ever broke the weird silence.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">After that they took me to some covered place, where, -being warm and comfortable, I straightway fell asleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought Stephen also looked sorrowfully at me, but -that was a dream, as I afterwards discovered.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several other men were already there, and one in -particular groaned most miserably at every jolt of the clumsy -vehicle.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">That ghostly regiment, gliding through the blackness, -unseen, unheard, had in my weakened state preyed on my -nerves.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Somewhere on the journey we halted a long, long time, -and at length proceeded very slowly and cautiously.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were crossing the Theiss on a narrow and temporary -bridge, though the infantry had gone over on the ice.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">The next time the wagon halted, a man, clambering into -it, brought a flask, from which several of us drank.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="on-the-sick-list">CHAPTER X.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">ON THE SICK LIST.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">The meagre light from two candles showed that I was -not the only inmate of this poverty-stricken dwelling.</p> -<p class="pnext">Ranged round the walls were five other figures, each -on a bundle of straw and wrapped in a bunda.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, I felt warm, and warmth in those days was -the greatest happiness.</p> -<p class="pnext">I positively shuddered at the mere remembrance of the -intense cold of the last week or two.</p> -<p class="pnext">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!"</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Shut up, Janko! Can't you see the chap's out of his -mind? Let the poor beggar sing. It does him good."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile Petreskey, staring round the room with his -wild eyes, broke out again, and sang till he was too weak -to utter another note.</p> -<p class="pnext">The two other men had taken no notice of the incident, -but lay on their straw like logs.</p> -<p class="pnext">I tried to get into talk with the surly Janko, but he -only grunted morosely and covered his head with his -bunda.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What there is left of him," I answered; "but there -doesn't appear to be much."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">I was glad to hear Rakoczy still lived, and inquired -anxiously after Stephen.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Soon after breakfast the door opened, and Rakoczy -entered, his face beaming with smiles, his eyes bright and -sparkling.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen had once compared him with a sunbeam, but to -me that morning he seemed more like a million sunbeams -rolled into one.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the sight of him even Janko forgot to look sulky, -and saluted with his remaining arm.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">His lips twitched nervously, and I believe his eyes were -moist; but he carried the matter off in his usual jocular -way.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then it was Mecsey who saved my life?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Truth, you may say that. He hauled you out from -under the ice, and pushed you on to dry land."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What a night it was! I should think the whole -regiment had a drenching."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't poke fun, but tell me what happened. Were -there many lives lost?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Had quite enough of that at Pesth," I replied, laughing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Gentlemen," said the colonel, "I have brought Captain -Botskay to share your apartment."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Glad to see you, captain," said the first, adding quickly, -"That is, sorry you've been hurt, but right glad of your -company."</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy had been wounded in the wood, and I had sent -him to the rear, which he remembered and now gratefully -acknowledged.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You saved mine, though, and I shan't forget it."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">The two lieutenants were already strong enough to -hobble about, but several days passed before I was able to -join them.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy called every morning, sometimes in the evening -as well, and his visits did more toward our recovery than -all the doctor's stuff.</p> -<p class="pnext">One day, however, he came to say good-bye. The -regiment had received orders to recross the Theiss.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What has Vetter to do with it?" I asked in surprise.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother had altered much in the short time since -the war broke out.</p> -<p class="pnext">From a boy, he seemed to have become a man all at -once, and I cannot say that I liked the change.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">The two lieutenants had very considerately gone -outside, but now I called them in and introduced them to my -brother.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The general gives you little leisure time," Thurzo remarked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Very little," replied Stephen; "but then he gives -himself less. I doubt if even Kossuth works harder."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Glad to hear you give the dictator his due."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bravo!" cried Dobozy. "Hungary a kingdom is my -motto; and not Hungary a republic."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The 9th Honveds are all royalists," remarked Thurzo -quietly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And every regiment in the brigade," said Stephen. -"Kossuth discovered that not very long ago."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tell us about it, Stephen. We've only heard just the -bare outline."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What had happened?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen smiled grimly; he seemed to have forgotten -how to laugh.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We promptly shut the Pole up," he said; "and Kossuth -found his chief general a prisoner."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And he submitted?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not to Görgei?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well done, 9th Honveds!" exclaimed Thurzo. "Wish -I'd been with them!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">I asked him to look in again before they left, and he -promised to do so if Görgei gave him a chance.</p> -<p class="pnext">When he had gone, my comrades talked over the news, -and it was plain that, like myself, they foresaw trouble in -the future.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thurzo put the matter very straight.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The army is with Görgei," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But Kossuth has a powerful following, and the Poles -will help him to a man."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They wish to help the cause."</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Before the war ended we proved up to the hilt the -truth of that old saying, "A house divided against itself -cannot stand."</p> -<p class="pnext">Another day passed, and then Stephen came to say -good-bye.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope so. It isn't pleasant to be left behind when -others are going to the front."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fortune of war, George, and it's no use grumbling. -Well, good-bye; we shall meet in Pesth."</p> -<p class="pnext">I embraced him rather sadly, and, going outside, watched -him mount and ride away.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">At Kapolna, the scene of our former defeat, we made -a long stay, having arrived there about noon, and not -leaving till next morning.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still, the sufferings of the people had not weakened -their loyalty to the cause, and the leading citizens feasted -us generously.</p> -<p class="pnext">For the first time since leaving Pesth I slept in a real -bed, and the sensation was quite novel.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Where we should find the 9th Honveds I could not tell, -but decided to join Görgei, on the chance that they were -with him.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a hearty breakfast, I went into the street, where -the men were already assembled under Thurzo and Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many of the inhabitants assembled to give us a parting -cheer, and we set off in high spirits.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">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.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Our fellows trying to capture a bridge, most likely," -observed Dobozy, which was really the case.</p> -<p class="pnext">"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."</p> -<p class="pnext">This was a good idea, and I put the question to the -man, whose arm was gashed by a sabre cut.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Outside the town, captain," he replied. "In a field to -the right."</p> -<p class="pnext">After thanking the man, I set my detachment in motion -once more, glad at the thought of again meeting my genial -friend.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="gorgei-to-the-rescue">CHAPTER XI.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">GÖRGEI TO THE RESCUE.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The noise of the battle died away as we left the town -and made for the field where the 9th Honveds -were resting after their exertions. As usual they had -been pretty roughly handled; but Görgei had found time -to thank them for their bravery, and that paid for everything.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some were eating and drinking; others, wrapped in -their bundas, were already fast asleep. The colonel was -just returning from visiting the wounded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hallo!" he exclaimed; "what are you doing here? -Thought you were at Tisza-Fured. Who are those -fellows?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"They've just come from hospital to rejoin their -regiments. I thought perhaps you'd tell me what to do with -them."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right. I'll attend to it.--Glad to see you, Dobozy.--A -little bit too late for the fight, Thurzo. We've had -another turn at our old friend Schlick. Hot while it -lasted; but we carried too many guns for him. Plucky -chap, though. I'd invite you into my tent if I had one; -but you can take your choice of the ground--there's -plenty to choose from.--Any of my fellows amongst that -lot, Botskay? Thanks. Let them stand out.--Back -again, my lads? Good-luck to you.--Now, George, come -along and we'll dispose of the others; they look as if -they want a rest."</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel rattled on in his lively strain, passed the -men on to the proper authorities, stopped here and there -to joke with his friends, and then took me back to the -regiment, where we joined the other officers at their -evening meal.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," he said cheerfully, in answer to some remark, -"things are shaping well at present. If only Görgei had -a free hand, the white-coats would soon be bundling out of -Pesth."</p> -<p class="pnext">This seemed to be the general opinion, though here and -there one heard a word in praise of Vetter, and even of -Dembinski, the late chief.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the second day after the affair at Hatvan when -Stephen rode up to the quarters of the 9th Honveds.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I expected to find you here," he exclaimed cheerfully. -"Feel all right again?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thanks, old chap; I'm as well as ever. As for you, -this soldiering seems to suit you perfectly. Haven't seen -you look so smiling for ages."</p> -<p class="pnext">He actually laughed. "Not heard the news? Well, -it will be known in an hour or two. Vetter's resigned, -and Görgei has been made chief."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then we can begin to pack up?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes. There won't be much rest for any one till we're -in Pesth."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And not much then."</p> -<p class="pnext">"No. Of course, I don't claim to be in the general's -secrets, but I know him well enough to feel sure he won't -stop till we get to Vienna. By the way, that reminds -me of a queer circumstance. Do you remember Von -Theyer?"</p> -<p class="pnext">I nodded briskly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's turned imperialist, and is either a captain or -major in the hussars. The fellow made a dead set at me -the other day, and I should advise you to be careful."</p> -<p class="pnext">Thereupon I related what had happened at Kapolna, -upon which Stephen repeated his warning more seriously, -saying that in Von Theyer I had, no doubt, a special and -determined enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"If possible, he will do you mischief," he continued; -"so be on your guard. Plainly he is a very clever fellow, -or he would not so easily have hoodwinked the -authorities, and he has courage enough for anything."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, he makes a dashing cavalry leader; but why -should he be so bitter against us? We haven't harmed -the fellow."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen smiled, and made almost the same remark as -Rakoczy at Kapolna.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you forgotten the fräulein?" he asked. "No, I -see you have not by the blush on your face. Well, my -boy, Von Theyer wants to keep the fräulein's favours for -himself. Understand?"</p> -<p class="pnext">I nodded lightly, and Rakoczy coming up at the -moment, the talk took a fresh turn.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen's news soon spread, and, in our part of the -army at least, gave general satisfaction.</p> -<p class="pnext">Officers and men alike had perfect confidence in Görgei's -judgment, and the only fear expressed was that he would -be hampered by the orders of the civil government.</p> -<p class="pnext">For a time, however, we were too busy with the work -of preparation to think much of anything else.</p> -<p class="pnext">Exactly what was in hand, of course, we did not know; -but on the night of the third of April a rumour spread -through the camp that the army would march at daybreak.</p> -<p class="pnext">Directly after breakfast the regiments mustered, arms -were examined, instructions issued to officers; and as soon -as it was well light we moved out in three divisions by -the highroad running to Pesth.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei commanded in person, and under him were -Generals Klapka, Aulich, and Damjanics.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our regiment formed part of the first corps, which -advanced by the right, keeping in touch, however, with -the two others. Görgei had left fifteen thousand men at -Hatvan, but we were still nearly thirty thousand strong; -and our object apparently was to prevent Jellachich from -joining the main army under Windischgratz.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's the first move," cried young Thurzo excitedly, -as away on our left one of Aulich's batteries opened fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And the answer to it," said I, as the enemy responded -with a terrific storm of shot and shell. "It must be warm -over there."</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle soon developed, not reaching us, however, -though occasionally we caught glimpses of it as we -marched on to take up our position near the village of -Tampio-Biscke.</p> -<p class="pnext">From a mounted messenger sent in search of Klapka we -learned that the Croats, by a brilliant charge, had captured -four guns, but were afterwards driven back, and could now -barely hold their own.</p> -<p class="pnext">Jellachich was anxiously awaiting aid from the Austrians. -Should it not come, his army would almost certainly be -destroyed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rather uninteresting work this," grumbled Thurzo. -"Why, we were almost as lively down at Tisza-Fured."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Can't make out exactly why we are here," answered a -comrade. "We aren't actors, for certain; while, as -spectators, we get a very poor view of the performance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Listen!" I interrupted as a thunderous roar of heavy -guns broke out apparently close upon us. "The Austrians -are over the river."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" cried Thurzo; "now for our share in the fight!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Poor fellow! I have often wondered since if he would -have shown such eagerness had he known what was coming.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy spoke a word to the men, exhorting them to -be steady; then we stood awaiting orders.</p> -<p class="pnext">They did not come. The roar of the guns was unceasing, -drowning the rattle of musketry and the shrieks of the -wounded; the blinding flashes played perpetually round -their muzzles; our advanced guard was nearly annihilated, -though that we only guessed.</p> -<p class="pnext">We leaned on our swords and wondered, while the men -fumbled impatiently with their firearms; Rakoczy alone, -smiling and genial, showed neither uneasiness nor concern.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly an officer dashed up, hatless, bleeding, and -holding his reins in his right hand. He spoke to the -colonel, who, without a moment's delay, gave orders that -the regiment should advance at the double.</p> -<p class="pnext">From that moment the horror of the fight began for us.</p> -<p class="pnext">Moving out from the low sand-hills that had hitherto -sheltered us, we found ourselves very shortly in the thick -of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians had placed their batteries in such an -admirable position that not only were our guns partly -silenced, but the head of the column was blown clean -away.</p> -<p class="pnext">One battery pumped shot and shell into our flank as we -went by, while another continued to draw lines through -the troops in front of us.</p> -<p class="pnext">I concluded that we were required to support an attack -on the guns, when a loud cry from the men announced that -something was happening.</p> -<p class="pnext">I have never seen a more peculiar sight.</p> -<p class="pnext">The remnant of the column began to bend from one side -to the other, for all the world like a boat rocking in the -water. The movement was slow at first, but it soon -increased in speed, and then the column broke in pieces.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this the Austrians, plying the guns with renewed -vigour, literally swept the plain with their fire, which put -an end to the shattered column.</p> -<p class="pnext">In an instant a fine body of disciplined soldiers was -changed into a fear-stricken mob flying for dear life.</p> -<p class="pnext">Away went bayonet and rifle, cartridge-pouch, and everything -that by impeding flight might lessen the chance of -safety.</p> -<p class="pnext">A shiver of indecision passed through our regiment at -the sight; but Rakoczy's calmness stopped the mischief, at -least for a time, and, under his directions, we opened our -ranks to let the runaways through.</p> -<p class="pnext">On they came, shouting, yelling, and so blind with fear -that I believe many of them did not recognize us.</p> -<p class="pnext">To stop them just then would have been impossible; it -would be well if they did not carry the regiment off in -their wild career.</p> -<p class="pnext">With heads bent and muscles stretched to breaking-point, -they thundered along, seeing nothing, caring for -nothing, except to get away.</p> -<p class="pnext">Young Thurzo, mad with shame and rage, shook his fist -and called them bitter names, any one of which at another -time would have cost him his life.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now they passed unchallenged; the fugitives heard -nothing but the hissing of those terrible Austrian shells -that had cost the column so dearly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Chiefly through the colonel's influence, the regiment -stood firm, and, directly the runaways were past, proceeded -to re-form its ranks.</p> -<p class="pnext">A moment's glance to the front, however, showed that -another disaster was in store.</p> -<p class="pnext">Windischgratz, noticing the break-up of the column, -ordered the battery to cease firing, and immediately launched -two cavalry regiments--one of cuirassiers, one of -hussars--to finish the work.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were, as I have already said, in the very act of -reforming when they dashed at us.</p> -<p class="pnext">With five minutes' grace we might have made somewhat -of a stand, but now they were too quick for us.</p> -<p class="pnext">I heard the colonel's "Steady, lads, steady! Stand your -ground!" and then a blazing volley of musketry that -brought down many a stalwart trooper.</p> -<p class="pnext">The cuirassiers were astonished by this warm reception, -but they could not turn back if they would--their speed -was too great.</p> -<p class="pnext">Helmets and cuirasses flashed in the sunlight as the -horsemen sprang into our ranks, cutting and slashing on -all sides.</p> -<p class="pnext">There are many safer places than a broken square in a -cavalry charge.</p> -<p class="pnext">Before the Honveds found a chance of running away -they fought desperately, stabbing with their bayonets at -men and horses, or making serviceable weapons of their -clubbed rifles.</p> -<p class="pnext">In such a <em class="italics">mêlée</em> it was almost necessarily a case of every -man for himself; but a few of the officers stuck together, -and by degrees gathered round them the steadiest of the -men.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel was at their head, and I joined them with -young Thurzo, who was wild with grief. He had taken -part in two battles, and each had ended in defeat.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time the larger part of the regiment was in full -flight, and the cuirassiers, finding the way open, followed -in pursuit.</p> -<p class="pnext">We formed ourselves into a square, officers and privates -shoulder to shoulder, with Rakoczy on foot to lead us.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had caught the colours as they dropped from the grasp -of the man who bore them, and they still fluttered bravely -overhead.</p> -<p class="pnext">I have said that Windischgratz sent out two cavalry -regiments, and the second now charged hotly on our poor -remnant.</p> -<p class="pnext">Amongst the officers Von Theyer showed conspicuously, -and, as before, he paid me special attention, which was -flattering but uncomfortable.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, we beat the hussars off time and again, and -continued to retire steadily, though not without great loss.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was pitiful to see man after man drop dead or -grievously wounded, but the others closed up and ever -showed an unbroken front.</p> -<p class="pnext">Poor Thurzo, whom I had learned to like well, and who -marched out so gaily to the fight that morning, met his -death here. Two troopers dashed at him with uplifted -sabres: one he shot dead with his pistol; the other cleft -him from head to chin.</p> -<p class="pnext">Poor fellow! He had been much afraid that Aulich's -corps would get all the fighting.</p> -<p class="pnext">There he lay dead, and his greatest friend could do no -more than give him the fleetest of passing thoughts.</p> -<p class="pnext">Back we went steadily; and, though death was busy -in our ranks, yet the square grew larger, for many -fugitives belonging both to our own and other regiments -joined us.</p> -<p class="pnext">How the battle went elsewhere it was impossible for -us to guess, but the utter rout of our corps was painfully -apparent.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once we set up a cheer as a small party of cuirassiers -went galloping back, but the cheer changed into a cry of -rage when we saw they were dragging a captured gun.</p> -<p class="pnext">Another and another followed. The hussars yelled -exultingly, and, nerved by the sight, made another effort -to break the square.</p> -<p class="pnext">Instantly we halted; the front rank men kneeled down; -the rifles were levelled; there was a line of light, a loud -report, and once more the hussars were thrown back.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was just after this that a shout arose which put heart -into the most depressed.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the throats of thousands there leaped a cry of -"Görgei! Görgei!" The runaways stopped in their headlong -flight. A part of Damjanic's division hurried to the -scene, and flung themselves across the path of the victors.</p> -<p class="pnext">The rout was stayed. The Austrians who had followed -in the wake of their cavalry were brought to a standstill; -the battle, which had passed us, now began to return. Our -eyes danced with joy as we saw the white-coats come back -at a run.</p> -<p class="pnext">Following them closely, Görgei and his staff rode at the -head of Schwartzenberg's Hungarian regiment. Rakoczy, -seizing his opportunity, led us forward to join them.</p> -<p class="pnext">The tide had turned with a vengeance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Back went the Austrians--horse, foot, and field-guns--not -exactly broken, yet in extreme disorder, and seeking -shelter under their two fixed batteries.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now we had a taste of the reception our advanced guard -had met with earlier in the day, and understood how it was -they failed to hold their ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei quickly made up his mind what to do.</p> -<p class="pnext">We saw him speak to his staff, and two officers darted -off, one towards us, one towards the rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our messenger was Stephen, his face flushed, his eyes -glowing with excitement.</p> -<p class="pnext">He dashed up to the colonel, saluted, pointed with his -sword, delivered his message, threw me a kindly look in -passing, and was gone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy lost not a moment, but, pointing to the battery, -exclaimed quietly, "My lads, the general says we are to -take that battery; the sooner we reach it the better."</p> -<p class="pnext">The men cheered in reply; but many a lip twitched -nervously, and more than one face paled, for the colonel's -words were a message of death.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel knew it too; and, as we started, he gave my -hand a slight pressure as in token of farewell. But his voice -was firm, his face full of quiet confidence, his glance proud -and smiling. The sacrifice was for his country: let it be -made.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then away we went, and at the same moment the -veterans from Damjanic's division started for the second -battery.</p> -<p class="pnext">Unfortunately, there was little cover on our route; and, -as the colonel had said, our best plan was to reach the -sandhill where the battery was posted in the shortest -possible time.</p> -<p class="pnext">A terrible fire opened on us at once, but the first flight -of shells passed harmlessly; the second killed a few men -and smashed the flag-pole I carried; at the third we flung -ourselves into a gully of sand, Rakoczy alone remaining -upright.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, springing to our feet, we ran on, cheering frantically -as a regiment of hussars dashed up from the right -straight at the flank of the battery.</p> -<p class="pnext">The horsemen were still a long way off, but they rode -hard, and would reach the guns in time to give us help.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward! forward!" shouted Rakoczy; and the brave -fellow, fleet of foot as a deer, led the way several yards -in advance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still carrying the shattered pole, I toiled on, while the -great guns, belching forth fire and flame, poured their -deadly missiles into the midst of us.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once, tripping over a prostrate body, I fell to the ground -heavily, and lay for a moment half-stunned; the next I -was on my feet, and running with all my might to get a -place in the front.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The flag!" I gasped, overtaking the rear. "Make -way for the flag!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Everywhere now the Austrians were making a stubborn -last stand. If only they could roll us back ever so little, -the day would be theirs.</p> -<p class="pnext">Through a rift in the smoke-cloud I saw a hussar -regiment ride out from behind the battery, and guessed they -intended to meet the charge of our own horsemen half-way.</p> -<p class="pnext">The curtain dropped again; I could see no more. Rakoczy -was still unhurt, for his voice sounded clearly above -the din, and the men responded to his cry of "Forward!" -with a cheer.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then we were there, so unexpectedly that I stared -amazedly at the long, black monsters which the gunners -could not spike.</p> -<p class="pnext">I sprang on one and waved the colours, while the men -cheered madly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly, like a flash of lightning, there went by a -ragged line of horsemen, spurring hard, and leaning over -the heads of their animals that, with foam-splashed -lips, distended nostrils, and heaving sides, strained every -muscle.</p> -<p class="pnext">We gazed open-mouthed at the apparition, and then -gave ourselves up to renewed cheering as our own -hussars--Stephen riding neck by neck with their colonel--dashed -in pursuit.</p> -<p class="pnext">Farther away on the left, the regiment of veterans, -having captured the battery, was engaged in fierce conflict -with a body of infantry. Now from all sides our friends -were hurrying up, and the Austrians, overwhelmed by -numbers, fled over the Tapio River towards Koka, where -they sheltered behind the sand-hills. As for us, we halted -on the ground it had cost us so dear to win; and the colonel -immediately sent me to collect the runaways from the -regiment, and bring them back.</p> -<p class="pnext">This I did with exceeding difficulty, as the whole of -Klapka's corps was in a terrible state of confusion. Then, -with Dobozy and half a dozen soldiers, I proceeded to -search for the body of the hapless Thurzo.</p> -<p class="pnext">I picked up the sword which had dropped from the -nerveless fingers, while Dobozy cut a curl from the dead -lad's raven hair.</p> -<p class="pnext">"For his mother," he said softly, not attempting to hide -the tears that gathered in his eyes. "He was her only -son, and she is a widow."</p> -<p class="pnext">The men carried the body to a small wood nearly half a -mile away, and there, with the sweet-smelling pines -swaying mournfully overhead, we buried him, marking the place -by a rude cross.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will comfort <em class="italics">her</em>, when the war is ended, to come -and pray beside it," said Dobozy, as we turned sorrowfully -toward the spot where our regiment was stationed.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were not very cheerful in camp that night. We -were tired out with marching and fighting, saddened by -the loss of many brave companions, while the shame of -that morning's rout hung over us like a pall.</p> -<p class="pnext">True, the Austrians had finally been repulsed; but the -credit of that was not ours. That belonged to Görgei and -the veterans of the second division.</p> -<p class="pnext">The runaways were sulky and ashamed; the officers--some -of whom had been literally carried off by the crowd -of fugitives--were furiously angry.</p> -<p class="pnext">For myself, I was on fatigue duty till a late hour, and -Dobozy volunteered to help me: hard work would divert -his mind somewhat from dwelling on the death of his -comrade.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was nearly midnight when we rejoined our brother-officers, -who, wrapped in their mantles, lay in a ring on the -ground. Some had forgotten the disaster in sleep, others -were still chatting quietly over the events of the day.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy was absent; he had been sent for by the chief, -who wished to consult him, or more likely, perhaps, to give -him some orders for the morning.</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy and I lay down side by side, wrapped ourselves -in our mantles, and tried to snatch an hour or two's sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">In this my companion happily succeeded, but I was less -fortunate, being weighed down by a sense of uneasiness as -to my brother's fate.</p> -<p class="pnext">After that momentary glimpse of him riding at the head -of the hussars, he had vanished, and no one seemed to -know what had become of him.</p> -<p class="pnext">True, he might have rejoined Görgei, and been sent with -a message to Aulich; but the general gloom of the day -made me nervous and fanciful, and I lay awake until -Rakoczy returned.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Stephen?" he said, in answer to my anxious questioning. -"No, I certainly didn't see him; but what of that? -Görgei's <em class="italics">aides</em> flit about like ghosts in a stage-play. They -aren't supposed to be like ordinary mortals, who want food -and rest. Cheer up, my boy; I really don't think there's -any reason to worry. If Stephen had come to grief, -Görgei would have known and told me, you may be sure. -Clear your head of these notions, and go to sleep. We're -likely to have a hard day to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">This was sensible advice, and I tried to act on it; but -after all, I must confess, there was little sleep for me -that night.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="a-sorrowful-victory">CHAPTER XII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">A SORROWFUL VICTORY.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"Conquer to-day, or back behind the Theiss! Such -is the alternative; I know of no other. Damjanics -still continues the battle. Aulich advances; Klapka has -stopped his retreat. Forward! We <em class="italics">must</em> conquer!"</p> -<p class="pnext">These were the words which greeted us from our brave -chief, when once again we stood in battle array, and they -warmed our blood like a draught of generous wine.</p> -<p class="pnext">I understood little of the general's plans, except that at -all costs he purposed keeping Jellachich and the Austrians -apart.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the extreme left, Aulich and a part of the second -division advanced through a spur of the Isaszeg forest; in -the centre our cavalry and artillery had gathered; we of -Klapka's corps, with a small part of the second division, -occupied the most northern spur of all.</p> -<p class="pnext">As we reached our positions, Görgei rode down, attended -by his brilliant staff.</p> -<p class="pnext">I looked eagerly for Stephen, and my heart sank when -I saw he was not there.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei was no orator like Kossuth. As a rule he spoke -with his sword, and very clearly did he make himself -understood.</p> -<p class="pnext">This morning he treated us to a little harangue. It -was not long, but very effective.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My lads!" he said, and his voice rang out like a -trumpet-call, "there is only one thing I ask you to do--stand -where you are till the sun goes down. Will you do it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Like one man, the broken remnant of Klapka's corps -shouted their answer; and the general, whose face beamed -with pleasure, rode off amidst enthusiastic cries of "Elijen -Görgei!"</p> -<p class="pnext">In the centre, a part of the forest had burst into flames, -and the wind, blowing from the south, spread the smoke -over our right like a curtain.</p> -<p class="pnext">At times it was so thick we could neither see nor be -seen. Again it would lift, and reveal to our straining eyes -some portion of the battle.</p> -<p class="pnext">The artillery duel in the centre proceeded with the -utmost vigour, but it seemed to us that the Austrian fire -gradually grew weaker and slacker. Two tremendous -explosions, one after the other, announced the blowing up -of a considerable quantity of ammunition, and for a while -the fire ceased.</p> -<p class="pnext">Aulich's corps was by this time hidden from view in the -forest, but by the sound of his light guns we could tell he -was making uninterrupted progress.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thus far we ourselves were merely spectators of the -battle, but now several infantry regiments appeared on our -right, and poured a destructive fire into our ranks.</p> -<p class="pnext">We paid back what we could of their favours; but they -had the advantage of us, and Klapka had just given orders -to turn them out when they themselves rushed forward to -the charge.</p> -<p class="pnext">The onslaught was sudden and violent, but the Magyars, -burning to atone for yesterday's panic, actually left the -shelter of the trees in order to engage their enemy the -sooner.</p> -<p class="pnext">So eager, indeed, were the 9th Honveds that they got -entirely out of hand, and having defeated a body of the -enemy, chased them much farther than was prudent.</p> -<p class="pnext">A well-directed cavalry charge would at this moment -have cut the regiment in pieces.</p> -<p class="pnext">As it happened, Klapka's men were successful all along -the line, which helped us to return without mishap.</p> -<p class="pnext">The tremendous cannonade in the centre, which had -partly died away, now broke out afresh. The wind, veering -again, swept the smoke from the burning forest right across -our position, shrouding us completely.</p> -<p class="pnext">When next we were able to catch a glimpse of the -battle, our men raised a loud cheer and flourished their -rifles excitedly, to the great danger both of themselves and -their comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">Far in advance of us, and on our left, the soldiers of -Aulich's division were pushing the Austrians before them, -and thus far Görgei's plans had proved a success.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this sight our own opponents made a desperate effort -to drive us from the spur of the forest which we held, and -for a while longer the fight raged with great fury.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei's words, however, still rang in our ears, and not -a man made a backward step.</p> -<p class="pnext">About this time my anxiety concerning Stephen was -relieved. The general, seeing what tremendous efforts the -enemy made to roll us back, rode up to give us some little -encouragement, and amongst his staff I saw my brother, -apparently unhurt, but looking very tired.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen gave me a bright nod as the general cantered -along, praising the men, bidding them hold out a little -longer, and assuring us all that the battle was practically -won.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei had hardly gone when our opponents rallied for -a final attack.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was growing dusk by now, and we felt sure that -everything in our part of the field depended on the next -half-hour.</p> -<p class="pnext">An Austrian success would wipe out all the advantage -Aulich had obtained; while if we stood firm, the enemy -must retire in every part of the field.</p> -<p class="pnext">The part to be played by the 9th Honveds was very -simple, yet I must admit we did not like it. A shadow of -annoyance passed over even Rakoczy's face when the order -was brought from Klapka.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every man in the regiment burned to advance, instead -of which we had to stand still and supply a steady target -for the enemy's fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortunately the attack did not last long. The other -regiments, turning on us as on a pivot, swung round in a -flanking movement, and presently the Hungarian cry of -"Forward! forward!" told that our comrades were driving -the enemy before them.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," exclaimed our colonel genially, "if Aulich has -taken Isaszeg, the affair is over."</p> -<p class="pnext">But had he? No one could tell. His corps had vanished -completely, and the fast-approaching night swallowed -everything in gloom.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two hours longer we stood to our arms, ready at -any moment either to advance or to repel any fresh -attack.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was dreary work waiting, and the men were so tired -that many fell asleep while standing in the ranks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly there rose a sound of cheering, a vigorous -"Elijen Görgei! Elijen Aulich!" and the welcome news -flashed from regiment to regiment, from man to man, that -Aulich had chased the Austrians out of Isaszeg.</p> -<p class="pnext">The knowledge of this success made new men of us. -We forgot our fatigue, and lay half through the night -joyfully discussing the probable results of the battle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every one agreed that the Austrians would now be -compelled to fall back on Pesth. Very few, if any, suspected -that from our victory was to spring the ruin of the -national cause.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei was not the man to let the grass grow under -his feet, and the next day Klapka and Damjanics received -orders to march on Waitzen, the town standing on the -bend where the Danube sweeps round to the south, while -one corps remained behind to hoodwink Windischgratz.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nothing of interest occurred during the march, and we -reached Waitzen on the morning of April 9 without -having met a sign of the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">The town was unfortified; but the Austrian general, -Gatz, commanding two brigades, had resolved upon a -vigorous defence, as we soon found.</p> -<p class="pnext">The 9th Honveds formed part of the vanguard, and -after a sharp struggle we succeeded in forcing a way into -the streets.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here our progress was instantly checked. The old-fashioned -lane in which we found ourselves was so narrow -that the inmates of the houses, by leaning out of window, -could almost shake hands with their opposite neighbours.</p> -<p class="pnext">Across this lane three barricades had been constructed -in such a manner that, while the second commanded the -first, the third overawed both.</p> -<p class="pnext">Carried away by what was, perhaps, a natural impulse, -the men, without waiting for orders, rushed at the nearest -barrier, and were mowed down in scores.</p> -<p class="pnext">I suppose it is the sense of being shut up in a corner, -with little chance of escape, that makes street fighting so -savage. Certainly I have never seen so furious a -conflict in the open field as behind the barricades in Waitzen.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the shouts and cries of the combatants, and the -firing of guns, we recognized that our comrades were -fighting their way, step by step, in other directions, and I -for one hoped some of them would come to our assistance -by taking the barricades in the rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">The attack having failed, the men came dropping back -in disorder, being exposed not only to the fire from the -barrier, but also from the windows of the houses, which -were garrisoned by soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, the pressure behind being relieved, the colonel -rallied the regiment into something like order again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's no use trying for the barricade like that, my lads," -he exclaimed cheerfully; "we're only knocking our heads -against a stone wall. What we have to do is to clear the -houses one by one."</p> -<p class="pnext">This was really the only workmanlike way of doing the -business, though it added much to the horrors of the -combat.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians inside the buildings forced us to fight for -every room in each house. They made a barricade of -every article of furniture, and a fortress of every staircase. -While we fought those below, their comrades in the upper -stories picked us off with their rifles; and when their -ammunition was exhausted they clambered over to the next -house, or dropped into the street.</p> -<p class="pnext">In this fashion we worked our way to the buildings -overlooking the first barricade, which now became useless, -and was immediately abandoned.</p> -<p class="pnext">The last man to leave was their leader, and at sight of -him my heart beat fast.</p> -<p class="pnext">He stood on the barricade, coolly directing the movements -of his men, while the bullets fell round him like -hailstones.</p> -<p class="pnext">In one hand was his sword; in the other he carried the -black and yellow flag of his country.</p> -<p class="pnext">He did not seem in any kind of hurry, but waited -patiently till the soldiers had entered the houses; then, -and not till then, he left his post.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had not seen me; but I recognized him at once, and -trembled for his safety.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had never met this noble veteran since leaving -Vienna, and had hoped the war might end without our -coming face to face. How could I ever look into the -pretty fräulein's eyes again if by any chance my sword -should cross that of her father's?</p> -<p class="pnext">For this Austrian leader, whose bravery even the -Magyars applauded, was Baron von Arnstein, and it was plain -he would yield that narrow passage only with his life.</p> -<p class="pnext">Happily, perhaps, I had little leisure for thinking. The -first barricade being down, the fight continued with -redoubled fury.</p> -<p class="pnext">And now, adding new horror to the scene, fire broke -out; and by the time we had fought our way to the second -barricade, it was necessary for both sides to abandon the -houses.</p> -<p class="pnext">The third barrier must be taken by a rush along the -narrow lane, or not at all.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time the regiment had lost half its strength. -Both the majors were down--dead or wounded, we knew -not which--and many other officers; but the survivors, -instead of being cowed by this great loss, were only the -more eager to go on.</p> -<p class="pnext">So, in the midst of the smoke and the flames from the -burning houses, we took our lives in our hands and ran, -Rakoczy leading.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward!" he cried. "Forward!" echoed the -Honveds, and a spectator would have thought our fierce rush -alone must have swept the Austrians into eternity.</p> -<p class="pnext">But on the barricade, still grasping the black and yellow -flag, there stood a man to whom fear was an unknown -quantity, and whose one idea was to do the duty entrusted -to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">I watched him with the keenest interest as he collected -his forces to withstand the shock.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy saw him too, and his genial brow clouded. It -grieved him sorely to think he must fight against his old -acquaintance; but, like the Austrian baron, the Magyar -had a duty to perform, and there was no trace of faltering -in his voice as he urged his men to the assault.</p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1">The next moment the white-coats poured in their volley. -Many of our fellows dropped, Rakoczy amongst them. -The rest of us rushed on wildly, to be stopped by a second -volley more destructive than the first.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then some one shouted lustily that the colonel was -dead; and the Honveds, with victory within their grasp, -ran back, while the enemy cheered exultingly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Sad at heart, I returned to the spot where my gallant -friend had fallen and, with the help of Mecsey Sándor, -who followed me everywhere like a shadow, bore his body -back.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was terrible to think I had not time even to find out -if he were really dead!</p> -<p class="pnext">We laid him down reverently, and I immediately began -to re-form the broken regiment; for so fierce had been the -fighting, that of the officers able to enter action I was the -senior.</p> -<p class="pnext">Very gladly I would have yielded the honour and -responsibility to another; but as that could not be, I -resolved to do my best.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Will you follow me, my lads?" I cried, when we were -again ready.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We will!" they answered, with a shout.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then come on! Over the barricade this time!"</p> -<p class="pnext">It is curious how a phrase, or sometimes even a word, -will work on a number of men acting together.</p> -<p class="pnext">There is nothing very striking in "Over the barricade -this time!" yet the words were caught up by the soldiers, -repeated again and again, and more than one man died -with them on his lips.</p> -<p class="pnext">They sounded high and clear above the noise of the -first volley, and as we pressed on the wounded sent them -after us feebly.</p> -<p class="pnext">I really believe they kept us going after the next volley -fired at close range, and certainly they were roared out -most lustily as the first of the stormers appeared on the -stronghold.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Dobozy carrying the colours; but he missed -his footing and fell down, half stunned, but otherwise -unhurt.</p> -<p class="pnext">A little, muscular fellow picked up the fallen flag, and -sprang with it to my side, while the others rushed -pell-mell after us.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had purposely avoided Von Arnstein, who was to the -right of me; but, like a true leader, he soon scented where -the danger was greatest, and cut a way to that part of -his stronghold where the red, white, and green proudly -waved.</p> -<p class="pnext">Twice we went back to the very edge of the barrier, -and once the colours were snatched from our grasp by a -grizzled veteran, who laughed defiantly as a Magyar cut -him down.</p> -<p class="pnext">To right and left of us the flames of the burning -buildings threw a lurid glare on the scene, and some one -excitedly shouted that the barricade was on fire.</p> -<p class="pnext">We heard the shout, but it had no effect on the fighting. -It did not prevent a blow being struck, nor cause the foot -of Magyar or Austrian to move an inch backward.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had gripped one another, as it were, by the throat, -and hung there like bulldogs.</p> -<p class="pnext">When I look back at that terrible fight, I find the -picture for the most part blurred and indistinct; but there -is just one tiny part of it whose colour is vivid and its -drawing bold.</p> -<p class="pnext">It will always be so, I suppose, though I do not care to -see it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Over and over again I had gone out of my way to avoid -the gallant leader, had plunged with foolhardy recklessness -into the greatest dangers, and he had followed my steps -with strange persistence.</p> -<p class="pnext">I do not think he had a moment's suspicion who I was -until at last the chances of the fight brought us face to -face.</p> -<p class="pnext">That is the one corner of the picture where the colours -have not faded. All around is a blur; but two figures -stand out lifelike.</p> -<p class="pnext">One is that of a youth with torn uniform, his -smoke-begrimed features working with excitement, his sword -held in the most awkward manner either for attack or -defence.</p> -<p class="pnext">The other is the figure of an old man, his breast covered -with medals and decorations, of commanding carriage, and -with a proud look in his keen blue eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">Close by, my fancy paints the face of a beautiful girl -gazing mournfully at the youth and the old man--the -Magyar and the Austrian.</p> -<p class="pnext">I know it is not really there, yet I see it as plainly as I -did on that terrible day in the years gone by.</p> -<p class="pnext">The tide had at last turned in our favour; the Austrians -were yielding slowly, when their leader made his final -effort. Cheered by his voice, they rallied once more, -and then it was we met.</p> -<p class="pnext">The look which flashed from his eyes to mine occupied -the merest fraction of a second, yet I shall never forget it.</p> -<p class="pnext">I read there astonishment and sorrow, then a certain -hardness, as if the brave old warrior were calling duty to -his aid.</p> -<p class="pnext">With him the struggle ended, and the soldier, not the -friend, gained the victory.</p> -<p class="pnext">I saw his determination quite plainly, and yet could not -bring myself to parry the blow. Who could tell what -might happen if once our swords crossed?</p> -<p class="pnext">Theresa was looking into my eyes, and, as I lowered -my weapon, she smiled upon me approvingly and vanished.</p> -<p class="pnext">Perhaps the baron would have drawn back; but he was -in the very act of delivering his stroke, and I nerved -myself to meet it.</p> -<p class="pnext">The sword shone red in the glow of the flames; but -before it descended another piece of steel flashed past me, -and pierced the baron's chest.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey Sándor had no scruples in killing any one to -save his master's life, which the faithful fellow undoubtedly -had done.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the fall of their chief the Austrians abandoned the -position, upon which I ordered the regiment to fall in a -little beyond the burning houses.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just then a man clapped me lightly on the shoulder, -saying, "Thanks, George!" and, turning, I beheld the -colonel.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men recognized him too, and broke into hearty -cheering.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We have suffered so severely," I said, "that I stopped -the pursuit."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Quite right. Let others follow; we must see to the -wounded, or they will be burned to death. The barricade's -in a blaze, and--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The baron!" I exclaimed. "He lies there, dead or -dangerously wounded. Let me have some men."</p> -<p class="pnext">"As many as you please. Dobozy--"</p> -<p class="pnext">I hurried off at once, and, selecting a score of fellows, -ran to the barrier, which appeared to be enveloped in -flames. True, it was not quite as bad as that, but we had -barely time to remove the injured and some of the dead -when the whole pile fell in with a crash, and the heavens -were reddened by a broad sheet of flame.</p> -<p class="pnext">I found Von Arnstein just where he had fallen, and had -him carried to a house some distance off, where I went, -immediately the work of rescue was finished.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our comrades had been equally successful in other parts -of the town, and Waitzen was in our hands, though we -had paid a heavier price for it than was reckoned on.</p> -<p class="pnext">In a state of utter dejection I entered the room where -the baron lay on a bed, and it scarcely needed the surgeon's -significant gesture to kill the tiny germ of hope in my -breast. I crossed the room with noiseless steps and looked -at the dying man.</p> -<p class="pnext">The surgeon had cut away a part of his coat and shirt, -the more easily to get at the wound, but a glance showed -even to me that all his skill was vain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey Sándor's arm was strong, and in defence of his -master he had struck with all his might.</p> -<p class="pnext">The veteran's face was bloodless, but he lay quite still, -and I rejoiced to think he suffered little pain.</p> -<p class="pnext">As I bent over him his eyes opened, and he gazed at me -languidly, but without a sign of recognition.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Baron," I said softly, "don't you know me, George -Botskay, the young Hungarian you saved from prison? -I was once able to do a little service for your daughter."</p> -<p class="pnext">How much of this he understood I cannot say, but the -last word certainly made an impression, for a happy smile -lit up his wan face, and he murmured to himself what -sounded like "Tessie."</p> -<p class="pnext">This I took to be an endearing name for his daughter.</p> -<p class="pnext">His strength was soon exhausted, his eyes closed again, -and I thought he was dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No," said the surgeon, "he will rally at the end; it -cannot be far off."</p> -<p class="pnext">"An hour?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"More likely two. He is a strong man, or he would -have gone before this."</p> -<p class="pnext">Borrowing a piece of paper from the owner of the house, -I wrote a note to Rakoczy, requesting leave to stay with -the baron, and sent it by a soldier. Then I sat down by -the bedside to wait for the end.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="a-visit-from-stephen">CHAPTER XIII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">A VISIT FROM STEPHEN.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The surgeon, who could do nothing further, slipped -out quietly, asking as he went if he should send -any one to bear me company.</p> -<p class="pnext">I shook my head, preferring to keep that solemn watch -alone.</p> -<p class="pnext">In truth, my heart was exceedingly sad both for the -dying man and for his dear ones in Vienna, who would -await his return in vain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The manner of his death also sorely grieved me. -Certainly my hand had not struck him down, but Sándor had -slain him to save my life.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was foolish, perhaps, to dwell on the thought, but I -could not thrust it out. I felt that but for me the baron -would still have been at the head of his regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">The house was very still, and even the noises from the -captured town failed to reach me.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fires in the street had been extinguished, but now -the glowing crimson of the setting sun flooded the room, -and as its light fell athwart the bed the dying man moved -restlessly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let it burn!" he muttered. "All the better for us. -Ready? Mind your aim! Fire!"</p> -<p class="pnext">His eyes were wide open, gazing with intense keenness -across the room.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach!" he continued. "They have it now! Who? -The colonel? That will stop them! Sorry--knew him--Vienna. -What? Again? Steady now! Here they come!"</p> -<p class="pnext">His brow was wet with perspiration, and, as I bent over -to wipe it off, the dying glory of the sun shone full into -my face.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this the baron's excitement increased, and he muttered -to himself at a great rate, while I, dipping a rag in water, -bathed his forehead continually.</p> -<p class="pnext">By degrees he became calmer; the wild light died from -his eyes; he ceased to mutter, and presently looked into -my face with a reasoning though puzzled expression.</p> -<p class="pnext">"George Botskay," I said, trying to help his memory. -"Don't you know? You stood my friend in Vienna."</p> -<p class="pnext">He smiled faintly, but with intelligence, and, moving his -hand, pointed to the window, as if wishing to direct my -attention to something outside.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The barricade?" I ventured questioningly.</p> -<p class="pnext">He smiled again and dropped his hand in mine.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good lad," he murmured; "I saw and understood--afterwards."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am sorry," I began; but he checked me, saying,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"A soldier's death, my boy. That is best--for me."</p> -<p class="pnext">He was getting very weak now, and I heard him with -great difficulty.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some words I did not hear at all, and others only -imperfectly; but I managed to understand what he wished -done, and promised to do it.</p> -<p class="pnext">His requests, poor fellow, were very simple. He desired -only that the miniature of his wife, which hung round his -neck, should be given to Theresa, and his massive -wedding-ring to the baroness.</p> -<p class="pnext">As I gently drew the latter from his finger, his mind -wandered once more, and he talked to himself of bygone -days and events of which I knew nothing.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the delights of peace he passed to the horrors of -the battlefield, and then right back to the time of his -childhood, when he was a happy, careless boy at his -mother's side.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here he ended, and, rather to my surprise, just as the -last gleam of the setting sun faded, he died with the sacred -name of "mother" on his lips.</p> -<p class="pnext">Taking a long look at the face now so calm and still, I -covered it reverently, and went away on tiptoe, as if the -noise of my footsteps could disturb the dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">Outside I met the colonel, and returned with him to the -room.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Poor fellow!" he exclaimed, after gazing a moment at -the white face. "What a blow for the pretty fräulein! -I'll warrant he made an idol of her. War's an awful -thing, George, when you come to strip the gilding off. -I would not like to have the responsibility of one on -my shoulders, though I'm a soldier born and bred. How -many thousands of widows and orphans are cursing us at -this very moment! Well, well; we must give the baron a -decent funeral in the morning," and he led me away.</p> -<p class="pnext">The town seemed very quiet after the tremendous -uproar of the day.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fires had been put out; the Austrians were in -retreat; and our army was chasing them into that very -mountain district where Görgei had led us in January.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our own regiment, having suffered so severely, was left -behind, and I really felt glad of the change.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel had taken up his quarters in a decent house, -and there at supper we were joined by the surviving -officers of the regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the absentees were dead, but the majority -were in hospital, and, though badly wounded, expected to -recover.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Just like our luck!" said the colonel, as we sat -chatting over what had happened. "We took the very -strongest street in the town. The other fellows had a pleasure -jaunt, compared with our march."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Who was the Austrian officer?" asked a sublieutenant. -"I hope he escaped; he was a splendid chap."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That was Baron von Arnstein," the colonel replied. -"I'm sorry to say he was killed. I mean to bury him -to-morrow with military honours."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He deserves all the respect we can show him," Dobozy -chimed in.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's one thing puzzles me, colonel," I said, "and -that is, how you escaped. I saw you fall, and thought -you were dead."</p> -<p class="pnext">For the first time that night Rakoczy's face lit up with -his genial smile.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I carry a bullet-catcher," he answered pleasantly; and -taking a massive gold watch from his breast-pocket, he -handed it to me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They've spoiled it as a time-keeper," he continued, -"but it will come in as a curiosity."</p> -<p class="pnext">The watch had a double cover, and was enclosed in a -bag of thick chamois leather, a part of which had been -forced into the case by the impact of the bullet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The case itself was badly battered and the works -smashed.</p> -<p class="pnext">I passed it to the other fellows, who examined it in -profound astonishment and warmly congratulated the colonel -on his marvellous escape.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," said he brightly; "but for that watch Görgei -might have looked for a new colonel."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We prefer to keep our old one, though he does wear a -watch that won't tell the time," I remarked.</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy asked if it could be mended, but the colonel -said he preferred keeping it as it was, which I certainly -should have done.</p> -<p class="pnext">We did not sit long, having to rise early; and in the -morning, as soon as it could be managed, Rakoczy turned -out the regiment to pay the last honours to our valiant -opponent.</p> -<p class="pnext">We buried him in the Catholic cemetery, where I made -arrangements for a handsome stone to be erected in his -memory. It stands there to this day.</p> -<p class="pnext">When all was over, the men marched back to the strains -of martial music, while I felt as sorrowful as if we had -been assisting to bury a valued friend.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortunately, a soldier on active service has little leisure -in which to indulge his grief, and thus it was with me -now.</p> -<p class="pnext">So greatly had the regiment lost in officers that the -survivors were compelled to do more than double duty, and -for several days I had not an hour to myself.</p> -<p class="pnext">One event, though not exactly bearing on my story, -must be chronicled, since it shows the generosity of Görgei's -nature.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the fierce fighting on the ninth of April the -Austrian general, Gatz, had fallen while at the head of his -men, and our chief, anxious to honour the memory of a -gallant adversary, did on a large scale what we had done -for Von Arnstein, and accorded him a magnificent military -funeral.</p> -<p class="pnext">The display was of a most imposing description, and -when the body of the brave Austrian had been laid to rest, -the ceremony was concluded by the discharge of a hundred -guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, grave events were taking place. Just as -the battle of Isaszeg had cut off the Austrian right wing, -so now their left was completely broken up, and it -became plain that Windischgratz must evacuate Pesth.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Another stroke like the last," said Rakoczy one evening -as we sat chatting in his room, "and the thing will -be done."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Unless Kossuth's party should try to drive too hard a -bargain."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh no," replied the colonel cheerfully. "The Austrians -know exactly what we want. The emperor has only to be -crowned King of Hungary, and swear to restore our -ancient rights. He will do that as soon as our army appears -under the walls of Vienna."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It isn't much, especially when--"</p> -<p class="pnext">A loud banging at the door cut the sentence short, and -in walked my brother, looking flushed and excited.</p> -<p class="pnext">Neither of us had seen him since the meeting at Isaszeg, -and we had not the faintest notion he was in Waitzen.</p> -<p class="pnext">He shook hands with us warmly, drank a glass of wine -which Rakoczy poured out, and sat down.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Care to turn in?" asked the colonel. "My bed's -doing nothing, and you look tired."</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen shook his head. "I'm off in a couple of hours; -only waiting to rest my horse."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's nothing wrong, I hope?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nothing wrong!" exclaimed my brother. "Everything's -wrong! Haven't you heard the news from -Debreczin? Here, read this!" and he drew a printed -paper from his pocket.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel spread it on the table, and as he read the -contents aloud I began to understand the meaning of -Stephen's words.</p> -<p class="pnext">The document, signed by the members of the National -Diet, proclaimed in vigorous language the independence of -Hungary. The House of Hapsburg-Lorraine was deposed, -its members banished from the country, and Hungary, as a -free state, was to be governed by Kossuth.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What do you think of it?" asked Stephen testily, as -if we had drawn up the proclamation.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'Twould be rather more to the point to know what -Görgei thinks of it," the colonel replied in his cool way. -"I suppose he wasn't consulted over this--waste paper?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes he was, and went dead against it. Kossuth came -to Godolo, and there was a very stormy meeting, I can -tell you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What did Görgei say?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That we didn't want a republic, and wouldn't have -one. That our soldiers were royalists, and in arms to -defend the constitution--not to depose the king. In -short, that Kossuth's scheme would plunge the country -into misery."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It means a Russian invasion," remarked Rakoczy. "It -means the loss of all the Sclavonic states, and Hungary -dragooned into another Poland."</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother tossed his head contemptuously. "We -would chance all that," he said. "A Magyar doesn't stop -to count the odds against him; but we aren't going to -spill blood like water, just to make Kossuth dictator!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can't draw back now," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's just it. We must either continue fighting, or -desert our country when it has the greatest need of us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Stuff!" said Stephen. "Were I Görgei, I would -settle the matter in a month."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy bubbled over with laughter; but, seeing how -much in earnest my brother was, he tried hard to keep -a straight face, and asked how he proposed to do it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's very simple," Stephen replied. "The army is -devoted to Görgei, and will do what he wishes. Let -him swoop down on the Austrians, win another battle--which -would be easy enough--and then offer to close the -war, on condition that our ancient rights are restored."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And what of this?" I asked, laying my hand on the -declaration of independence.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pooh! It will be useful to the people for wrapping -up parcels."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I believe the plan would work out all right," said -Rakoczy thoughtfully, "but we mustn't try it. Don't -you see, my boy, that it would open a civil war, and we -should have to join the Austrians in crushing our own -people. No, no. Rather let Hungary become an -Austrian fief than that Magyar should destroy Magyar."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The other side doesn't study that."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All the more reason why we should. How would you -like to help the Austrians burn down Pesth, because Louis -Kossuth was inside it?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen turned away with a shudder. "It seems that -we must tie our own hands," he remarked gloomily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You've hit it exactly; but we can untie them to fight -against the enemy. By the way, our acquaintance, Baron -von Arnstein, is dead."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm sorry to hear that. What a blow to his pretty -daughter!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"And to the baroness. But come; in the general -excitement I quite forgot to ask you to eat," and the -colonel ordered supper to be laid immediately.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had barely finished when a clatter of hoofs was -heard outside, and a soldier brought word that Captain -Botskay's horses were ready.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then I must go," exclaimed my brother, "though -that wretched paper has taken the heart out of my work."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," said the colonel, after he had gone. "This -precious document will work the cause more harm than -the loss of a dozen battles."</p> -<p class="pnext">Now I would not have you suppose we bore any ill-will -to Louis Kossuth and his party; but we did not belong -to them, their aims were not ours, and, in addition, we -believed they were grasping at more than they were -able to hold.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of Kossuth's genius and marvellous eloquence, of his -untiring energy, his passionate love for Hungary and -hatred to Austria, I have already spoken.</p> -<p class="pnext">He caused the raw material of armies to start from -the soil; he created money, manufactured guns, turned -the ploughshares into swords and bayonets, stored -ammunition, roused the people to the highest pitch of -enthusiasm, and was, in short, the mainspring of the revolution -amongst the civilians.</p> -<p class="pnext">He did not profess to be a soldier, and the taunts that -he never appeared on the battle-field, except to run away, -I held to be both unjust and ungenerous. His place was -at the council chamber, not in the camp. Whether he -was ambitious for himself, I know not; and it matters -little, as the gulf between us was so vast that it could -not be bridged.</p> -<p class="pnext">We, the party of the nobles and most of the old -soldiers in Görgei's army, wished only to regain our ancient -rights. Kossuth and his friends openly endeavoured to -make Hungary into a republic. In the days of our -adversity the little rift was not seen; now it suddenly became -a yawning chasm.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the general to the private arose murmurs of -discontent, and I verily believe that, had Görgei done what -my brother proposed, he would have carried the army -with him to a man.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some even to this day blame him for not exerting his -strength at the critical moment; but when I think of the -awful misery which must have followed, I am glad that he -acted as he did. Each day now brought us news of some -further success. Everywhere the Austrians fell back, until -at length we heard that our centre had entered Pesth, -which the enemy had evacuated on the previous day.</p> -<p class="pnext">Much to our surprise, there came with this information -an order for the 9th Honveds to fall back on the capital.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy, of course, instantly set about obeying, but he -was obviously ill at ease, as Görgei was still chasing the -flying Austrians to Presburg.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It seems to me we ought to march forward to Vienna, -not back to Pesth," he exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">I pointed out that the Austrians had probably left a -garrison in Buda.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well? What of it?" he asked. "You don't suppose -we're going to waste precious time there, while the -imperialists rally? Why, all we have to do now is to keep -them running till they reach Vienna. I really thought -you were a better soldier than that, George."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I daresay you will find me up to the government -standard," I replied, laughing at the wry face he made.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the officers and many of the men were by -this time fit to resume duty, but numerous familiar faces -were still missing when the regiment started on its way -to Pesth.</p> -<p class="pnext">We found the capital filled with citizens and soldiers in -a state of high glee. Now that the Austrians had really -disappeared, they thought that the war was over and done -with.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our regiment, which received quite an ovation from the -crowd, was quartered in the barracks, and during several -days we had leisure to roam about the bright and beautiful city.</p> -<p class="pnext">The red, white, and green stripes fluttered proudly from -the tops of the magnificent palaces. Nobles and ladies -rode by in handsome carriages drawn by fine Hungarian -horses. The streets were crowded by soldiers in uniform -and citizens dressed in the national costume. Every one -was in the highest spirits and the utmost good-humour.</p> -<p class="pnext">One blot existed on the pleasant scene--the black and -yellow flag floating from the Buda fortress (on the other -side of the river), which sheltered General Hentzi with -3,000 veterans and 90 guns; but for the moment it was -ignored.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What a magnificent spectacle!" exclaimed Rakoczy, -as we strolled one morning along the river embankments, -and gazed at the blue waters of the mighty Danube. "I -sometimes think there can scarcely be a finer sight in the -world than the twin cities present. Look at the -Blocksberg on the other side of the river."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A fine place to batter the fortress from," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh! let us forget the war a bit; we shall soon be in -harness again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Very well. We'll talk about the feats of civilization. -There's a fine example!" and I pointed to that triumph -of engineering skill, the noble suspension bridge built by -an Englishman named Clarke; it joins the two cities by -spanning the river.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had rarely seen my friend so strangely moved. His -face became quite sad, his eyes were dim, and when he -spoke his voice was husky.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hungary owes that, as she owes almost everything -else in modern years, to as true a patriot as ever lived," -he said softly. "You did not know Count Stephen -Szechenyi?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Only by repute," I answered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No; his best work was done before your time. He -was Hungary's great man, George. Kossuth, Batthiany, -and Görgei have simply entered into the fruits of his -labour. He built the foundations sure, and firm, and -strong. It was in '25 that he rose in the Diet, and -addressed the assembly in the Magyar tongue; till then -the debates had been conducted in Latin. He toiled early -and late, in season and out of season. He gave his -fortune, his brains, his leisure, to his country; even his reason -was sacrificed; and now, a broken and helpless wreck, he -is an inmate of an Austrian lunatic asylum. Patriot and -martyr, he has been cast aside like a broken reed. The -people have a fresh hero now--one who can tickle their -fancies and flatter their vanity by his burning -eloquence--a brand-new hero, my boy. Let the old one go rot."</p> -<p class="pnext">We walked on a little way in silence, and then with his -usual cheery smile my companion added,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"The fit doesn't come often, and is soon over, but it's -hot while it lasts. Really, though, when I think of -Count Stephen's ruined life, and how he was tossed aside -at last, I feel awfully wild. Now let us turn back; -there's still time for a stroll in the town before we are -due at the barracks. Hallo! there's Count Beula. Pass -him with a nod if you can; I don't like that fellow."</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the count, whom we had not seen since the -revolt in Vienna, had no mind that we should pass unrecognized.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was dressed in the uniform of a staff officer, and -walked with a military swagger that was not without a -certain grace.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first he affected astonishment at seeing us in the -Honved uniform, saying he thought we had joined the -Austrians. Then he congratulated us on the declaration -of independence, and hoped we should have a part in the -capture of Buda.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this he spoke in the smoothest tones, choosing his -words so that they might wound and yet afford no handle -for offence, smiling when he hurt us most, pretending he -thought we were pleased, and inquiring for Stephen, -whom he hated, as if the two were the closest friends.</p> -<p class="pnext">I, being young, could not conceal my annoyance; but -Rakoczy gave the count smile for smile, jest for jest, -praise of Kossuth in return for praise of Görgei, and, in -fact, as the French say, a Roland for his Oliver every -time.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A clever, smooth-tongued rascal," exclaimed he, when -at length the count took himself off. "I wonder where -he has been."</p> -<p class="pnext">"At Debreczin, most likely; he's just the sort of man -to do his soldiering in the drawing-room."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm not so sure of that. A boaster isn't always a -coward. Did you hear what he said about the taking of -Buda?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That comes from Kossuth, you may depend; and if -so, all is lost."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Unless Görgei interferes."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" said the colonel, "he loves his country too much -for that," and we walked on without further conversation.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-quarrel-with-count-beula">CHAPTER XIV.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE QUARREL WITH COUNT BEULA.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">One result of the declaration of independence was -an inrush of foreigners: Poles, Germans, French, -Italians swarmed into the country on all sides.</p> -<p class="pnext">These men were all red-hot republicans, and, except the -Poles, fought not so much out of love to Hungary as from -hatred to the Austrian government.</p> -<p class="pnext">Naturally they helped to swell Kossuth's party, and -talked loudly of maintaining the struggle till Hungary was -acknowledged an independent republic; while some, going -still farther, demanded that the Russians should be -expelled from Poland, and the two countries joined together.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first, however, the real dispute centered on the next -step in the war. Görgei, who had returned to Pesth, -pointed out that by staying to capture Buda we should -lose our only opportunity of crushing the Austrians while -they were still weak and feeble.</p> -<p class="pnext">Kossuth, on the other hand, had resolved that Buda -should first fall; and at length the general reluctantly -yielded.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a great mistake, and we of the army felt it to -be such; but a soldier's duty is to obey, and not to -question.</p> -<p class="pnext">Amongst ourselves and in the city we talked hotly -enough, and many passionate words were spoken in the -heat of anger.</p> -<p class="pnext">On our side, none were so furious as Stephen, who had -come to Pesth with his chief.</p> -<p class="pnext">He expressed his opinions freely, gaining thereby no -love from the foreigners, and openly boasted that he -would not be chained to the triumphal car of Louis -Kossuth.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several times I begged him to moderate his language; -but he only laughed, saying that, now Kossuth had made -Hungary free, there was no need for him to be silent.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was the more amazed at my brother's behaviour, -because it was so much out of harmony with his real -character; but there seemed to be a kind of spell on him, -which he was unable to shake off.</p> -<p class="pnext">One evening he was holding forth to Rakoczy, myself, -and several others in a restaurant, when Count Beula -entered with some friends.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count nodded to us all very politely, and, seating -himself at the next table, ordered wine for his company.</p> -<p class="pnext">Whether the man really meant to create a disturbance -or not I cannot say, but, filling his glass, he cried, "Here's -to the Hungarian republic!"</p> -<p class="pnext">His friends drank their wine and applauded boisterously, -while Stephen, springing to his feet, exclaimed in ringing -tones,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Gentlemen, this is a free country. Let us drink our -own toast, 'Hungary and the constitution of '48!'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bravo!" I said, feeling compelled to back him up, -though not desiring a quarrel. "That is what we are -fighting for."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And more than we shall get," added the colonel -good-humouredly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thanks to Kossuth's meddling!" said Stephen. "If -he had left the general alone, we should be over the -frontier by now."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The young man carries messages for Görgei," the -count explained to his associates in a tone of amusement. -"That is how he comes to know so much about fighting."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Even that gives more training than talking rubbish in -a back room," I put in hotly, thinking of the scene at -Vienna.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps the count has come out of his shell since -then," said Rakoczy, with a merry twinkle.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It must have been to get into a safer one," exclaimed -Stephen contemptuously.</p> -<p class="pnext">The quarrel, like a fire, once started, blazed furiously, -and but for a shaggy-haired German, we should speedily -have come to blows.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was puffing vigorously at a tremendous pipe, and, -coming through the dense volume of smoke, his voice -sounded like a fog-horn.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach!" he grunted, "the quarrel is stupid; let it rest. -The count has made his reputation with General Bern; he -can afford to laugh. As for the boys, they seem very nice -boys--ach!" and the oracle faded behind a cloud of -smoke of his own construction. This was like a douche of -cold water on the fire; but though the flames were put -out, the embers smouldered, and presently sprang into a -fresh blaze.</p> -<p class="pnext">I hardly know how it happened, but the conversation -once more turned upon the siege of Buda, and Stephen -maintained, quite rightly, as after events proved, that -even a successful assault must be attended by immense -slaughter.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The boy speaks sense there!" growled the smoke-hidden -Teuton. "I know Hentzi well; he's just the man -to strike hard and to strike often."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, well. Our young friend need not be afraid," -broke in the count sneeringly. "We shall find men -stout-hearted enough to storm the breach when it's made."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not fear for myself," Stephen answered proudly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, no," said the count, laughing insolently. "It -isn't likely, since you won't be there till the danger's over. -Most men are brave enough when they haven't to do the -fighting."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps," said I quickly, stopping an angry outburst -from Stephen, "that accounts for your coolness."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A good thrust, my boy," said the benevolent -Teuton.--"Count, he had you there."</p> -<p class="pnext">Count Beula laughed again, showing his white teeth, -refilled his glass, and answered brightly, "The thrust was -parried before it was delivered. I have already been -named as the leader of one of the storming parties -whenever a breach is practicable. Kossuth's friends fight as -well as talk."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They do more than their leader then," said Dobozy, -who formed one of our party.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count's statement fell on me like a thunderbolt. -I had thought him an arrogant, conceited fellow, having -nothing of the soldier about him but his uniform and his -swagger, yet here he spoke calmly of leading a forlorn hope.</p> -<p class="pnext">He saw his triumph, and glanced at us, but particularly -at Stephen, with an insolent patronage for which I could -have kicked him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh no," he said loftily, in answer to a remark from a -companion; "I take no merit for it. The opportunity -offered, and I accepted--nothing more. Of course our -young friend has his fixed duties, otherwise we might have -seen him at the breach."</p> -<p class="pnext">The words were simple and harmless, but the sneer was -so open that it could not be mistaken, and my brother's -face flushed crimson. "And so you shall," he cried hotly. -"I cannot claim so high an honour as Count Beula, but I -can and will enter the fortress as soon as he."</p> -<p class="pnext">The count smiled, drained his glass, rose to go, and -then, looking round at the company, said pleasantly, "A -challenge before so many witnesses must be accepted; -but"--maliciously--"perhaps before Görgei's guns have -made the breach our young friend will have had time to -repent his hasty words."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he and his friends went out, and left us looking at -one another gloomily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What's the matter, George?" my brother asked gaily. -"One would think I had been condemned to death."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not at all," I answered, shaking off my gloom. "I -was only thinking how we were deceived in that fellow. -Fancy Beula at the head of a body of stormers!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"It will be a night attack, so perhaps he'll lose his way -in the dark," my brother answered, and later on the words -acquired a strange significance.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How you youngsters chatter!" exclaimed Rakoczy -cheerfully. "The place hasn't been summoned yet, and -Hentzi may surrender."</p> -<p class="pnext">This, of course, was possible, though not probable, -and the very next day the idea had to be put aside -altogether.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The emperor, my august master, has entrusted to me -the keys of Buda; I will return them to him alone. -Meanwhile my honour and my duty command me to -defend the fortress, and I will do so to the last man. -Should the twin cities perish in the conflict, I declare you -responsible for their ruin. I appeal to God, my right, and -my sword."</p> -<p class="pnext">That was Hentzi's reply to the summons to surrender, -and I could not but admire the writer of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Brave words these," said Rakoczy, "and he's a brave -man if he makes them good, though I don't exactly see -why he should bombard Pesth, when our guns will be on -the Blocksberg."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the fourth of May when the answer came, and -Görgei, who had established his headquarters at -Schwabenberg, immediately gave orders for the beginning of the -siege operations.</p> -<p class="pnext">For the next week the fighting was mainly confined to -outpost engagements, in which our regiment had little -share; then the batteries were opened between the -Stuhl-Weissenberg and Vienna gates.</p> -<p class="pnext">This being the weakest part of the defence, Hentzi had -strengthened it with twenty-five guns, which thundered -away at our artillery day and night.</p> -<p class="pnext">For the greater part of another week the terrible -cannonade continued, and as we lay on the hillside we -saw with intense grief the beautiful twin cities wrapped -in flames.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the second week we had much more of Stephen's -company than usual, and I heard with regret that the -general had given him leave to volunteer for the attack.</p> -<p class="pnext">He rallied me on my sober looks, saying it was no more -dangerous for him than for me, as the 9th Honveds were -to form one of the assaulting columns.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the evening of May 17, and several officers, -including Stephen, were watching the heavy guns at work, -when Count Beula came up.</p> -<p class="pnext">The story of the quarrel in the restaurant had spread -widely, and the officers waited with much curiosity to see -how the meeting would go off.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said the count, bowing all round in his finicking -way, "I hear that the breach is nearly practicable."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We shall most likely start in a few hours."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then you have not drawn back?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"My place is with the first column," said Stephen calmly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah! I lead the fourth. I am going now to see the -general, but, as you say, we shall meet in the fortress," and -he lounged off.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the count had stated, the breach was considered -practicable, but the great guns thundered on, doing as -much damage as was possible before the assault took place.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our regiment, being the farthest off, was to start first; -but the evening wore away, and Rakoczy had not received -any definite orders.</p> -<p class="pnext">Always careful of his men, he made them turn in early; -but we officers sat or stood about in groups, talking over -the chances of the coming assault.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was nearly midnight when Stephen, who had been -sent for by the chief, returned, and we crowded eagerly -round him, anxious to know what had been decided.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother first delivered his message to the colonel; -but as no secret was made of it, we soon learned that the -assault was fixed for the first streak of dawn.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the officers now went to get an hour's rest, -but Stephen and I passed the time with the colonel, who -maintained a cheerful conversation.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just at the last he left us alone, and it was only then I -discovered the real state of my feelings.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen, too, was much affected; but he carried it off -well--not lightly or vaingloriously, but as a brave lad -should.</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought, and think still, he was greatly to blame for -getting into such a scrape; but no one could blame his -conduct afterwards.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let us say farewell, dear old fellow," he whispered, -"in case one of us should not return. If I fall, remember -you are the head of the Botskay family, and that our -father died fighting for his king."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't forget; and if my time has come, take this -ring and portrait to the ladies at Vienna, and say a word -of farewell to the fräulein."</p> -<p class="pnext">At this he threw off his grave air, and joked me -pleasantly, so that when the signal was made to fall in, -we took our places in quite a cheerful humour.</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother, of course, went with the stormers, while we -followed closely in support.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was still dark, but we trusted the guides to keep us -straight, and calculated on arriving at the breach as soon -as dawn broke.</p> -<p class="pnext">No one spoke, and hardly a sound was heard as the -column wound its stealthy way along.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time the cannonade had ceased, and it seemed -also as if the sorely-harassed garrison had ventured to take -a short rest. Tramp, tramp, we marched along, pausing -at intervals to give the rear of the column time to close up.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men with the scaling-ladders were out of sight, but -we kept on in the weird and eerie darkness, expecting -every moment to see the flash of the rockets, and to hear -the thunder of the guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">All was, however, silent, and I wondered we had come -across no sign of the other columns.</p> -<p class="pnext">I don't know why it should have done so, but the -truth suddenly flashed into my mind--we had lost our way.</p> -<p class="pnext">I spoke to the colonel, and it was obvious he shared my -opinion.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," said he quietly. "We certainly ought to be in -touch with them by now. Run forward and question the -guides."</p> -<p class="pnext">I did so with difficulty, but might have spared myself -the trouble. They had lost their heads completely, and -were painfully groping their way, now in this direction, -now that.</p> -<p class="pnext">Remembering Stephen's scornful words about Count -Beula losing the route in the dark, I dared not speak to -my brother, but hurried back to Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had barely told him the story, when far on the left -the guns roared out. Bright flashes of flame leaped -from their muzzles, telling us that the garrison was on -the alert, and that we were not at hand to help our -comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">I hardly heard the colonel's orders. My head was in a -whirl. I walked or ran just when and where the others -did, wondering all the time what Stephen would do.</p> -<p class="pnext">What a triumph for Count Beula!</p> -<p class="pnext">Hitherto I had feared for my brother's life; now I would -have cheerfully laid down mine that he might have a -chance of risking his. Guided by the flashes of light and -the sound of the guns, we ran on, hoping we might yet be -in time to strike one blow.</p> -<p class="pnext">The dawn was breaking; we could see our way more -clearly, and were getting near enough to hear the shouts -and cries of the combatants.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward, my brave lads! forward!" I cried excitedly. -"We shall do it yet!" But alas for my hopes! Suddenly -there came a wave of cheering, and then, as if to -herald the first pink streak of the opening day, the -triumphant notes were heard of a song well known to -most of us. The attack had failed. The victorious -garrison were jubilantly singing the Austrian National -Anthem, "Heil, unser Kaiser, heil!" as our three -shattered columns hastily fled.</p> -<p class="pnext">Seeing that for the present all was lost, Rakoczy halted -his column, and in shame and confusion we retraced our -steps.</p> -<p class="pnext">Really it was a fortunate circumstance we had thus -blundered, as the breach was not fit, and the -scaling-ladders had been found too short for their purpose.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our comrades, whose losses were enormous, had -struggled gallantly, and by common consent the bravest -man among them was Count Beula.</p> -<p class="pnext">Everywhere we heard the most marvellous tales of his -daring and recklessness. He had fought in the very front, -had cheered his men again and again to the attack, and, -while they fell around him in scores, had himself remained -unharmed.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had not got his foot inside Buda, but his reputation -was established, and it was acknowledged he had made his -vaunt good.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy, who knew how terribly my brother suffered -under what he deemed a disgrace, tried to cheer him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't fret about it, my boy," he exclaimed brightly; -"'twas not your fault. The count had the luck--that's -all. No one who knows you will question your courage."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's very kind of you to speak like that," my brother -replied, "but all the talking in the world won't alter the -facts. Perhaps I shall feel better after the next attempt."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's no need to try again," I said stoutly. "You -did your best, and can't be blamed because the guides -missed the route."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you think I will let a shadow of reproach rest on -our name?" he said. "Don't try to turn me, George; it -is useless. My mind is made up, and, with or without the -general's leave, I mean to take part in the next assault."</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel signed to me to let the subject drop, which -I did, and presently we all sat down to breakfast.</p> -<p class="pnext">After the meal and an hour's sleep, Stephen said he -must report himself to the general, and Rakoczy made an -excuse for us to go with him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He may drop across Beula," whispered the colonel, -"and if we're there the meeting will be less awkward."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy guessed rightly. We found the count near -Görgei's tent, the centre of an admiring group of officers, -to whom he was relating the events of the previous night.</p> -<p class="pnext">He carried himself with his usual swagger, and catching -sight of us, cried jovially,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah! here comes my young friend who lost his way in -the dark."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a laugh at this, which made me hot and -angry; but Stephen's behaviour was, to my thinking, -admirable.</p> -<p class="pnext">His face was very white, and his lips twitched a little, -but he spoke quite calmly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Count Beula," he said, "permit me to add my -congratulations to those of your brother officers. What you -did last night will never be forgotten by this army. We -are not good friends, you and I, but that doesn't prevent -me from admiring your bravery. Last night I failed to -keep my promise; next time I may be more successful."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well spoken!" said Rakoczy, and a familiar voice -behind us echoed the words.</p> -<p class="pnext">The second speaker was Görgei himself, who had come -from his tent in time to hear what was said.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count smiled, showing his white teeth.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Captain Botskay must have been terribly annoyed at -finding himself out of reach of danger," he said sweetly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here again it was impossible to take offence at his words, -though they might, and most likely did, convey a false -meaning.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei, however, came handsomely to the rescue.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It would be something of a novelty," he said bluntly. -"I doubt if he has been out of danger before since the -war began.--But I say, colonel, somebody made a horrible -mess of it last night. You'll have to put your fellows in -the front next time."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy saw his chance of getting in a counter-stroke -on the count, and seized it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," he said, smiling pleasantly, "I was afraid the -affair would fall through without us, though I hear Count -Beula did not fail through want of trying."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's praise for you, count!" cried Görgei with a -broad laugh. "But we'll have another try soon, and then, -if you don't succeed, I'll lead the stormers myself.--Captain -Botskay, you're just in time to take a message to Pesth;" -and he carried Stephen off to his tent.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel and I stayed awhile chatting, but not being -over fond of the count's company, we took the first -opportunity to go.</p> -<p class="pnext">As soon as the wounded were brought in, the gunners -resumed the bombardment, while Hentzi, on his side, not -only replied to our fire, but sent hundreds of shells -hurtling across the water into the town.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen told us that the state of the city was pitiable. -Whole quarters had been destroyed, and hundreds of people, -not only homeless but in imminent danger of their lives, -were camping on the Rakos, whither they had carried the -wounded soldiers, both Hungarian and Austrian.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile Görgei thundered day and night at the -walls, while the stout-hearted garrison worked like slaves, -repairing the breaches, erecting breastworks, and doing -everything possible to strengthen their position.</p> -<p class="pnext">All the officers who were not of Kossuth's party grumbled -openly at this waste of time and loss of valuable lives; but -since the fortress had to be taken, every one felt the sooner -the better.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the evening of the twenty-first of May we -marched to the trenches and lay on our arms, once more -waiting for the signal to rush forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The general means to get in this time," said Rakoczy. -"There are nearly twenty thousand of us, all told, in the -trenches."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He can't afford to risk a second repulse," remarked my -brother, who, in spite of all our efforts, had insisted on -joining us. "By the way, Aulich has driven the Austrians -back to Presburg."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But for this folly we should be under the walls of -Vienna now."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What time is the attempt to be made?" I asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Midnight, I believe; so we've some time to wait yet."</p> -<p class="pnext">After that, relapsing into silence, we sat in the -gathering gloom, each busy with his own thoughts; and sad -enough mine, at least, were.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="how-stephen-carried-the-flag">CHAPTER XV.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">HOW STEPHEN CARRIED THE FLAG.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"George!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right, old boy," I answered in a whisper, -rubbing my eyes. "I believe I've been asleep."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'm sure you have. But wake up now; the word to -be ready has come."</p> -<p class="pnext">At the very moment of waking I knew something was -wrong, but it was not until my brother spoke the second -time that I remembered where we were.</p> -<p class="pnext">By some odd chance I had been dreaming of the years -gone by, when Stephen and I were merry children playing -in the old home at Gyula.</p> -<p class="pnext">The past had returned to me so vividly--the sound of -my father's voice, the picture of my mother's beautiful face -and loving smile--that even now I could scarcely grasp -the truth.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had forgotten all about the cruel war, the trenches, -the coming assault, and the near danger of death, so that -the shock of awakening unnerved me for the moment.</p> -<p class="pnext">The word had come! What word? Where was I? -Ah! my memory returned with a rush, and I sprang to -my feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Steady, old fellow," said my brother cheerfully; "we -mustn't make a noise yet."</p> -<p class="pnext">I pressed his hand and whispered,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"I had forgotten. I was dreaming we were children at -home again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't, George; you hurt me," said he sharply, as if -in pain, though I only pressed his hand gently.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was past midnight, and the men were in their places, -while the bands stood massed behind the lines.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel came to us, and shook each by the hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One never knows what may happen," he said. "There -will be a fearful struggle. After Görgei's words the other -day, my regiment can't go back; so, in case of accidents, -you know--" And he shook our hands again.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy seemed much graver than usual, but I think he -was filled with pity on his men's account.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen was, on the contrary, much more cheerful.</p> -<p class="pnext">"George and I had a solemn leave-taking the other -night," he said gaily, "and yet we didn't see a shot -fired."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" exclaimed the colonel, responding to his humour; -"we have no chance of missing our way this time."</p> -<p class="pnext">He moved off to his place, and again all was still.</p> -<p class="pnext">The silence and the darkness got on my nerves. I -dreaded yet longed for the signal at the same time.</p> -<p class="pnext">We did not see the count, but he had sent a sarcastic -message to Stephen during the evening, appointing a -meeting inside the fortress.</p> -<p class="pnext">I leaned on my sword, staring into the darkness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Dreary work this!" exclaimed a voice in my ear, and -Dobozy joined me.</p> -<p class="pnext">Like the rest of us, he looked forward to a terrible -slaughter, and had come to say a word of farewell.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope we shall soon go," he continued, after a pause; -"the men are getting nervous."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The general's keeping up a tremendous cannonade," I -whispered. "The guns must be nearly red-hot. Why, -it's actually getting lighter."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nearly two o'clock," said Stephen. "I suppose the -general's been waiting for the engineer's report."</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy left us, and we resumed our watching.</p> -<p class="pnext">Although two-thirds of May had run out, it was bitterly -cold in those early morning hours, and several times I -shivered violently.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was passing, and we could now see our own -men, the still shadowy outlines of surrounding objects, and -the ramparts of the fortress.</p> -<p class="pnext">At length the moment arrived. A flight of shells and -fiery rockets went hissing and trailing over the stronghold; -our men changed from figures of shadow-land into beings -of flesh and blood; a hoarse whisper of command -circulated through the trenches; the massed bands stationed -behind broke into soul-stirring music; almost without -knowing it we were advancing. Stephen, with a last -hand-shake, a murmured good-bye, darted to the front. I -headed the company; Rakoczy, to whose eyes the sparkle -had returned, led the regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">We moved forward unopposed; Hentzi was saving his -ammunition.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of the conflict to the right and left I am not -competent to speak; I know only the doings of our own -regiment, and of the battalion led by Count Beula, which -chance or fate brought close to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">Concerning the Austrians, or rather Croats, who held -the fortress, it would be unjust to attempt to belittle their -stubborn bravery. At the beginning of the siege General -Hentzi had made a proud boast, and no man ever fulfilled -a vaunt more truly.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the men with the scaling-ladders ran to plant their -burdens, the great guns of the fortress boomed out, and -instantly the place became like a babel.</p> -<p class="pnext">Cries of rage and pain rent the air, almost drowning the -rattle of the musketry and the roar of the cannon.</p> -<p class="pnext">Through the smoke-cloud that shut out our view the -white flashes pierced more and more quickly, as if the -artillerymen were not giving themselves one moment's -breathing space.</p> -<p class="pnext">A man at my side exclaimed "Oh!" in a surprised sort -of way, and dropped, while I barely understood he was -dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">A few paces farther a bursting shell knocked over half -a dozen.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were rapidly approaching the thick of the firing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward! forward!" cried our colonel cheerfully. -"The safest place is at close quarters."</p> -<p class="pnext">I remember laughing to myself and thinking it would -be even safer at Debreczin with Kossuth and the members -of the Diet.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bang! bang! The firing grew heavier, and our losses -more considerable; but, as Rakoczy had said, there was no -retreat for the 9th Honveds.</p> -<p class="pnext">After the mess we had made of it before, we were bound -to get inside the fortress--that is, if any of us survived to -reach the walls, which seemed doubtful.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile most of the ladder-men were dead or -disabled. The stormers had taken their places, and were -trying to rear the ladders against the ramparts.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen was with them, his face aflame, his eyes -burning with excitement.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were quite near when he got one planted, and -instantly began to climb.</p> -<p class="pnext">The light was breaking now, and our fellows cheered -madly as they beheld the lithe, graceful figure springing to -the top.</p> -<p class="pnext">A group of Croats, led by an officer, waited patiently -with bayonets fixed, and I groaned at the thought of what -must happen.</p> -<p class="pnext">Inspired by his example, the men crowded behind him -eagerly--too eagerly, as it proved; for the ladder, -groaning and creaking beneath their weight, snapped -off, and the whole party dropped with a crash to the -ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several never moved again, and I must confess I hoped -Stephen was hurt, since it would save him from a sadder -fate. To our astonishment, however, he jumped up from -the wriggling mass, and was soon cheering on the survivors -to fresh efforts.</p> -<p class="pnext">A loud shout on the left proclaimed that something of -importance was happening there, and then it was I beheld -Count Beula.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Croats were yelling with savage joy. Out of a -dozen ladders not one remained upright, and the remnant -of the assailants was in retreat, with the exception of the -count.</p> -<p class="pnext">I always disliked the man, and indeed to this day I -hate him, yet I must admit that here at Buda and -elsewhere he proved himself a first-class fighting man.</p> -<p class="pnext">He stood now alone, save for the dead and wounded; -but though the bullets fell around him fast, he never -budged an inch.</p> -<p class="pnext">The distance was too great for me to see his face clearly, -but I felt quite sure his lips were curled in a sarcastic -sneer.</p> -<p class="pnext">Enemy of mine though he was, I cheered with the rest -when, as if tired of waiting for the runaways to come -back, he coolly advanced alone.</p> -<p class="pnext">What occurred next, or who induced the battalion to -return, I cannot say, as the colonel immediately gave the -signal for the assault.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men responded with a cheer. They burned to be -on the walls, where they could meet the defenders on more -equal terms, and the regiment bounded forward like one -man.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now, too, I missed Stephen, for the fighting became so -fierce and confused that it was impossible to see anything -beyond what took place close at hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fire from the great guns continued steadily; but it -was less violent, and we afterwards learned that three of -the pieces had blown up.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bullets, however, rattled down faster than ever, and -man after man fell.</p> -<p class="pnext">The rest of us rushed on. We were at the breach. -Already some of the stormers were entering, and my heart -leaped to my mouth as I saw Stephen foremost.</p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 61%" id="figure-35"> -<span id="my-heart-leaped-to-my-mouth-as-i-saw-stephen-foremost"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-233.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"My heart leaped to my mouth as I saw Stephen foremost." Page 233.]</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Plainly he was determined that the count should have -no cause to crow over him this time.</p> -<p class="pnext">I caught a brief glimpse of Rakoczy. He had been -hurt, but his voice was still cheerful as he encouraged -his men forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">On and up we went, sometimes packed together, then -separated into small groups, while frequently one of the -foremost came crashing backward, falling at the foot of -the battlements.</p> -<p class="pnext">Though numbers dropped, the survivors pressed on -doggedly. Whatever our loss, every one knew now that the -assault must prove successful.</p> -<p class="pnext">Vainly the Croats poured in their murderous volleys; -they could not keep us back. We were getting into close -touch with them, where steel would take the place of lead.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was a short distance behind the colonel when he -suddenly paused, waved his sword, and cheered vigorously.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Honveds took up the cry, and the sound of their -voices drowned all else, while I stood spell-bound.</p> -<p class="pnext">The first of the assailants had put foot inside the fortress; -the first Hungarian flag fluttered on the ramparts.</p> -<p class="pnext">For one moment I was the proudest, as I was soon to -be the most miserable lad in Hungary; for the flag -belonged to the 9th Honveds, and the soldier guarding it -was my brother.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's one better than Count Beula!" shouted Dobozy, -when another cheer arose. A little to the left the count -appeared--the second to mount the walls.</p> -<p class="pnext">Perhaps I lost a second--not more--enjoying my -triumph; then I shot past the colonel, and reached my -brother's side.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had already received several hurts, but was still -gallantly holding his ground against long odds, when I -joined him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bravo, old fellow!" I cried, parrying a fierce thrust -from an Austrian officer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's all right now, George! I beat him!" he shouted.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the same moment a savage-looking Croat sprang at -him; but there was the rapid gleam of a bayonet, a sharp -cry, and the fellow fell dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">A swift glance showed me Mecsey Sándor, who throughout -the fight had, as usual, followed my steps like a dog.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every moment now strengthened us, while it weakened -the enemy, who, seeing this, made a desperate effort to hurl -us back before the rest of our forces arrived.</p> -<p class="pnext">A tall, fine-looking veteran, with huge snowy moustaches, -led the charge, cutting his way almost to the walls.</p> -<p class="pnext">The others were beaten off; but they came at us again -and again, till scarcely a single officer remained alive to -lead them.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was cruel work, and I rejoiced with my whole heart -when at length the brave fellows, overwhelmed by -numbers, sullenly gave way.</p> -<p class="pnext">Stephen, forgetful of his wounds, leaped forward with -the flag, and we all followed, panting like hounds with the -quarry in sight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Count Beula, who had fought his way well to the front -without receiving a scratch, ran with the main body; but -in front of every one was my brother, with Sándor and -myself next, and the wounded Rakoczy a foot or so behind.</p> -<p class="pnext">The flag danced and waved in the reddening dawn; then -suddenly it fell, rising again the next instant as proudly -as before, but now, alas! stained with newly-shed blood.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Croats, as if ashamed of retreating--though they -had little cause for shame--once more drew together, and -those who had loaded rifles fired into the midst of us.</p> -<p class="pnext">A few men fell, but they were mere drops in the ocean. -The crowd closed up solid and compact as before, and it -was seen that the enemy had made their final effort.</p> -<p class="pnext">A wild cheer greeted the hoisting of a white flag on the -summit of the citadel; a wilder one still was raised when -Stephen planted the glorious red, white, and green colours -beside it.</p> -<p class="pnext">My loved brother stood there a few moments, his face -white, save where the red blood trickled, his eyes bright -and burning, his bearing proud and defiant.</p> -<p class="pnext">But, alas! I saw that he held the staff with effort, and, -climbing up, was just in time to catch his swaying body -as it fell.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Dear old George!" he murmured, "I meant to do it, -and succeeded."</p> -<p class="pnext">Then his eyes closed, his head sank, and I laid him -gently on the ground in the shadow of the flag he had -borne to victory.</p> -<p class="pnext">The noise of the conflict ceased. The Croats, yielding -their arms, were granted quarter, and marched off as -prisoners. Buda was ours!</p> -<p class="pnext">I heard later how fearful the struggle had been. Of -the twenty-five guns near the breach but one remained of -service, and near the spot where we forced an entrance lay -a group of no less than thirty-six Austrian officers.</p> -<p class="pnext">The foremost was Hentzi himself, who, in the very -front of the fight, had gained imperishable renown, both -for himself and the flag he had so stubbornly defended.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many hard words had been said of him when, lying out -on the hillside, we had watched our beautiful Pesth half -ruined by his artillery; but he had fought and died like -a brave soldier and loyal subject of his emperor.</p> -<p class="pnext">These things were far enough from my mind on the -morning of the storming; in fact, I forgot all else in -tending my wounded brother.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several men came and looked at him sorrowfully. -Rakoczy was one, I know; and I believe, but am not sure, -that one was Count Beula.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then a little group approached, the leader being a -surgeon, who stooping down shook his head in grief.</p> -<p class="pnext">The others brought water and bandages, and he washed -away the blood, leaving the face wan and colourless. Then -he loosened my brother's jacket, uttering a hasty -exclamation at sight of something beneath.</p> -<p class="pnext">I sat stupid with grief beside the wounded lad, nothing -rousing me till I beheld the closely-cropped hair and rugged -features of General Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My poor boy!" said he, in a tone soft and caressing -as a woman's. "Stephen, don't you know me? I am -Arthur Görgei. Look at me, my dear young friend," and -he gently chafed my brother's hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the general's words Stephen opened his eyes, and -looked at Görgei with a feeble smile.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's--all--right--general," he murmured very softly, -and his eyes closed again.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei stooped and kissed the boyish face tenderly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"As gallant a youth as ever fought for Hungary, -and worthy of his honourable name!" said he with deep -feeling.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, turning to me, he spoke some kindly words, and, -having questioned the surgeon privately, went his way.</p> -<p class="pnext">The master of legions has little time for private griefs; -and indeed this visit to my brother, taking place as it -did before anything else was done, furnished matter for -much talk in the army.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the general had gone, the surgeon came to me. -He had a pleasant face, and the horrors of war had failed -to blunt the natural kindness of his heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Captain Botskay," he began, "this is a very sad event; -but you must be brave, and nerve yourself to bear the -blow. Your brother is seriously hurt--so seriously indeed -that I dare not venture to move him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do you mean he is dying?" I asked hoarsely.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One ought never to despair," he answered; "and yet I -cannot hold out false hopes to you. Only a miracle, my -poor boy, can save your brother's life. I have done what -I can for him. He is not in pain, but his wounds are -fatal. It may not be for an hour or two, but certainly -he cannot live through the day."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thank you," I said simply, turning again to my task -of watching.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the end of an hour some one placed an open flask -in my hand, saying, "Drink, my sweet master; it will keep -up your strength."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Mecsey Sándor who had brought me food and -drink.</p> -<p class="pnext">I shook my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I cannot take it," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">The faithful fellow insisted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are weak, my sweet master," he urged. "In a -little time you will become faint for want of food, you -will grow delirious, and perhaps just then the captain will -ask for you."</p> -<p class="pnext">I stretched out my hand for the food eagerly, alarmed -by Sándor's suggestion, as the worthy fellow intended I -should be.</p> -<p class="pnext">It must have done me good, though I ate and drank -mechanically, hardly knowing, indeed, what I did.</p> -<p class="pnext">The morning passed very slowly. Twice the -kind-hearted surgeon returned; but, as he had said, nothing -could be done--we had only to wait for the end.</p> -<p class="pnext">Towards the middle of the afternoon I discovered -Rakoczy standing near me.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had been badly wounded, and his proper place was -in the hospital; but, like a stanch friend, he had come -directly his hurts were dressed to share my grief.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is there no hope?" he asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">I shook my head. "The surgeon says he will die before -the day is out."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Poor old Stephen!"</p> -<p class="pnext">That was all--not a long rigmarole of words, but just a -few that came from his heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then we sat and watched the dying lad in silence. Even -now the pain I felt was more like that caused by a horrid -nightmare than by a proper understanding of the truth.</p> -<p class="pnext">Could this swathed and bandaged figure really be my -bonny brother--he who so short a time back was full of -life, and hope, and energy?</p> -<p class="pnext">So motionless he lay, so still, that I frequently pressed -my lips to his to find if he still breathed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had it been possible, I would willingly have changed -places with him; for Stephen had ever been the object of -my fondest love.</p> -<p class="pnext">"George!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The sound almost brought the tears to my eyes, it -was so feeble, and recalled so vividly the memory of our -childhood.</p> -<p class="pnext">I gazed lovingly into the dear face, already taking the -hue of death.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am dying, George, but don't grieve for me. With a -good conscience, death is not hard, and I have tried to do -my duty. Our father is smiling on me, and I am content. -Is that Rakoczy? Dear old friend! True as steel! Is -it evening? My sight is dim. Closer, brother; let me -feel you. Ah!"</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought he had drawn his last breath, but presently -he rallied.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rakoczy," he said very feebly, "good-bye! Tell the -general. Remember me sometimes. What's that? John, -you are weeping! 'John the Joyous' in tears--and for -me? Good-bye, brother; God bless you."</p> -<p class="pnext">I placed my arm tenderly round his neck, and kissed -him. I could not make answer in any other way; the -words choked in my throat.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just at the last he whispered,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"George, stand by Görgei. He is the true patriot."</p> -<p class="pnext">As we bent over him, he smiled at us with infinite -tenderness; then his eyes closed, and his breathing became -hard; he tried to speak, but only one word escaped his -lips, and that so faint we could not tell if it were my -name or the general's.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy touched my arm.</p> -<p class="pnext">"God has taken your brother to Himself!" he exclaimed -solemnly.</p> -<p class="pnext">I heard him in a dazed way, and with true thoughtfulness -he retired, leaving me alone to battle with my grief.</p> -<p class="pnext">I will not dwell upon the despair that wellnigh -overwhelmed me. There are secrets of the heart that one -does not betray even to the dearest of friends; but all -who have lost some loved one will readily enter into my -sufferings.</p> -<p class="pnext">When Rakoczy returned, I wiped away my tears and -stood up, ready, though my heart was nearly breaking, -to act in a manner worthy of him who had gone from me.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general, who, since the opening of the campaign, had -grown very fond of my brother, gave orders that he should -have a grand military funeral, and assisted at the -ceremony himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">We wrapped the dead lad in the flag he had carried so -bravely to the front, and buried him on the very spot -where he fell.</p> -<p class="pnext">They told me afterwards that Count Beula was there to -show respect to his late opponent; but I did not see him, -and had no wish to do so.</p> -<p class="pnext">I cannot pretend that Stephen was blameless in the -matter, but, rightly or wrongly, I looked on the count as -being partly responsible for my brother's death, and hated -him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The last volley was fired, the band struck up a spirited -air, the troops marched off the ground, and after a while -I was left alone to indulge my grief at the side of the -newly-made grave.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="i-join-the-staff">CHAPTER XVI.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">I JOIN THE STAFF.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The fortress of Buda fell on the twenty-second of -May. It was now the fifth of June, and the twin -cities, though sorely scarred by the terrible bombardments, -had dressed themselves in gala costume.</p> -<p class="pnext">All the troops--the 9th Honveds amongst them--stationed -in the two towns were assembled under arms; -and the men of the artillery on both sides of the Danube -stood to their guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">A glance at the streets, however, showed that the -citizens did not anticipate any fighting.</p> -<p class="pnext">The scene was a most animated one, and under happier -circumstances I should doubtless have enjoyed the brilliant -spectacle. Hundreds of gay flags--the red, white, and -green stripes predominant--fluttered from the cupolas of -the buildings; arches of garlands stretched across the -streets; the people, dressed in their best finery, and many -of them carrying splendid bouquets, promenaded to and -fro, or occupied good positions from which to view the -coming pageant.</p> -<p class="pnext">All along the route from the railway station the -windows were crowded by richly-dressed ladies and -children, craning their necks to catch the first sight -of the hero.</p> -<p class="pnext">As our regiment marched to take its place, I could not -help thinking of the many ruined families and the -hundreds of wounded soldiers to whom this pageant must -seem little more than a hollow mockery.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't think this triumphal entry shows good taste on -his part," I remarked to Dobozy, after we had halted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Suit him capitally!" declared he. "It's just like a -stage-play. Did you hear how he is coming from -Szolnok?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"By rail, I suppose."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, and in the emperor's private carriage. Anything's -good enough for a thorough-paced republican."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I suppose his wife accompanies him?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy laughed and said we should see.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly the guns roared out their brazen welcome; -the people, waving their flags, cheered loudly; the bands -played Rakotzy's patriotic march, and a company of -guards issued from the station. Then the cheering became -louder and wilder, and shouts of "Elijen Kossuth!" rose -as Count Karoly's handsome chariot, drawn by four -magnificent Hungarian horses, made its appearance. In it, -his head crowned with laurel, sat the observed of all -beholders, Louis Kossuth, Dictator of Hungary, and on his -right a tall, haughty-looking woman with black hair and -eyes, pointed nose, long chin, and regular mouth.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was the dictator's wife, Madame Theresa Kossuth, -and I thought, though perhaps wrongly, that the light in -her eyes was one of satisfied pride.</p> -<p class="pnext">Behind the chariot rode a long line of Magyar nobles, -making a brilliant show in their national costume, though, -for the country's sake, I would rather have seen them at -the front in simple uniform.</p> -<p class="pnext">As Dobozy truly remarked, patriotism required very -little sacrifice if it was satisfied by riding about the streets -of the capital in gala attire.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the procession passed, the hero was withdrawn -from sight, and we were at liberty to return to barracks.</p> -<p class="pnext">The festivities continued all day, and in the evening -the city was illuminated in honour of the dictator.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Foolish people!" said the colonel sadly, as we strolled -along the river-bank that night. "One would think, to -see their transports, that the war is over, while it is really -only beginning."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I can't understand why the general doesn't make a -forward move, and drive the enemy out of Presburg."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Because he's waiting for ammunition and men," put in -Dobozy, who was walking with us. "I saw Juranics -yesterday--just come from the front, wounded in some -outpost affair, I believe. He says only half the recruits -have been sent on, and they don't even know their drill. -Besides, they haven't any weapons, if they knew how to -use them. Lively sort of army, eh? Juranics said -plainly he believed Kossuth's party was jealous of Görgei's -success."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're afraid he'll topple their brand-new republic -over," said the colonel; "which is just what he would do -if the Austrians were cleared out. However, it's too late -now. While we've been wasting our time, the enemy has -been getting ready."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They say we shall have 160,000 Russians, besides the -Austrians, to tackle."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's so," replied the colonel cheerfully; "while we -are split up into two factions, each fighting for a different -object."</p> -<p class="pnext">Matters were, indeed, in a more desperate state than we -thought. The Austrians, thoroughly frightened for the -safety of the empire, had begged the assistance of Russia.</p> -<p class="pnext">They had already twice changed their chief, and were -now led by Baron Haynau, an officer who had won -distinction in several campaigns, but whose name was -hereafter to be linked with acts of savage cruelty against -which all Europe cried out in horror. He was now at -Presburg with 60,000 men, waiting for the arrival of a -veteran Russian division, which had been dispatched to his -assistance.</p> -<p class="pnext">The principal Russian army, 76,000 strong, and led -by the famous field-marshal, Paskewitch, was in Galicia, -ready to descend on Central Hungary by way of the -Carpathians. A third Russian army was to invade -Transylvania, while Jellachich covered Croatia.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, there were gay doings in Pesth for one day -at least, and when we turned in at night the city was still -<em class="italics">en fête</em>.</p> -<p class="pnext">I think it was the third evening after Kossuth's -triumphal reception when the colonel sent word that -he wished to see me. Being off duty, I returned with -the messenger, little dreaming how great a change in my -prospects the next half-hour would produce.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come in," cried Rakoczy pleasantly, as I knocked at -the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was standing by the window overlooking the -barrack-yard with another man, whom I immediately -recognized as Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">"All well?" cried the general genially, stretching out -his hand. "That's right. Bit tedious hanging about -Pesth, eh?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think we should all be glad of a change, general."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You'll all get one soon, when the white-coats drive you -out, and even then you'll grumble--eh, colonel?" and he -gave Rakoczy a playful dig in the ribs.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'd much rather help you get inside Vienna," replied -the colonel.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general's smile vanished.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Too late!" he said shortly. "That should have been -done a month ago. Take my word for it, old comrade, -the game is lost; but we'll play it right out all the same, -and only give in when we must.--Botskay, can you ride?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fairly well," I answered, not wishing to boast.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Would you like to come with me?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The general means on his staff," explained Rakoczy, -smiling.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now, I should have liked this very much indeed, but -for leaving Rakoczy, and this made me hesitate.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel, seeing my difficulty, laughed, and said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'll answer for him, general. The berth will suit him -capitally. The campaign has made him pretty hardy, and -he'll soon learn to do without sleep."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said the general kindly, laying his hand on my -shoulder, "I shall be glad to have you. I was very fond -of your brother, and miss him more than you would think. -So just pack up anything you may want. I'm leaving by -the steamer in an hour."</p> -<p class="pnext">I hurried to my room and called for Mecsey, who -received the order to pack without betraying the least -surprise. He would have taken it quite as a matter of -course had I been appointed commander-in-chief.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then I went to say farewell to the officers of my -regiment, had a last chat with Dobozy, who was sorry to -lose me, and finally returned to the colonel's room.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good-bye, George," exclaimed my old friend warmly. -"Sorry we're parting, but it will be better for you. -Besides, we shall often see each other, and the war can't last -long. From what the general tells me, we haven't the -slightest chance. His army's in a wretched state, and the -other leaders are all pulling different ways. However, -we must keep our heads up and do the best we can; but -don't take too many risks, my boy. Görgei will keep you -well occupied, and there's no sense in knocking your head -against a stone wall just for the fun of the thing."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not a bit!" cried the general, coming in at the -moment, "even if you have a wooden one. Well, good-bye, -old fellow. We shall soon begin to move now, one -way or the other. Get the regiment into trim as soon as -you can; every man will be wanted.--Ready, Botskay? -Come on then."</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy pressed my hand, and accompanied us to the -gates, where Sándor was already in waiting.</p> -<p class="pnext">With another warm hand-shake we left the colonel, and -walked sharply to the embankment.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei had thrown an ample grey mantle over his -sombre uniform, and had pulled his hat over his brow as if -not particularly wishing to be recognized.</p> -<p class="pnext">He did not speak till we reached the landing-place, where -a boat lay with steam up, ready to cast off at a moment's -notice.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Jump aboard," he exclaimed sharply. Then, to a -sailor, "Help this man with the baggage. Are you -right?--Go ahead, captain."</p> -<p class="pnext">The ropes were cast off, as I could tell by the movements -of the steamer, but it was now too dark to see -much.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei disappeared, while I, going to the bow of the -boat, gazed ahead into the gloom.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here and there a light shining from the river's bank -roused my interest for the moment; but taking it altogether, -it was dreary work, and I thought regretfully of the snug -barracks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Presently, however, Görgei joined me, and in his -company I lost all sense of weariness and discomfort.</p> -<p class="pnext">Though burdened by such a load of care, and ready at -any moment to assume the sternness of the chief, he -laughed and joked with me as if we were equals, his -cheerful gaiety making the time pass quite pleasantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Indeed the general was a splendid companion, but he -had two foibles--he thought sleep was a mistake, and -eating a luxury one should try to do without.</p> -<p class="pnext">With these opinions I did not altogether hold, so I -inwardly blessed the captain of the boat when he suggested -we should go below and have a snack of supper.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having made a good meal, I wrapped myself up warmly -and lay down, leaving Görgei poring over some maps and -making calculations.</p> -<p class="pnext">I cannot say what occurred during the night, but when -I awoke next morning the general was still intent on his -work and looking fresh as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">About mid-day the steamer slowed down; a boat was -lowered, into which Sándor put my baggage; then Görgei -got in, and we followed.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were not near any town, but the general had -evidently made his arrangements, for as the sailors pulled -us ashore, a body of soldiers--some on foot, others on -horseback--came down to the water's edge.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei sprang out briskly, and held a hurried conversation -with the leader of the party. Then he directed a -soldier to give me his horse, mounted his own--a beautiful -grey--and we all set off for headquarters.</p> -<p class="pnext">The appearance of the army confirmed my feeling of -despondency. The men who had served throughout the -campaign were in good trim, but those newly drafted to -make up for our previous losses looked anything but soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">I discovered, too, that the officers were secretly uneasy, -and their anxiety increased when, a few days after my -arrival, Görgei's scouts brought word that a Russian -division had joined Haynau at Presburg.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was on the fourteenth of June, and two days later -witnessed the beginning of what may be called the second -campaign.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our engineers had built several bridges over the river -Waag, and on the fifteenth of June the army crossed to -the farther side.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" exclaimed one of my new comrades regretfully, -"if we could have done this a month ago!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We should be in Vienna now," said another gaily; "but -we aren't, and it's no use grumbling. Here comes Bethlen. -Klapka has sent him with an important message, to judge -by the state of his horse's flanks."</p> -<p class="pnext">The rider approached at a gallop, pulled his horse up -sharply, and having saluted, handed a note to Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general, glancing at the contents, put the crumpled -paper into his pocket.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tell General Klapka I'm much obliged, but I don't -think anything serious will happen to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bethlen saluted again, nodded to several of his acquaintances, -and rode away at a quieter pace.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei had made his calculations accurately, and -although several desperate outpost affairs occurred, it -was not until the morning of the seventeenth that the -two armies really joined battle.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the very same date, although we did not know it -then, Field-Marshal Paskewitch emerged from the -Carpathians on his march into Central Hungary.</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle began with a terrible artillery fire, which was -directed against our centre; and Görgei himself, followed -by the staff, galloped down to encourage the sorely-tried -soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the same time he sent me to the colonel of a hussar -regiment with an order to break up a mass of infantry, -which was preparing to hurl itself on our weakened -centre.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Directly it's done, ride back as hard as you can," he -said, and I dashed off.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel listened to the order, well pleased.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tell the general we will do it," he said with quiet -confidence.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He wishes me to stay and take back your report," I -answered, and the colonel kindly agreed that I should ride -with him.</p> -<p class="pnext">The regiment was composed of seasoned warriors, who -hailed the sound of the trumpet with delight.</p> -<p class="pnext">With swords bared, we started at a trot, increasing the -pace as we approached the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">The ground for the most part was flat, but there were -several sandhills or banks, and from one of these a storm -of shot ploughed into us as we rode by.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fire was so severe and unexpected that a regiment -of young soldiers would have been thrown into confusion; -but these veterans only shook their fists, vowing to capture -the battery on their return.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our horses had got into their stride now, and we were -fairly racing over the level ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the first time I had taken part in a cavalry -charge, and the blood ran hot in my veins.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel rode upright as a dart and stiff as a poker, -but I, more accustomed to a horse's back on the broad -plains than in a military riding-school, rode in a much -easier though less dignified position.</p> -<p class="pnext">That men and horses were thoroughly well drilled one -glance would have shown. In spite of the artillery fire -and the speed at which we rode, there were no gaps. -The horses raced neck by neck, with equal strides, and -the whole regiment went forward like a piece of machinery.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrian battalions stood quite firm to receive us, -and as we got nearer I doubted very much if we could -break through that solid mass.</p> -<p class="pnext">But Görgei had not sent us to do the work alone. On -our left, farther down the field, several squadrons, springing -up unexpectedly, were riding straight at the battalions, -and we, seeing this, cheered excitedly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forward!" shouted the colonel, rising in his stirrups, -"and keep together!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Whatever was going on elsewhere, the Austrians before -us stood like a stone wall till we were well within range. -Then came a blinding flash, a loud report, a greyish cloud -of smoke, and, from behind me, fierce shouts and cries -of pain.</p> -<p class="pnext">But above all rang out the stirring "Forward!" of the -colonel, and almost at the same instant we were amongst -the bayonets.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crash! we went, driving into the very centre of the -mass, splitting it up into groups, pushing it this way and -that, till a ringing cheer announced that the enemy were -in full flight.</p> -<p class="pnext">The hussars, flushed and excited, would have gone -pell-mell in pursuit, but fortunately the leader had his men -well in hand, and made them re-form their ranks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our comrades farther along the field, carried away by -excitement, dashed after the runaways, and were soon -widely scattered.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, through a gap in the sandhills beyond, there -suddenly issued a close, compact body of cavalry, which -charged down upon us like an avalanche.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our horses were already blown; we ourselves were -spent by the fierce fight; our losses had been severe, and -many of the men still in the ranks were wounded; yet the -colonel did not hesitate.</p> -<p class="pnext">Flight would result in our being cut to pieces; to stand -still would give the enemy a tremendous advantage; there -was nothing for it but to charge afresh.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel, waving his sword, sprang to the front; the -bugles rang out; the men, cheering loudly, dug their spurs -into their horses' flanks. Once more the regiment was in -motion.</p> -<p class="pnext">The distance to be covered was short, but enough to get -our animals well into their stride before the crash came.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fast as we rode, the Austrians rode still faster; and, but -for the superior strength of the Hungarian horses, we -should simply have been swept away by the furious shock.</p> -<p class="pnext">As it was, we charged them gallantly, and soon steel -met steel as swords crossed or rang on the polished -breast-plates.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our colonel--evidently a magnificent swordsman, and -mounted on a powerful animal--drove his way through the -serried ranks; but my passage was barred by the Austrian -leader, who seemed to have singled me out specially.</p> -<p class="pnext">I wondered at this for a moment; then in a flash -remembered who this handsome, blue-eyed fellow was.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Von Theyer!" rose to my lips as, sitting his horse -with a natural gracefulness, the former rebel rode straight -at me.</p> -<p class="pnext">From that moment I lost sight of the general conflict.</p> -<p class="pnext">Round us rose the cries and groans of wounded men, -the cheers and counter-cheers of the combatants, the -sound of clashing swords; but to all I gave but a passing -thought.</p> -<p class="pnext">This Von Theyer, who by some means--probably reckless -bravery--had already risen high in the Austrian service, -meant to kill me.</p> -<p class="pnext">His deadly purpose shone in his eyes, and it was obvious -he expected to have an easy task.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, though he was by far the better master of the -sword, I knew the more of horsemanship, and by swerving -aside at the proper moment, caused his stroke to fail.</p> -<p class="pnext">Before he recovered I had pricked him in the arm. It was -a slight wound, but it drew blood and made him angry.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was all in my favour, as he lost his caution, and, -throwing away the advantage of his superior skill, attacked -furiously.</p> -<p class="pnext">Again and again I avoided his weapon almost by a -miracle; but at last I made a fierce cut which he failed to -parry, and my sword slashed him right across the face.</p> -<p class="pnext">He threw up his hands with a cry of pain, falling in a -heap on his horse's back.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the same instant a shout of alarm was raised; the -hussars in advance, wheeling about, came dashing back, -separating me from Von Theyer.</p> -<p class="pnext">Since I had left Görgei the aspect of the battle had -entirely changed.</p> -<p class="pnext">While we had broken the Austrian battalions, our -centre, fearfully weakened by a heavy cannonade from -twenty-four guns, and furiously assailed by two brigades -on its right flank, had given way.</p> -<p class="pnext">Worse still, the Russian general, seeing that the tide -was turning, sent a splendid body of cuirassiers and two -field-batteries to change the retreat into rout.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the rapid approach of these famous horsemen -that made us turn back.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel was angry, but he could not hope to pit his -broken regiment successfully against the cuirassiers, while -a prompt retreat might enable him to cover the flight of -the infantry.</p> -<p class="pnext">So he gave the word, and we retired in good order, but -at a gallop.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile the Austrian gunners received their allies -with a roar of welcome, and the cuirassiers in glittering -helmets and breastplates swept proudly on.</p> -<p class="pnext">With a message from the colonel, I made the best of my -way to the chief, who as usual was in the thick of the -fight, risking his life as freely as the humblest soldier.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the day was lost. We were outnumbered both in -men and guns, and the Russian division had converted a -possible victory into a disastrous defeat.</p> -<p class="pnext">For a time we made a desperate attempt to hold the -village of Pered, but it was simply throwing men's lives -away to no purpose; and at length the general, who, -however much he objected to be beaten, did not believe in -knocking his head against the wall, issued orders for a -retreat.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Find General Klapka," said he to me, "and tell him to -withdraw his men across the Waag; but he must do his -best to hold the bridges. If he doesn't, the enemy will -chase us back to Pesth without a stop."</p> -<p class="pnext">I turned my horse's head, and dashed off along the line -of fire; but time being precious, I could not afford to go -a long way round.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-wounding-of-gorgei">CHAPTER XVII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE WOUNDING OF GÖRGEI.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"All right, Sándor. It's only a pin-prick; but I've had -it bandaged, though the surgeon said 'twas a waste -of lint. Rub the horse down, and give it a good feed; -there may be fresh work soon."</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle was over. The army, including Klapka's -division, had retired beyond the river, though we still held -possession of the bridges. I had just returned from my -dangerous ride, and the worthy Sándor had given me up -for lost.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was dead tired, and wrapping myself up cosily, lay -down, expecting to fall asleep instantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">In this I was wrong, for though my eyes closed, I -could not make my brain rest.</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought of my chivalrous brother lying wrapped in his -country's flag in the citadel at Buda; I thought, too, of -the gallant Rakoczy at Pesth, and wished the old regiment -had been in the field that day; but, most of all, my mind -dwelt upon the Austrian leader with whom I had been in -deadly conflict.</p> -<p class="pnext">The hussars had retreated too quickly for me to find out -if I had killed him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Somehow I hoped the poor fellow was not dead; though, -had the case been reversed, I suppose he would not have -wasted a thought on me.</p> -<p class="pnext">From Von Theyer my mind naturally drifted to the -beautiful Theresa, and I wondered how she had borne the -news of her bereavement.</p> -<p class="pnext">At least it would be some comfort when I could restore -the baron's memento, and tell how we had buried him -in the quiet little churchyard.</p> -<p class="pnext">My heart grew sadder and sadder as I lingered over -the details of this cruel war, which the day's fighting -conclusively showed we could not carry to a successful -issue.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was not that a single defeat caused me to despair, -but I saw clearly that we had thrown away our chance of -victory.</p> -<p class="pnext">Against the Austrians alone we might even now recover -our position, but the arrival of the Russians had made the -struggle hopeless.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even united we should fail now, and we were not united. -Envy, jealousy, and distrust had crept into our councils, -and every day the breach between the two parties became -wider.</p> -<p class="pnext">Not that I would have you imagine there was more -than one party in Görgei's army. We were all of one -mind; but the general was hampered by the orders of the -Diet, and in addition had to shape his course by the -movements of Dembinski.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thinking over these things, I lay awake till the dawn, -when I at last managed to fall into a sound and refreshing -slumber.</p> -<p class="pnext">The days following our defeat at Waag were days of -extreme misery. All the time we fell back, pressed by -Haynau's victorious troops and their Russian allies, till we -reached Raab.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even here Görgei could do no more than make a feint -of defending the place, which delayed the enemy two or -three days, while our main army pushed on towards Waitzen.</p> -<p class="pnext">I now understood more clearly the kind of life Stephen -had enjoyed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei was here, there, and everywhere, directing and -encouraging the men, and of course we were with him.</p> -<p class="pnext">We slept where and when we could, and did not expect -dainties--to any great extent, at least--at meal-times. -Our banquets were for the most part consumed in the -saddle, and consisted of bread or biscuit, cheese, and a -drink of wine.</p> -<p class="pnext">Occasionally the cheese went astray and the wine was -missing; then we munched our bread thankfully, and -praised the sweetness of the water.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei's spirits never once gave way, though I believe -that from the hour of turning our backs on the river -Waag he knew in his heart the contest was hopeless.</p> -<p class="pnext">Careful of his men, he was utterly reckless of his own -safety, and several times during the retreat his staff were -within an ace of being cut off.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our old opponent Schlick led the pursuit, being well -supported by the veteran Russian division which had -caused our defeat on the Waag.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the morning of the third of July Görgei halted his -troops in the forest of Harkaly.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the previous night he and I, unknown to -almost every one, had retraced our steps as far as the -village of Acz, which we found occupied in force by the -Austrians.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having by good-luck managed to return safely, the -general spent the rest of the night making plans for -striking a blow at the dogged Schlick, who seemed to be -ever-lastingly hanging on our rear.</p> -<p class="pnext">I do not know if any one else on the staff went to bed, -but I lay down for an hour in the morning, and was -wakened by Sándor just before the combat began.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the troops were sent on ahead, where they could -be seen by the enemy; while the main body of infantry, -with the guns, had been secretly posted in advantageous -positions.</p> -<p class="pnext">The first blow was to be struck by the cavalry, and the -various regiments presented a magnificent sight as they -waited in the cover of the forest for the word to advance.</p> -<p class="pnext">The mere notion of a fight had restored the men's spirits. -They might be beaten again, but anything was better than -the continual running away we had practised for the last -fortnight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei, alert and vigorous, had placed himself at the -head; and though we feared for his life, it was impossible -not to admire his courage.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had sent me with a message to General Klapka, and -while returning I caught a glimpse of Schlick's corps -moving up from Acz through the open country.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our decoys had served their purpose, and the Austrians, -thinking us still in full retreat, swung along merrily.</p> -<p class="pnext">I hastened to the general, and from the look on his face -guessed he had already heard the news.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes," said he; "it's working out nicely. We'll give -Herr Schlick a little surprise presently."</p> -<p class="pnext">And we did.</p> -<p class="pnext">The affair was over so quickly that I hardly realized it -had begun.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the word of command we issued from the forest, broke -into a trot, then a gallop, finally bursting with a loud -cheer upon the astonished foe.</p> -<p class="pnext">The surprise was complete. Before they had time to -make a stand they were running away.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hatless, but unhurt, Görgei pulled up; sent Nicholas -Szondi with an order to Klapka; ordered the pursuit to be -continued as far as the village of Acz; and rising in his -stirrups, took a further survey of the field.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Botskay," said he quickly, "we must have half a dozen -guns planted on those sandhills. See them? Off you go, -then, to Benitzky, and don't lose a second."</p> -<p class="pnext">I put my horse to the gallop, and having found the -chief of artillery, delivered my message, and rode back.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this moment the day was ours. Schlick's corps was -routed, our fellows were hot in pursuit, and a few -enthusiasts were already dreaming of Vienna.</p> -<p class="pnext">But we reckoned without the Russians.</p> -<p class="pnext">Before our artillery could get there, the sandhills were -occupied by Russian guns, whose murderous fire sent our -cavalry back.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the same time our cuirassiers dashed forward on the -right, and then we saw a body of infantry advancing at -the double.</p> -<p class="pnext">In half an hour the situation had become critical. -Nothing could save us but the most desperate effort.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our general, as usual, rose to the occasion. Placing -himself in front of the hussars, he delivered a short -but stirring address, and led them against the Russian -infantry.</p> -<p class="pnext">Twice we dashed at them in gallant style, being thrown -back each time; the third time, we resolved, should pay -for all.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nicholas Szondi and I rode on either side of the general, -who once more gave the word to charge.</p> -<p class="pnext">Away we went in the midst of a cloud of bullets, while -our ranks were ploughed by shot and shell.</p> -<p class="pnext">A man somewhere behind me dropped, and his frightened -horse, breaking from the ranks, rushed to the front.</p> -<p class="pnext">With a cry of pain the colonel of the regiment fell, but -I afterwards heard that the gallant fellow used what -strength he had left to urge on his men.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crash! It seemed too good to be true, but we really -had driven the charge home; and the riderless horse, the -first to make a gap, was lashing out furiously with its -heels.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei was the first man inside, but Nicholas Szondi and -I followed closely, while it seemed as if the whole regiment -was treading on our heels.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Muscovite soldiers fought gallantly enough, but I -think they would not have lasted other ten minutes, when -a terrible misfortune happened to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general, as I before remarked, was fighting like a -common trooper, and several Muscovites had already felt -the weight of his arm, when, suddenly slipping from his -saddle, he fell to the ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">Instantly I jumped down and ran to him, while Szondi -and Mecsey Sándor, who, unknown to me, had joined in the -charge, kept off a crowd of foot-soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">I raised Görgei in my arms. His face was covered with -blood; he was quite insensible, or dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">A trooper came to my assistance, and between us we -lifted him to his saddle.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this time Nicholas Szondi and Sándor fought like -demons in order to preserve breathing space, and by the -time we got the general on his horse they were joined by -several others.</p> -<p class="pnext">The trooper held Görgei while I remounted, then Szondi -joined me, and between us we cut our way through the -press.</p> -<p class="pnext">The news of the disaster quickly spread, and the hussars, -disheartened by the loss of our gallant leader, drew off from -the fight.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the other hand, the Muscovites, imbued with fresh -spirit, redoubled their efforts; the infantry resumed their -advance, firing volley after volley into our retreating -ranks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei made neither sound nor movement. He sat -huddled up just as we placed him, and but for our support -would have fallen helpless.</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi looked at me questioningly, but I shook my head. -It was impossible for either of us to tell the extent of the -mischief.</p> -<p class="pnext">We rode fast till we were out of the line of fire, and I -then suggested to my comrade that he should seek Klapka.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He is in command now," I said, "and should be told -at once."</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi nodded, and asked if I could manage alone; but -the faithful Mecsey, who was close behind, volunteered to -take his place.</p> -<p class="pnext">This he did; and while Szondi galloped off to find -Klapka, we proceeded with the general.</p> -<p class="pnext">Everywhere now the battle was over, and the Muscovites -had again saved their allies from destruction.</p> -<p class="pnext">But our men retreated in fairly good order, and it was -evident that, although Görgei had fallen, the army still -possessed a capable chief.</p> -<p class="pnext">Halfway through the forest the surgeons had set up an -ambulance, and thither we took the general.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei?" cried the chief surgeon, when I told him -what had occurred.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here, Moritz! Take him gently--so. Now let us -see. Plenty of blood, at all events. Bring me some water. -Open his jacket, Moritz, and see if the heart beats. Yes? -That takes a load off my mind. Now to find the wound. -Ah! I thought so.--Don't look so scared, Captain Botskay: -the general will be all right in a fortnight or so. The -blow has made him senseless for a time, but there ought -not to be any real danger. I would let the soldiers know, -if I were you; 'twill raise their spirits."</p> -<p class="pnext">I started at once to find General Klapka, and on the -way spread the welcome intelligence far and wide.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men cheered as heartily as if we had gained a -brilliant victory; for they looked on Görgei not only as -a general, but as a personal friend, and there were few -amongst them who would not willingly have given their -lives to save his.</p> -<p class="pnext">General Klapka was busy directing the retreat, but he -found time to question me closely about his wounded chief, -and was unaffectedly glad on hearing the surgeon's report.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei is just the one man Hungary cannot afford to -lose," he said in his mild way, and turned again to his duties.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having failed to stop the pursuit, the only course open -to us now was to fall back upon the entrenched camp -before Comorn, and this Klapka at once set about doing.</p> -<p class="pnext">By nightfall we had completely abandoned the forest of -Acz, and the vanguard had taken up a strong position -several miles eastward.</p> -<p class="pnext">I did not see Görgei again till the last man had turned -into the camp at Comorn, as Klapka kept me pretty busy -during the march; but I heard from time to time he was -progressing favourably, and that the doctors had no doubt -of his recovery.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was strange to see him lying in his tent, his head -bandaged, his face white and bloodless, his body still.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah, Botskay!" said he, smiling, when I went in the -first time, "I have to thank you. Szondi's been here and -told me all about it. Lucky for me that I took you away -from Rakoczy, eh?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Szondi had as much to do with it as I, general--more, -in fact, for he kept the Russians off while I picked you up. -There's a trooper, too, who--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Klapka saw to him--made him a sergeant. There's -your man as well; what of him? Would he like to have -the stripes?"</p> -<p class="pnext">I shook my head smilingly. To be a sergeant, Mecsey -would have to leave me, and this I was sure he would -not do.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Never mind!" exclaimed the general. "I'll find some -means of doing him a good turn. He's a fine fellow, and -not over free with his tongue. Well, it seems likely -you'll soon meet Rakoczy again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is the old regiment coming to join us?" I asked -eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"No," said he; "but we are rapidly making our way -back to Pesth," and he looked at me with a faint -smile.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We shall turn westward again soon," I exclaimed; -but he shook his head with the air of a man who had -no wish to disguise the truth from himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">The very morning after this conversation a rumour -crept through the camp, though no one seemed able to -trace its origin, that Field-Marshal Paskewitch, driving -Moritz Perczel's troops before him like a flock of sheep, -had entered Debreczin in triumph. In the men's presence -the truth of the story was contemptuously scouted, but -before night the officers of the staff were made aware that -for once rumour had not lied.</p> -<p class="pnext">The great Russian army, under its famous chief, had -captured Kossuth's stronghold--the headquarters of -Hungarian republicanism.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was a serious blow, and I did not wonder that our -leaders looked grave.</p> -<p class="pnext">With Paskewitch at Debreczin, and Haynau forcing us -back upon Pesth, we were awkwardly placed, the more -especially as we could only look to ourselves for help.</p> -<p class="pnext">But this peril was absolutely trivial compared with the -astounding information that Nicholas Szondi brought me -one morning. I had been out all night seeking news of -the enemy's movements, and was breakfasting alone, when -my new crony joined me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Glad to see you busy," he said chaffingly.</p> -<p class="pnext">I finished the steaming coffee made by the worthy -Sándor, and nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"General better this morning?" I asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much. Able to walk about and give directions. Can't -ride yet, though; can't stand the jolting. Going to have -another smack at the Austrians in a day or two--at least -that's what he intended; but I suppose it won't come off -now."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why not?" I asked curiously.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" exclaimed my comrade eagerly, "I thought you -hadn't heard the news. Count Beula's in the camp."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Comes from the Diet, or Kossuth--one and the same -thing, I fancy--with a letter or proclamation, or whatever -you call it. Expected to find Dembinski here, it appears."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You make a first-class story-teller, Szondi, only you're -in such a dreadful hurry to get to the end. Still, the -narrative's wonderfully exciting, so far."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Keep your chaff, old fellow. You'll find the finish -exciting enough."</p> -<p class="pnext">"There is an end then? That's something to be thankful for."</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi took no notice of the interruption, but continued -steadily,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"This Count Beula, then, arrived last night, expecting -to find the Pole; but of course we knew nothing of -Dembinski."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not likely."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He made himself very agreeable, and we had a pleasant -evening."</p> -<p class="pnext">"While I was sitting on my horse's back for hours, like -a dummy!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said Szondi, without even a smile, "that wouldn't -be such hard work--for you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not half as difficult as listening to this story."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The story? Ah! I'm just coming to the climax. -What do you think was in the letter that Beula brought -for Dembinski?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"One of Kossuth's brand-new bank-notes."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't talk rubbish, Botskay. The letter is an official -document proclaiming Dembinski commander-in-chief, in -succession to Arthur Görgei, deposed."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thought you'd get interested at the finish," said he, -laughing harshly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How have they wrapped it up?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"You may be sure they've sugared the pill nicely. His -wound's the excuse, and he's to be made war minister, or -something of that sort."</p> -<p class="pnext">We looked hard at each other, and I saw my own -thoughts reflected in Szondi's eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," said he. "I can tell we're both in one -mind, and we'll find a good many others to join us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All the staff for certain."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And every man in the army. Dembinski, indeed!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"What does Klapka say?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"He'll stick to Görgei through thick and thin; so will -Nagy Sándor. I'm off now. See you again this evening, -and tell you more about it."</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi's news soon spread amongst the officers, causing -the greatest consternation.</p> -<p class="pnext">To remove Görgei was to take away the very life and -soul of the army. To replace him by the Pole would be -rank folly.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the day wore on, I became convinced that unless the -Diet--or Kossuth, as rightly or wrongly the officers would -have it--withdrew the order, there would be mischief.</p> -<p class="pnext">Towards the end of the afternoon Szondi came to take -me to a meeting of the staff.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The fellows are furious," he said, "and want to sign a -paper refusing to serve under any one but Görgei. What's -your idea?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'll put my name down fast enough."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So will the others. Then we'll take it to Klapka, and -he'll bring Kossuth, or whoever the mover of the affair is, -to reason. Here we are at Mizvy's tent."</p> -<p class="pnext">The discussion which took place was rather monotonous, -as every one spoke on the same side, and the keynote was -that Görgei should not go.</p> -<p class="pnext">After that Mizvy drew up a counter-proclamation, and -I, being the youngest officer present, was invited to sign -first, which I did. The others appended their signatures, -and then Mizvy was deputed to carry the document to -General Klapka, and explain matters.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The general is sure to be with us," said one man, "but, -if he needs stiffening, tell him there isn't an officer in the -army who wouldn't gladly put his name to the paper."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nor a soldier either," added a second man.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That will make some of them draw long faces over at -Pesth," said Szondi gaily. "I don't think we shall hear -much more of Dembinski as commander-in-chief."</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi was right. The Diet, interviewed by the two -generals, Klapka and Nagy Sándor, saw it had gone too -far; and Görgei was restored to his rank, almost without -knowing he had been deprived of it. But the more I -looked at the incident the less I liked it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei was the great chief to whom all who did not -wish separation from Austria looked for guidance; and -the attempt to take him from the army showed very -clearly the wide gulf between the two sections of the -Hungarian nation.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, matters were becoming very serious in all -parts of the country.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the south, Bern, who seemed to grow stronger after -each defeat, still made headway against the enemy, but -elsewhere our prospects were cheerless.</p> -<p class="pnext">Field-Marshal Paskewitch was making a military -promenade with his army, and it was likely that we should -soon be crushed between him and Haynau.</p> -<p class="pnext">Certainly our entrenchments were very strong, and every -day--for Görgei had a great belief in pick and spade--made -them stronger; but they could not keep out Haynau -and the Russians.</p> -<p class="pnext">The chief was still prevented by his wound from riding -about; but he had long and anxious talks with Klapka, -and it was finally decided we should make one more -attempt to defeat the Austrians before Paskewitch could -send them help.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the tenth of July when this decision was made, -and none of the staff went to sleep that night till -everything had been put in trim for the approaching conflict.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="gorgei-forgets-his-wound">CHAPTER XVIII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">GÖRGEI FORGETS HIS WOUND.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"It's make or break to-day, Botskay. Of course we -shall keep on fighting, but unless our fellows smash -Haynau up our chance is gone."</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi and I were standing behind Görgei on a piece of -rising ground from which we could obtain a view of the -battle. The chief's face showed how annoyed he was at -having to remain behind, and I nudged my comrade, who -shrugged his shoulders.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wound or no wound," he whispered, "if the fight goes -against us you'll see him in the thick of it. Look! He's -waving his hand to the hussars we charged with the other -day. They'd be glad to have him at their head now."</p> -<p class="pnext">Our hearts beat high as the cavalry passed in numerous -bodies, our hopes being largely placed on these gallant -fellows.</p> -<p class="pnext">Klapka had posted twenty batteries in the forest of -Harkaly, and it was his plan, or rather Görgei's, by a -combined attack of infantry, horse, and artillery, to break -the Austrian centre, and push it back beyond the village -of Czern.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was nine o'clock in the morning when the infantry -moved out, and very soon we heard the thunder of the -heavy guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was the beginning; I asked myself what would -be the end. The soldiers knew how much depended on -their exertions, and I judged by their set faces that -the enemy would have all their work cut out to beat -them.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei stood looking intently through his glass, occasionally -giving a smile of satisfaction as the troops took up -their positions.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It ought to answer," he muttered. "Upon my word, -I believe we shall beat them; Klapka's handling his men -beautifully. They want more guns, though, on the right. -Szondi, tell Benitzky to move some of his guns to the -edge of the forest.--Botskay, ride to General Klapka, -and wait to see what happens in the centre. Come back -the instant he drives the Austrians from the village.--Mizvy, -tell Prince Leiningen to hold--"</p> -<p class="pnext">I did not hear the rest, being already on my way to -General Klapka.</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle was now in full swing, but the thick volumes -of smoke made it difficult to see what was going on.</p> -<p class="pnext">Soon I met wounded men dropping to the rear, and -from one of them gathered that the Austrian centre was -getting a terrific pounding.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They'll have to go, captain," said the man. "Flesh -and blood can't stand it much longer."</p> -<p class="pnext">After giving him a drink from my flask, I rode on, -finding myself at length amongst Klapka's staff.</p> -<p class="pnext">I delivered my message to the general, who said -smilingly, "I don't think you will have long to wait;" and -turning to one of his officers, he sent him off somewhere -with an order.</p> -<p class="pnext">Everything around me was bustle and excitement. Men -came and went in endless succession, and almost without a -pause.</p> -<p class="pnext">One young fellow, whose horse's nostrils were laced -with foam, dashed up at a gallop, and saluted with his -left arm, his right being shattered by a musket-ball.</p> -<p class="pnext">The general said something to him, but he shook his -head, smiled gaily, and was off again in spite of his broken -limb.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile the fight in the centre was fast approaching -a crisis.</p> -<p class="pnext">That the Austrians would break I felt sure, my only -wonder being how they had managed to hold out so long.</p> -<p class="pnext">Shot and shell made gaps in their ranks, a fearful -musketry fire swept them away in scores, while hussars -and dragoons thundered down upon them almost without -intermission.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the wounded Magyar had said, flesh and blood could -not stand it much longer, and Klapka's keen eye saw that -the critical moment had arrived.</p> -<p class="pnext">Another officer darted off like lightning; and we, looking -on, saw our cavalry draw up in one immense body.</p> -<p class="pnext">We could not hear, but we knew they were cheering, -and then we watched them move forward.</p> -<p class="pnext">Walk, trot, gallop! It was a superb spectacle as the -sun shone down on the beautiful horses, the forest of -glittering swords, the lithe and muscular horsemen.</p> -<p class="pnext">We held our breath as they flew over the ground, and -in our intense excitement almost felt the shock as they -crashed into the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">So certain was the result that I asked Klapka's -permission to follow, knowing how eager Görgei would be to -learn every detail.</p> -<p class="pnext">As I expected, that last charge broke the Austrian -centre through and through; and the men who had -stood up so bravely against the pick of our army were -thoroughly beaten.</p> -<p class="pnext">Back they went, helter-skelter, anyhow--men and guns -and horses all mixed together!</p> -<p class="pnext">Here half a company; there part of a squadron; yonder -a field-gun, the horses clattering and tearing along like -mad.</p> -<p class="pnext">Back they went pell-mell into their lines, into the -village, and through it; at which I turned my horse's -head, and rode, cheering like a maniac, to Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Make or break," Szondi had said. Well, we were -made, and the Austrians were broken.</p> -<p class="pnext">Good little horse! On you go, straight as the crow -flies. Never mind obstacles. We'll think of these -to-morrow; for we're carrying good news, my beauty.</p> -<p class="pnext">Cheer, my lads! You have the right. There's the -general! How pleased he will be at the news!</p> -<p class="pnext">I dashed up, breathless, while my horse trembled all over.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Czern is ours, sir!" I panted. "The Austrians are in -flight!"</p> -<p class="pnext">There were several officers near, but my head was so -dizzy that I could scarcely distinguish them.</p> -<p class="pnext">One, whom I took to be Szondi, then helped me to dismount.</p> -<p class="pnext">The ride, the excitement, and possibly an accidental -blow, though I could not remember one, had made me -feel quite strange.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men around me became shadowy figures, their -conversation mere disjointed scraps, such as, "Klapka--key -of position--pay for Acz--Vienna--next to Görgei," -which I heard without understanding.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then Szondi put a flask to my lips, and I took a deep -draught of something which stopped the shivering in my -limbs, and enabled me to stand firm.</p> -<p class="pnext">A messenger had arrived from Klapka. He was telling -the story of the Austrian flight, but with more detail, and -our general's face beamed with delight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some of the officers had disappeared; others remained; -and these, like the general, were filled with joy.</p> -<p class="pnext">Into the huge gap which I had seen made our fellows -were pouring at the double, and the battlefield rang with -shouts of victory.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had put my arm through the bridle, and stood leaning -against a hillock of sand, waiting for the next order.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly there came the sound of a report so tremendous -that the earth shook, and we gazed at one another -aghast.</p> -<p class="pnext">Again and again it broke forth, while the field was -hidden from sight by dense curtains of thick smoke.</p> -<p class="pnext">At a word from the general Szondi darted off, but -almost before he had gone a mounted officer dashed up -to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">He came from Klapka, and told his tale briefly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every man and every gun of the Austrian reserve, -every man and every gun of the Russian division, had -been flung across the path of our victorious columns.</p> -<p class="pnext">Eighty pieces of cannon were vomiting death; thousands -of rifles were pouring deadly volleys into our vanguard.</p> -<p class="pnext">What the Austrians had suffered during the earlier part -of the morning our people were suffering now, only on a -more fearful scale.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet we gathered from the messenger that they had not -retreated a foot, though it was impossible for them to -advance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our sole hope now lay in Prince Leiningen and the -reserve which he commanded.</p> -<p class="pnext">Klapka had already sent to him, and now Szondi -returned with the information that the prince was advancing -with reckless bravery against the Austrian left.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei could no longer contain himself. Go forward he -must; go forward he would; and if his wound burst out -afresh and killed him, as the doctors feared, well--he -would not be the only man to die!</p> -<p class="pnext">I jumped into the saddle and went with the others.</p> -<p class="pnext">The awful cannonade continued without intermission, -and every man who had ever seen a battle felt his -heart sink at the thought of the havoc it was committing.</p> -<p class="pnext">But we did not altogether ride without hope. Another -messenger had found the general to tell him that the -gallant Leiningen had broken the Austrian left, and we -cheered the news heartily.</p> -<p class="pnext">The story of the fight, as it thus came to us piecemeal, -was a succession of ups and downs.</p> -<p class="pnext">Ill news, it is said, travels apace; and hardly had we -finished cheering when a fresh officer brought word that -the Russians, by a sharp manoeuvre, had trained their guns -on our reserve, and were decimating it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Perhaps it was as well that those who forced us to -waste those precious weeks before the arrival of the -Russians were not on the battlefield outside Comorn.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the Waag, at Acz, and now here, the Muscovites had -actually snatched victory from our grasp.</p> -<p class="pnext">As we plunged together into the conflict the soldiers -caught sight of their gallant leader, and for a moment -ceased fighting, while they rent the air with shouts of -"Görgei! Görgei!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Had it been possible to save the battle, the presence of -this one man would have accomplished the feat; but it -was not.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men died willingly enough, but they could not -advance in face of those awful guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">In vain our artillerymen worked at their batteries like -slaves, vainly footmen and cavalry threw themselves -against the solid mass; they came back every time baffled, -broken, and in sadly-diminished numbers.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of my personal share in the fight there is little to tell.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei, forgetful of his wound, threw himself into the -thick of it, and where he went I followed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now we charged at the head of a shattered remnant of -a cavalry regiment; again we were in the midst of an -infantry square, encouraging the men to stand firm; then -we were making a desperate attempt on a battery.</p> -<p class="pnext">The staff had their fill of fighting for once, but to no -avail.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even Görgei acknowledged the truth at last, and -reluctantly gave the order to withdraw.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were fairly beaten, but not routed; and the enemy -had been too severely handled to follow up their success.</p> -<p class="pnext">Taking our wounded, we retired slowly, the men, in -spite of their terrible punishment, being unwilling to -leave the field.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had lost sight of Szondi in the heat of the conflict, -but he returned later to the entrenchments unhurt, save -for an odd scratch or two of little account.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortune had dealt less kindly with several of our -comrades, and we missed more than one familiar face.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's the worst bout I've ever been in," said Szondi. -"I thought at one time not a man would come out alive."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We might as well have stayed out there," said Mizvy -gruffly. "The game's up."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh, come!" I cried cheerfully. "It surely isn't as bad -as that!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, my young wiseacre, if you can show me one -single loophole, you've more brains than I ever gave you -credit for."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a laugh at this, but Mizvy went on sulkily, -"We can't stay here--that's certain; and where are we to -go? It will take 20,000 men to garrison Comorn, and -what's Görgei to do with the rest? Fight Haynau and -Paskewitch together?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's our army in the south," I began, but Mizvy -pulled me up.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Army in the south!" he echoed scornfully; "why, -Bern, brave old fellow as he is, can hardly hold his own -head above water!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"But there's Dembinski. He'll make a big effort to -join us."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mizvy looked at me with a grin. "Dembinski's off to -Szegedin with the Diet," he said. "It's a handy place to -slip over into Turkey from, when the crash comes."</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the officers cried "Shame!" but Mizvy took -this mark of displeasure with admirable coolness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right," he said quietly. "But just wait till any -of those fellows venture north."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What then?" I asked, laughing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why, then you can sew me up in a sack and drop me -into any river that's handy!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"We'll do that with pleasure," said Szondi. "But -there's the general beckoning to you."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mizvy took himself off, but he left an unpleasant -sensation behind him.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a level-headed man, with plenty of shrewd -sense, and having no prejudices to warp his judgment.</p> -<p class="pnext">I am not sure that personally he cared the toss of a -button for either Görgei or Kossuth, the constitution of -'48, or independence; but he was a thorough soldier, and -did care very much about beating the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">In his eyes, a man's chief if not sole merit lay in his -ability to win battles, and I remember hearing him more -than once unfold his pet theory about the treatment of -generals.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mizvy had little sympathy with unsuccessful leaders, -and his scheme would hardly have proved popular amongst -men of weak minds; yet, as Szondi often pointed out to -scoffers, promotion would become rapid.</p> -<p class="pnext">The foundation of the theory was that no responsible -officer should ever be beaten; if he so far forgot himself, -the authorities were to have him shot, and give his -command to another.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Cruel?" growled Mizvy, when a listener offered that -objection. "Not half as cruel as the present system. It -would soon weed out all the duffers, and the peacocks, -whose only idea of soldiering is to strut about in gold -lace. Now, here's a fellow--goodness knows where he -comes from, but he has influence; give him a brigade, -and set him to do something. Back he comes in a day or -two with a handful of men; the enemy has accounted for -the others. He wouldn't do that trick often, if you shot -him the first time. Think a second duffer would want to -fill the vacancy? Hardly. None but the best men would -try to get the pick of the berths in my army, I can tell -you."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mizvy was not exactly popular with his fellows, but -he was a man whose opinions claimed some attention, -and his remarks concerning our allies were far from -comforting.</p> -<p class="pnext">We did not dream for an instant, of course, that any of -them would be frightened, but at the same time there -were various little matters concerning which we felt -doubtful.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nicholas Szondi summed up the case very clearly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There's no question of Bern's courage," he said, "or of -Dembinski's either; but we needn't pretend they're in love -with Görgei, or he with them. Now, if we joined forces--and -that's the only way to save Hungary--we should only -want one chief."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Görgei isn't likely to yield his command to the -Poles."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Just so; and they won't be too eager to serve under -him. That's where the difficulty lies."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If old Mizvy's plan were in working order," said one -man lazily, "'twould save a lot of bother at present."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We certainly shouldn't suffer from having too many -generals."</p> -<p class="pnext">Szondi agreed laughingly. "Görgei and Klapka look -very solemn over there."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're discussing the new plans, and it's my belief -we shall find Mizvy wasn't far out in his forecast."</p> -<p class="pnext">That same night our general told us he had resolved on -retreating to Waitzen with a portion of the army, while -Klapka, with 76 guns and 18,000 men, was to throw -himself into Comorn.</p> -<p class="pnext">I now learned that one Austrian army corps was -marching straight on Pesth, from which our troops had -withdrawn, and I looked forward with pleasure to again -meeting my old friends of the 9th Honved regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">Since joining the staff I had not heard from Rakoczy, -but as there had been no fighting at the capital I -concluded he was still alive and well.</p> -<p class="pnext">Early on the morning succeeding the stubborn fight -we said farewell to our friends in Klapka's division, and -before it was really light began the march.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two days later, having picked up various bodies of -troops on the route, we halted a few hours' distance from -Waitzen.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here the 9th Honveds were assembled, and as soon as -the general had finished with me, I rushed off to find -Rakoczy.</p> -<p class="pnext">I really don't know which of us was the more pleased -at the meeting, though the genial colonel could not forego -his chaff, and pretended it was a great honour to receive a -visit from one of the staff. Then he took me into his tent -and sent for Dobozy, from whom I had another warm -welcome.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The accounts from the front frightened us a bit," said -Dobozy. "We began to think you would have been better -off in Pesth."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Been pretty warm, hasn't it?" asked Rakoczy. "But -there, you shall tell us all about it. You must be getting -pretty used to playing a losing game by now, eh?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Still, I don't know that I like it any better than at -first. By the way, have you seen Count Beula lately?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Cleared out the same time as Kossuth. Paid you a -visit at Raab, didn't he?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, with a proclamation from the Diet in his pocket. -But I had better begin at the beginning, and tell you the -story properly."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Much better. Make yourself comfortable. You may -be sure of an interested audience, though a small one."</p> -<p class="pnext">He was right in that remark, for both he and Dobozy -listened most attentively, only interrupting by an -occasional exclamation.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You certainly can't complain of having been dull -yonder," said Rakoczy at the finish.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Did you kill that Von Theyer fellow?" asked Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope not, though I'm afraid he got a nasty slash -across the face."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pity that, being a handsome sort of chap. 'Twill spoil -his beauty."</p> -<p class="pnext">"In that case," said the colonel, "our friend Botskay -must take care of himself. This Von Theyer, though a -splendid soldier, is vainer than any woman, and he won't -easily forgive the man who disfigured him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Aren't we getting on a bit too fast? The fellow may -be dead and buried, for aught I know. When our troopers -came back from the Russian guns, they didn't give me too -much time for investigation."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That Russian division seems to be the mainstay of -the army."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It has been, so far; but now tell me what you've -been doing in Pesth."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Putting the regiment straight again," said the colonel.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And forming guards of honour," added Dobozy. -"We've had a very pleasant and agreeable time."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A wonder you left."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We had such very pressing invitations to leave that -the colonel could hardly refuse. The Diet, you know, has -gone to Szegedin with the army of the north."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes. We heard that."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, directly Haynau had you beaten up yonder, he -sent an army corps hot-foot for Pesth. At the same time -Paskewitch dispatched a Russian corps from the east, and -we thought it time to move."</p> -<p class="pnext">"How was it you didn't go south with the others?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Because, fortunately, we had orders to join Görgei -here."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Shall we make a stand at Waitzen?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel shook his head. "May stay for a bit of a -fight," he replied. "Nothing more."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then what do you think Görgei will do?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Retreat through the mountains, and threaten to strike -at Galicia. That will bring Paskewitch back in double -quick time, and Dembinski will have only the Austrians -to tackle. Oh, we shall lead them a lively dance yet!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"If we aren't caught here," said Dobozy, "which seems -rather likely."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I see you are still wearing the baron's ring," remarked -Rakoczy, as I rose to go.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes. I thought it would be as safe on my finger as -anywhere else, till I am able to take it to Vienna."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Unless you happen to be badly wounded and left on the -field. There are a good many prowlers who would willingly -finish you for the sake of a stone like that."</p> -<p class="pnext">"They would be counting without Mecsey Sándor, who -follows me everywhere like a dog; but I really must go -now. We shall move again at daybreak;" and, bidding -my two friends good-bye, I walked across to the general's -quarters.</p> -<p class="pnext">The first man I met was Nicholas Szondi, who had just -returned from a long ride with Nagy Sándor.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Better get a bit of supper and a nap while you've the -chance," he said. "We're likely to be off before long."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Anything serious?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Only that the Russian cavalry are close at hand."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then we're in for another fight?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I expect so, unless the general prefers to run."</p> -<p class="pnext">Taking my comrade's advice, I had some supper; and -wrapping my mantle around me, I lay down to snatch an -hour's sleep.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="sent-scouting">CHAPTER XIX.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">SENT SCOUTING.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">As Szondi had predicted, reveille sounded before day had -fairly broken, and an hour after dawn the whole -army moved to the ridge of low hills outside the town -of Waitzen.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here we halted, and immediately set to work making -our position as strong as possible. The artillery was -posted on the hills, earthworks were hastily thrown up, -extra ammunition was served out, and everything prepared -to give the enemy a warm reception.</p> -<p class="pnext">Most of the work was finished when Görgei's scouts -came in with the information that the Russian cavalry, -supported by an infantry brigade, was approaching.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They're just come to have a look," said Szondi cheerfully. -"They aren't likely to attack till their main body -arrives."</p> -<p class="pnext">This was the general opinion, and we could hardly -believe our senses when the Russians were seen preparing -for an assault. I suppose it was a very gallant action, but -it certainly had not the slightest chance of success from -the beginning.</p> -<p class="pnext">On our side the battle was fought by the artillery, and -the bravest cannot stand before a cannon-ball.</p> -<p class="pnext">Again and again the Russians charged desperately, only -to be hurled back in utter confusion; and at length their -leader admitted his mistake by drawing his men off altogether.</p> -<p class="pnext">"So far, so good," remarked Rakoczy, with whom I -spent half an hour that evening, "but we mustn't expect -to win so easily to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I thought we should probably slip away during the -night."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's possible, of course; but I fancy Görgei intends -trying to hold the town. However, we shall see before -long."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russians had been so badly beaten that they made -no further effort to molest us, and the night passed away -peacefully.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nor did they renew the struggle in the early morning, -but waited for the arrival of the main body, which had -made a forced march of eight German or forty English -miles in twelve hours.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They make a fine show," exclaimed Szondi, as we stood -on a hill with the general, watching the heads of the -columns as they approached.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They make stubborn fighters," growled Mizvy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Just like dogs," added another fellow: "as long as you -whistle them on, they'll go."</p> -<p class="pnext">These Muscovites were indeed wonderful soldiers, and -far different from our own men.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Magyars were full of fire and dash. They rushed -to death with a cheer and a shout, or to the rattle of a -song. When the warning blast rang out, their faces flushed, -their eyes burned with a fiery glow, the hot blood sped -more swiftly through their veins--they were real live -human beings.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the other hand, it seemed to us, as we gazed from -the hill, that there were no individual Russians--only -companies, or regiments, or brigades.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a weird sight to witness one of these regiments, -compact and grey-coated, come gliding up towards the -guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">As Szondi put it, one forgot the men in watching the -movements of the machine.</p> -<p class="pnext">It advanced silently, steadily, and in one piece; it--not -they--moved faster; suddenly a curious shiver passed -through it, a curtain of smoke was spread over it, and -presently you saw the one piece, only very much smaller, -moving back again, leaving bits of grey lying here and -there, as if chipped from the mass.</p> -<p class="pnext">Farther along, another machine, similarly constructed, -was going through exactly the same performance, becoming -smaller in the same manner.</p> -<p class="pnext">One such I saw more distinctly still, having carried a -message from the general to the artillery chief just as it -approached.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fate of that regiment was so terrible that even -now I sometimes shudder at the remembrance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Like the others, it came on regularly and without -noise. The great guns at my feet roared out as if in -fright; the smoke cleared away, showing the grey mass -diminished in size, but nearer; the guns cried out again, -the smoke-cloud settled and lifted, discovering the grey -mass very much smaller, but still moving nearer, until at -length it reached the very muzzles of the guns, and -then--well, then it simply vanished!</p> -<p class="pnext">Some parts of it doubtless returned in safety, though to -me, watching from behind the cannon, it seemed as if the -whole body had been swept away.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet, although the Russians lost men so terribly, it -was plain that in the end they would be able to oust -us from our position, and our chief began to make -arrangements for the retreat. Owing to this, I saw little -more of the battle, having been sent into Waitzen by the -general.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here, while our comrades held the Muscovites back, -we were sending off the sick and wounded, provisions, -ammunition, and the troops that could be spared from the -fighting.</p> -<p class="pnext">From time to time we heard news of the combat, which -grew fiercer with every hour; yet, in spite of the most -furious assaults, the Magyars stood their ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The men must hold the field till dark," was the -order passed round to the different leaders; and Görgei -knew that, whatever happened, it would be obeyed.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the early part of the afternoon the noise of the -battle died away, but the lull was only for a time. The -uproar began again, increased in volume, and came so near -to us in the town that we thought the enemy had carried -the defences.</p> -<p class="pnext">They had indeed got to hand-to-hand fighting, being -repulsed only after a desperate encounter.</p> -<p class="pnext">How our poor fellows out there on the ridges must have -prayed for the coming of night!</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, carts and wagons were rolling through the -town and away into the mountainous country beyond.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once riding out with some special message to the general, -I found him standing with his arms behind his back and -his head bent forward, surveying the fight.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bullets were dropping around, but of these he took -no notice, though two of the staff had already been seriously -hurt.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Lucky fellow!" remarked Szondi, as I repassed him on -my way back. "You're well out of it;" and, seeing how -the general was exposing himself, I thought so too.</p> -<p class="pnext">I could not see the 9th Honveds--they were somewhere -on the left--but I earnestly hoped my two friends were safe.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once more the fury of the battle lessened. It was -growing dusk, and even had the light lasted, neither -side could have fought much longer.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russians naturally were the more fatigued, but -when the last shot was fired many of our own fellows -sank down exhausted.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet the general could grant them but small time for rest.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many, indeed, tired and hungry as they were, marched -straight off the ground. All the night through, the streets -of Waitzen echoed to the tramp of infantry, the rumbling -of baggage-wagons, the clatter of horses' feet, and the roll -of artillery.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hour after hour, while the Muscovites lay wrapped in -peaceful slumber, the sad procession filed through the town, -and daylight revealed to the astonished enemy only an -abandoned camp.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was night before I learned anything of Rakoczy; and -then, to my great joy, I discovered that both he and -Dobozy were unhurt.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our position had now become practically hopeless.</p> -<p class="pnext">The allies had joined hands in the centre of the country, -while our armies were scattered in all directions, and -completely out of touch one with the other.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bern still battled hard in Transylvania; Dembinski was -on the borders of Croatia; while we, trudging through the -lower spurs of the Carpathians, were separated from both -by over 100,000 veterans.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy and a few of his stamp still put on a brave -show, talked cheerily to their men, and prophesied that -Dembinski was about to do great things; but most of the -officers privately admitted that our final defeat was certain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Görgei himself shared this view, though it did not -prevent him from doing all in his power to avert the -calamity.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We're bound to draw the Russians after us," he said -cheerfully, "and that will take them from Dembinski's -shoulders. If only we can outmarch the Russians and -join the Pole anywhere near Debreczin, there may still be -a chance."</p> -<p class="pnext">But could we?</p> -<p class="pnext">That was a question time alone could answer.</p> -<p class="pnext">One corps was toiling hard after us through the mountains, -but what was Paskewitch doing with the rest of his army?</p> -<p class="pnext">One morning, about the fifth day of the retreat, the -general suddenly told me to go and find where the Russian -chief was, and what he was doing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The reports of the scouts are very unsatisfactory," he -said. "I can't make head or tail of them. Just find out -all you can for yourself, and catch me up at Miskolcz."</p> -<p class="pnext">Taking Mecsey Sándor with me, as he knew the country -much better than I did, I started immediately, being in a -short time out of sight and sound of the retreating army.</p> -<p class="pnext">Knowing that Paskewitch had stopped his southward -march, we concluded he would try to prevent Görgei -crossing the Theiss.</p> -<p class="pnext">My best course evidently was to ride due south, -questioning the country people as I passed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We shall learn something at Gyongyos," said Mecsey, -"and we ought to reach there by nightfall."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a dreary and disheartening journey. Of men -we saw hardly a sign; only women and children remained -in the little villages, or worked hard in the fields to save -the ripening crops from destruction.</p> -<p class="pnext">These poor people could tell me nothing of the enemy. -They only knew that their own men-folk were far away -fighting for the land of their birth, or haply already lying -at peace beneath the sod.</p> -<p class="pnext">Evening fell before we reached Gyongyos, but I resolved -to push on in the gathering darkness, although Mecsey -very much doubted if we could find the way.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the village of Kis-Palaty we learned that the Russians -were in the neighbourhood, but whether they constituted -an army or only a scouting party it was hard to tell.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here, as elsewhere, the population consisted of women -and children, and a few old men who shook their heads -sadly, and mumbled words that had no meaning.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a long talk with the most intelligent of the -women, I came to the conclusion that the enemy were -simply a cavalry detachment out scouting. Then came -the question what was best to be done.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed equally dangerous to go or stay, and I was -still turning the question over in my mind when a man -on a splendid horse galloped up to the inn door.</p> -<p class="pnext">His speech told me he was a Magyar, and by his dress -I judged him to be a servant in some nobleman's family.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first he glanced at us suspiciously; but, discovering -I was an officer in Görgei's army, he became very friendly, -and answered my questions readily enough.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You cannot venture into Gyongyos," he said. "The -town is filled with Russians. The general is there with -his principal officers, but I hear they start for Kapolna in -the morning."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Will they come this way?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The Magyar shook his head. "No," he replied; "I wish -they would. It would keep them clear of my master's estate."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Is your master with our army?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Alas, no! My sweet master is a cripple, paralyzed. -He never leaves the house. But why not ride there with -me? The count, my master, is a great patriot, and will -make you welcome."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But it might lead him into trouble."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not at all. The Russians are not likely to pay us a -visit. If they do, we can easily hide you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And Paskewitch will march that way?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Russian general? Yes; the highroad passes the -edge of the pine-wood. You had better come. The count -thinks a great deal of General Görgei, and will be delighted -to see one of his officers."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have not told me who your master is."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Count Arnim Kemeny."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, Mecsey," I said, "what do you think? Shall we -be likely to run the count into any danger?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"How? The Russians will be gone to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then if you will ride on," I said to the servant, "we -will follow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"In one minute. I have a little business to transact -first," and making a respectful bow, he went into the house.</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right, Mecsey?" I asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">My servant tapped his pistol significantly. "I'm sorry -for our friend if it isn't," he answered.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the count's man came out again it was quite -dark, and we had some difficulty in following him over the -execrable roads. It was even worse when, leaving the -highway, he struck across country; but after a couple of -hours' hard riding we arrived at his master's residence.</p> -<p class="pnext">We rode into the courtyard amidst the barking of -numerous dogs; but the servant silenced them, and several -men came running quickly to take charge of our horses.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then our guide led the way to the front of the house, -and ushered us into a small room which served as an ante-chamber.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I go to inform my mistress," he said, and in two or -three minutes there entered the room one of the loveliest -women in Hungary. She was a brunette, with a -complexion so clear that the warm blood could be seen beneath -the delicate skin. Her hair was beautifully wavy, her -eyes were large and shaded with long, silky lashes, her lips -red as a rose, her teeth glistened like pearls.</p> -<p class="pnext">She greeted me with ease and graciousness, and I knew -in a moment that the welcome was a genuine one.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I must apologize for my husband," she said sweetly. -"He is, alas! an invalid, and I must welcome the guests of -the house."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is I who should apologize for thus intruding," I -replied, "but that I see it will not be necessary. I am -George Botskay, a captain in the army commanded by -General Görgei. This is my servant, and we are in the -neighbourhood on special duty."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Exactly," said my hostess, "and you must be in need -of refreshment. Supper is almost ready, and meanwhile -you would like to go to your room."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey was now handed over to the care of our guide, -and a servant conducted me to a bedroom, where I was -able to make myself more presentable.</p> -<p class="pnext">The house was a one-storied building, very similar to -my own at Gyula--built on much the same plan, but -rather more extensive.</p> -<p class="pnext">After I had washed and dressed, a servant showed me -to the dining-room--a fine, spacious apartment, the walls -of which were hung with pictures painted by Hungarian -artists.</p> -<p class="pnext">As before, the countess stepped forward, smiling, and -led me to her husband.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Arnim dear," said she sweetly, "this is Captain Botskay, -whom a lucky chance has sent us as a guest."</p> -<p class="pnext">While she spoke, I gazed with the deepest emotion at -the count.</p> -<p class="pnext">He partly sat, partly reclined in a wheeled chair drawn -close to the table.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a wonderfully handsome and athletic-looking -man, with a massive, well-shaped head firmly set on broad, -sturdy shoulders. His face was frank and open, his eyes -smiled, though with a suggestion of sadness, his mouth was -firm, his chin square and determined.</p> -<p class="pnext">I pictured him charging at the head of a squadron of -horse, and thought what a magnificent cavalry leader he -would make. As it happened, the poor fellow could not -cross the room, could not put foot to the ground, could not -move a single muscle of his legs; from the waist -downwards he was practically dead. Yet he made no moan, -no complaint, but once, and then it was to regret that his -infirmity prevented him from joining Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Forgive my apparent lack of courtesy, Captain Botskay," -said he; "but I am somewhat of an invalid, and my wife -kindly does the honours of the house in my stead."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I shall not readily forget madam's kindness," I replied.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nay," answered the countess, "it is we who are your -debtors, since you will be able to tell my husband the -truth about the war; but first we will have supper," and -she rang the bell.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was certainly very hungry, and did ample justice to -the good things placed before me, while the pleasure was -heightened by the appearance of the table with its cloth -of snowy whiteness, beautifully-cut glasses, nicely-chased -silver, and tastefully-arranged flowers.</p> -<p class="pnext">This was unusual experience for a soldier in Görgei's -army while on active service.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was delightful also to watch how fondly my hostess -waited on her crippled husband, how swift she was to -anticipate his wants, how lovingly she performed every -little service--every action showing how thoroughly the -invalid was centered in her heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, when we rose from the table, it was her hand that -guided his chair into the drawing-room; her pretty fingers -that made him comfortable; her eyes that looked lovingly -into his, questioning if there was aught else that could be -done for him.</p> -<p class="pnext">On his part, the count worshipped this beautiful woman -who thought only of him. His eyes followed her -everywhere; and when, drawing forward a cosy chair, she sat -down beside him, his face lit up with a smile of sweet -content.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of course I was pleased to find the count was of my -way of thinking, and had no sympathy with the republican party.</p> -<p class="pnext">He listened with the greatest interest to the story of the -campaign, and asked several questions which showed he -was not ignorant of military matters.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei has made a wonderful fight of it," he remarked; -"but, in my opinion, he can do very little more. This -Field-Marshal Paskewitch is a clever general, and, from -what I hear, he has an overwhelming number of men."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is what I wish to find out. Your man tells me -they will be en route again to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Nicholas is generally right, and in that case you will -have a fine chance of obtaining your information with -little risk. A quarter of a mile away the wood stretches -right down to the main road. The trees are close together, -and just now, of course, are in full leaf. One in particular, -which we generally speak of as the Eagle's Nest, would -afford you fine shelter, and from it you could see everything -which passed. It will be a tedious affair, but--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh, that's nothing!" I exclaimed quickly. "The only -thing I'm afraid of is a chance visit of the enemy to you. -My horse would tell tales, and there is my man to be considered."</p> -<p class="pnext">The count looked at his wife and smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Do not fear for us," said she. "We have hiding-places -here that would not be discovered even if they burned the -house down."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The trappings of the horses can be put in one of these," -added the count, "and in case of danger we can put your -servant there as well."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But if they find me in the Eagle's Nest?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"They will shoot you and ask no questions, so I hope -you'll not be discovered."</p> -<p class="pnext">After a little further conversation it was arranged that -my host's servant should call me at daybreak, and take -me to the Eagle's Nest before the Russians began their -march.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey was to remain at the house, as he could not be -of any use in the tree, and might possibly do harm by -attracting attention.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having settled this matter, we sat chatting another -hour, when my host said pleasantly, "Captain, I am going -to play the commanding officer and order you to bed. As -it is, you will have a short rest, while there is a heavy -day's work in front of you. Of course, if I considered -myself only, I should wish the pleasure of your company -half the night."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's very kind of you," I answered, "and really I would -rather sit here and talk, but I might feel drowsy to-morrow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And we do not wish you to fall out of the Eagle's -Nest," said my hostess merrily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I fear the general would obtain little information from -me afterwards."</p> -<p class="pnext">Bidding them good-night, I went to my room, and once -more enjoyed the luxury of lying down in a real bed.</p> -<p class="pnext">As the count had observed, there was not much time -for sleep, and a portion of that I wasted thinking of my -host's terrible affliction and his wife's goodness.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, too, I wondered how the next day's adventure -would turn out, and whether Görgei had been forced to -stand at bay again.</p> -<p class="pnext">At length my brain ceased working, and I fell into a -sound sleep.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="nearly-captured">CHAPTER XX.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">NEARLY CAPTURED.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">I seemed to have slept scarcely five minutes when a -knocking at the door wakened me, and I rubbed my -eyes dreamily.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Nicholas, with the information that breakfast was -ready; so, jumping out of bed, I quickly washed and -dressed.</p> -<p class="pnext">In spite of the early hour, the countess had risen to see -that I had a comfortable meal, and to wish me success in -my enterprise.</p> -<p class="pnext">While I ate she superintended the packing of a wallet -which was to bear me company to the Eagle's Nest, and -for which, later in the day, I felt very grateful.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a hearty breakfast I thanked my kind hostess -again, and promising, if all went well, to return at dusk, -joined Nicholas, who had slung the wallet over his shoulder.</p> -<p class="pnext">The faithful Mecsey was waiting in one of the rooms -through which we passed, and he begged very hard to go -with me.</p> -<p class="pnext">I would have taken him gladly, but he could do no good. -There was no question of fighting or even of strategy. I -had simply to sit in a tree and watch.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nothing could save me if the Russians discovered I was -there; if they did not, I was perfectly safe.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey was shrewd enough to see the reasonableness of -this, but he had attached himself so strongly to my fortunes -that he hated the idea of my going into possible danger -alone.</p> -<p class="pnext">He yielded at last, however, kissed my hand, and stood -on the top of the steps gazing mournfully at me as I -trudged off with Nicholas.</p> -<p class="pnext">The new day was breaking gloriously as we entered the -wood; hundreds of songsters carolled gaily, and the -undergrowth was alive with game.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your master has plenty of shooting," I remarked to my -companion.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ah!" replied he, with a wise shake of the head, "the -count has been a mighty hunter. But we must hurry; it -will be broad daylight soon, and you must be in the Nest -before then."</p> -<p class="pnext">Accordingly we walked faster, Nicholas leading me by -tracks well known to him and the rest of the count's -household.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last he stopped and, pointing to a giant tree, -exclaimed, "There is the Eagle's Nest! Near the top you -will find a snug sitting-place formed by the branches, which -will give you a splendid view of the highroad."</p> -<p class="pnext">He took off the wallet, strapped it on my back, and -waited to see me climb the tree.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had done little climbing for years, and the unusual -exercise made my muscles ache; but I had not altogether -lost my old skill, and gradually mounted to the spot which -Nicholas had described. Perhaps it was a trifle less -comfortable than his memory pictured, but in one matter at -any rate he had been right--there was a splendid view of -the route the Russians must take if they were trying -to prevent Görgei from crossing the Theiss.</p> -<p class="pnext">I removed the wallet, and fastened it carefully to one of -the branches; then I took out the notebook which Count -Kemeny had provided, and waited.</p> -<p class="pnext">An hour passed uneventfully, and then in the west there -rose up a cloud of dust, which swept towards me at a rapid -pace.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a body of cavalry--Cossack irregulars, by the -look of them--mounted on shaggy, little horses and armed -with long lances.</p> -<p class="pnext">I caught a glimpse as they dashed up, a fuller one as -they passed beneath me; then the sand-cloud swept on to -the east, and the van of the Russian army vanished in the -distance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Those rough, uncouth riders formed the head of a -procession that occupied all the day in filing past.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a splendid spectacle, but my eyes grew tired of -gazing at it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Provision-wagons, baggage, ammunition, and stores were -followed by field-guns, large masses of infantry, hussars, -lancers, and dragoons; then more guns, wagons, -foot-soldiers, and cavalry in what promised to be an -interminable succession.</p> -<p class="pnext">As they passed I calculated their numbers, making my -entries accordingly; while, about noon, a sudden stoppage -of the procession gave me a capital opportunity of -investigating the interior of the wallet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The halt lasted two hours, when the march began again, -and evening had fallen before the last stragglers went by.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then I put away my notebook, strapped the empty -wallet to my back, and prepared to descend.</p> -<p class="pnext">I moved very slowly and with the utmost caution, as my -limbs were terribly cramped, and I was half afraid of -missing my footing and slipping to the bottom.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, I succeeded, and found Nicholas ready to pilot -me back to the house.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Your master has not been troubled by the Russians?" -I asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A friendly visit from half a dozen officers," replied he; -"nothing more."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And Mecsey Sándor?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Kept in the background while they stayed."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey ran out from the courtyard at my approach to -make sure I had returned unhurt; but once certain of that, -he became stolid as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Get the horses saddled," I said, before entering the -house. "We shall start soon."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not to-night, captain, surely?" cried my hostess, whom -I had not noticed standing on the steps. "The count will -be so disappointed. He has reckoned so much on your -company this evening."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And I would very much like to stay; but in a matter -of duty a soldier has no choice."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is what Arnim feared you would say. However, -you cannot go until after dinner."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's rather a queer way of entertaining one's guest," -laughed the count as we entered--"to set him on a perch -all day long. I hope you have not suffered martyrdom in -vain?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No. Thanks to your kindness, I can take the general -the fullest particulars of the enemy's force."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And Captain Botskay wishes to go at once," said my -hostess.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count sighed. "We must not keep him," he said. -"His information may be of the utmost importance to the -general. But you will dine before going, captain, will -you not?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Now to this I readily consented, as it gave me a little -further time with my host, for whom I was beginning to -feel a warm friendship.</p> -<p class="pnext">After dinner I sat half an hour longer, while Mecsey got -the horses ready, and then I was reluctantly compelled to -say farewell.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take care of yourself," said the count, "and come and -see us whenever you have a chance. We are rather lonely -here."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good-bye, Captain Botskay," said his wife; "and I hope -sincerely that no harm will come to you in this cruel war."</p> -<p class="pnext">I promised to visit them again should opportunity arise, -and, with a last hand-shake, joined Mecsey, who had the -horses ready.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nicholas, too, came to guide us a few miles on the -road, and amidst the cheers of the domestics the three of us -set off.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey and Nicholas were good company for each other. -I rode a short distance behind them, wondering if I should -find Görgei in time for my information to be of use.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night was fine, calm, and still. There was no moon, -but the stars glittered in myriads overhead, serving to show -the route.</p> -<p class="pnext">In those days our best roads were shocking to a stranger, -but the cuts across country were simply abominable.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several times that night I escaped a nasty--perhaps -fatal--accident solely through the intelligence of my horse.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having accompanied us five or six miles, and given -Mecsey full directions as to the way, Nicholas pulled up, -wished us farewell, and started for home.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's dreadfully afraid of leaving the count long at a -time," said Mecsey. "He looks on himself as a sort of -bodyguard."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He's evidently an affectionate and faithful servant. -Now, if you know the road, we'll go a little faster. The -horses have had a splendid rest and plenty of corn; they -ought to carry us well."</p> -<p class="pnext">Of course there was always the danger of falling in with -a detachment of the enemy's troops, but I thought this less -likely to happen at night than in the daytime.</p> -<p class="pnext">From his own knowledge of the district, and helped by -some directions from Nicholas, Mecsey found the way with -little difficulty, and for several hours we rode at a brisk -pace over a broad plain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thanks to the kindness of the beautiful countess, we had -plenty of provisions for man and beast, and about six o'clock -we stopped for rest and breakfast.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time I was so tired that my eyes would hardly -stay open, and Mecsey pressed me to have an hour's sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We shall save time in the end," he urged. "The animals -will be fresher for an hour's rest; in fact, they won't travel -much farther without."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And what about yourself?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I had a long sleep yesterday."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then keep a good lookout for the enemy, give the -horses a feed, and call me in an hour."</p> -<p class="pnext">I lay down, drew my cloak round me, and lost consciousness -almost before my head touched the ground.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey wakened me, according to promise; we then -ate a hurried breakfast, and started again, now in broad -daylight.</p> -<p class="pnext">The brief halt had done me a world of good. I was -much brighter, and felt capable of riding all day.</p> -<p class="pnext">As it chanced, however, the Russians did not give me the -opportunity of trying.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had left the great plain and entered a mountainous -district when Mecsey, who was in front, suddenly stopped -his horse and held up a finger in warning.</p> -<p class="pnext">"What is it?" I asked in a whisper, getting close to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Soldiers!" he answered promptly. "Russians!"</p> -<p class="pnext">We were half-way through a narrow gorge, with huge -limestone cliffs on either side of us, and with no way of -escape but by going straight on or turning back.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey's sharp ears had detected the noise made by the -soldiers before they were in sight.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They are behind us," I said quietly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And on our right. There must be a regiment."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, there's no going back, so we must keep straight -on. If once we get out of the gorge they can whistle -for us."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey shook his head, saying, "We can try."</p> -<p class="pnext">This did not sound very promising; but Mecsey, though -brave as a lion, was not the most cheerful of men.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let us go," I said. "It's our only chance."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russian leader, unfortunately for us, was a man -who knew his business; and, before the main body of his -troops marched through the gorge, he had sent a detachment -along the cliffs in search of a possible ambuscade.</p> -<p class="pnext">A loud shout and the discharge of many muskets -proclaimed that we were discovered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Push on!" I exclaimed. "We must get through somehow."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a poor place for fast travelling, but we went -as rapidly as our horses could take us.</p> -<p class="pnext">The shouts from the cliffs were now repeated in our rear, -and several bullets whistled unpleasantly about our ears.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still we kept going until Mecsey came in sight of the -outlet from the gorge; then he pulled up once more with -a gesture of despair.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was little need for questioning or speech of any -kind; a body of grey-coated infantry was drawn across the -narrow exit.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just for one moment I thought of making a dash at -these stolid warriors and trying to cut my way through; -but I had sufficient sense left to recognize the madness of -the scheme.</p> -<p class="pnext">Without speaking, we turned and rode back in our tracks.</p> -<p class="pnext">We could now see the head of the column approaching, -and I felt like a rat in a trap.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russians, understanding how completely we were in -their power, treated the matter as a rich joke, and the men -on the cliffs stopped firing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Let me have the book for the general," said Mecsey, -"and I will try to escape. If you surrender they won't -harm you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But what can you do?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Leave the horse and try to scale the cliffs."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right. We'll both try. I mean Görgei to have -that list. Swing yourself off. Now!"</p> -<p class="pnext">I did not like abandoning the gallant animal that had -carried me through so many dangers, but there was no -help for it; and, indeed, I had little time to spend in -regrets.</p> -<p class="pnext">Directly the Russians saw our plan, those on the opposite -cliffs discharged their muskets, while the head of the column -quickened its pace.</p> -<p class="pnext">Whiz! whiz! came the bullets, singing overhead or -chipping the rocks beside us--much too near in either case -for comfort.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first we managed to dodge them pretty well behind -the boulders, but we should soon have to move out into a -more exposed position, and it did not require an extra -amount of brains to foretell what would happen then.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, we were having a try for our lives, and that -was more satisfactory than sitting still to be killed; but -we were rapidly approaching the end of our tether.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men on the opposite cliffs could not fire now for -fear of hurting their comrades, who came after us in full -cry for all the world like dogs on the track of a boar.</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly Mecsey's foot slipped and he fell, but he was -up again in an instant.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hurt?" I asked anxiously.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's nothing," he said--"nothing. Look! Look just -above us! There is a hole in the rocks. If we could get -inside there we might hide."</p> -<p class="pnext">I did look, and saw a huge fissure in the cliffs several -yards in length and about six feet in depth.</p> -<p class="pnext">Certainly it might help us, but I hardly thought so.</p> -<p class="pnext">The soldiers would see us enter, and would follow. It -was not as if they numbered only a half-dozen or so.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still, it might be worth trying for; and we pushed on -recklessly, running, climbing, jumping, scrambling--any -fashion, so as to get there.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russians had been shouting and jabbering behind -us, and it was much easier to understand the meaning of -the bullets than of the words; but now the noise stopped, -and a strong, clear voice shouted in German,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Surrender yourselves! I pledge my word that you -shall not be hurt."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Come, captain," cried Mecsey, who did not understand -this offer; "here we are. In you go. It's dark at first, -but you'll soon get used to it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"For the last time," cried the Russian officer; "will you -surrender?"</p> -<p class="pnext">We were inside the cavern now, but I showed myself -at the mouth and asked for five minutes' grace.</p> -<p class="pnext">For myself there was but one course open--to return -to Görgei. Death alone could absolve me from that duty; -but there was no need to sacrifice my trusty servant.</p> -<p class="pnext">Accordingly, I told him of the Russian's offer, and urged -him to accept it.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You will save your life," I said, "and there is really -no sense in your getting killed. Let me tell the Russian -officer that you surrender."</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey looked at me proudly. "I am a Magyar," he -said, as if that settled the question.</p> -<p class="pnext">And it did with me.</p> -<p class="pnext">I urged him no more, but turned again to the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">They, meanwhile, by command of their leader, had -halted, and were gazing at us curiously. It seemed -strange to them to be called off their prey at the moment -of running it to earth.</p> -<p class="pnext">The officer was well in advance, and I saw by his face -that he would gladly save our lives.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You will surrender?" he questioned; but I shook my -head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is stupid. You cannot escape. I shall send my -men in there, and you will be-- Ach! what folly!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Many thanks for your offer," I said lightly, "but we -must refuse. Now you are at liberty to fire," and I sprang -back into the shadow.</p> -<p class="pnext">As far as I could judge, we were in a cavern of vast -extent, having a low roof; and I began to think that, -after all, we stood a good chance of escaping.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was hardly likely that a large body of soldiers would -be set to search long for two runaways; and, of course, -I was well aware that some of these limestone caves -extended for miles into the very heart of the mountains.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had this immense rock-chamber a second outlet?</p> -<p class="pnext">I asked myself this question as we rushed over the -damp, uneven floor, and a sharp exclamation of joy from -Mecsey answered it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just as the Russians entered, we made our exit by way -of a narrow passage, through which a stream ran.</p> -<p class="pnext">We dashed on, followed by, perhaps, twenty of the -enemy, who carried torches; the others were searching -the cavern.</p> -<p class="pnext">Gradually the passage became wider, then it contracted -once more, and finally opened into a second chamber, from -which two passages branched.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had little time for choice. The Russians, yelling -and waving their torches, were not far in our rear. -Whatever we did must be done at once.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey was for turning to the right; but I, pointing -to the stream, said, "Where that goes we can go," which -was true, but not in the sense I meant.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey nodded. It was for me to give orders, for him -to obey.</p> -<p class="pnext">We ran on, with the roar of the water in our ears, the -yell of the enemy behind us, but in front a chance of -safety.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russians had traversed the narrow passage; they -were in the second chamber. I looked back and saw -their torches, some turning to the right, but the majority, -unfortunately, keeping straight on our track.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were creeping nearer and nearer, while Mecsey -was slackening his pace.</p> -<p class="pnext">The long ride and the absence of sleep had told upon -him; he was tired; he could not keep on; surely he was -stopping--had stopped. I sprang forward to catch him -in case he fell, and my heart almost ceased beating.</p> -<p class="pnext">The river had taken a sudden dip downwards and -disappeared. The chamber had come to an end; we were -caught.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We can kill three or four," said Mecsey quietly.</p> -<p class="pnext">At sight of us standing there the Russians set up -a yell of triumph, waving their torches wildly; but we -were not in their hands as yet.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Mecsey," I said, "do you hear me?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes, captain."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We've come to the end of our tether, and you must -give yourself up. That's not advice, but an order from -your officer. The Russians will treat you kindly; and -when you are set free, carry news of me to the general -and to Colonel Rakoczy."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where are you going, captain?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"To Görgei or to death. I don't know which."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am not to fight?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No. Put your weapons down, and mine."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russian officer must have seen this performance, as -I heard him calling off his men; and though I had not -intended to deceive him, his mistake gave me a little extra -time. This I utilized to take off my boots, a proceeding -which greatly interested Mecsey; and then the Russian -leader approached us.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have made a plucky attempt," he said in -German, "but the luck is against you. Now, you yield -yourself prisoner, and we will return together like good -friends."</p> -<p class="pnext">He was a nice fellow, that Russian officer, and I learned -later that his courage equalled his generosity.</p> -<p class="pnext">His German was far from good, but I understood him, -and smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, with a last word of farewell to Mecsey and a -friendly gesture to my courteous enemy, I jumped into -the river, which disappeared beneath the rocks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Before striking the water I had filled my lungs with -air, and it was well for me that I had done so.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was a strong swimmer, but strength could avail -nothing in this desperate venture.</p> -<p class="pnext">The waters seized and swept me along, whither I knew -not. There was a roar of thunder in my ears; my lungs -felt like bursting.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once, and to my recollection only once, my head was -above the water, and I took a good deep breath.</p> -<p class="pnext">The black flood caught me again and rushed on, -swirling and eddying, holding me helpless as an infant in its -grasp. Then, when the agony became wellnigh -insupportable, I was able to breathe again, and, to my -astonishment, saw the blue sky above my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this I tried to smile; but all was suddenly blotted -out. Something seemed to take me under the shoulders, -to give me a push forward, and after that I lost consciousness.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-last-blow">CHAPTER XXI.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE LAST BLOW.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"What shall I do with this Russian, captain?"</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Mecsey talking, Mecsey very wet and -bedraggled, but prompt and soldier-like.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Russian!" I echoed, sitting up. "What Russian?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey pointed to a half-drowned figure at his feet, and -I recognized the officer who had led the pursuit in the -caverns.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He followed us, then?" said I, in a tone of wonder, -for I had not dreamed of any one being foolhardy enough -to jump after me into that horrible pit.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We came together," replied Mecsey, nearly laughing. -"He leaped at my throat as I went over the side, and -only loosened his hold when we shot out from the -mountain."</p> -<p class="pnext">My faithful follower now helped me to rise, and -once fairly on my feet, I felt very little the worse for -the adventure.</p> -<p class="pnext">With the Russian, however, things had gone much -worse, and it took us the best part of half an hour to -restore him.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was very weak and dazed, but sensible; and pointing -to his jacket, said, "Vodka."</p> -<p class="pnext">I nodded in answer, and searching his pockets discovered -a flask filled with spirits, of which he swallowed a mouthful, -and by signs intimated that we should do the same.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was fiery stuff, and took away my breath; but Mecsey -appeared to relish it, though it was very unusual for -him to drink anything half so strong.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the liquor was warming, and I thought it -would be well, while its effect lasted, to take our new -companion on with us, believing that the exercise would -the better restore his circulation.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first he leaned all his weight upon us, but gradually -his steps became firmer, and before long he walked with -very little assistance. Still, it was evident he could not go -far, and this made the situation awkward.</p> -<p class="pnext">Travelling at his pace I should not reach Görgei for -days, when my information would be useless; yet I could -not leave the brave fellow utterly alone in a strange land, -where he would be far more likely to meet with enemies -than friends.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey must stay with him. I could see no solution -but that, and yet I had depended on Mecsey to guide me -to Miskolcz.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, it had to be done; and at the first halt I -explained the matter to the Russian.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is very kind of you to think of me at all," he said. -"I am grateful."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You seemed so very anxious for my society," I said, -laughing, "that I am bound to take an interest in you; -but, seriously, my man will remain to look after you. He -is an honest fellow, and to be trusted. Of course, there is -a chance of falling in with your own people. In that -case, I trust you to do everything in your power to set -him free."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I promise that willingly."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then I will say good-bye; it is possible we may not -meet again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I hope we shall, if only that I may have the chance -to return your kindness. Will you not tell me your -name?</p> -<p class="pnext">"George Botskay."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And mine is Michael Popkoff."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I shall remember it; but now I must go. I am on -special service; and since you have deprived me of my -horse, I must do the journey on foot."</p> -<p class="pnext">He laughed at that, and we parted very good friends.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey, of course, disliked the arrangement; but, as -the only alternative was to leave the Russian to die, he -loyally accepted the inevitable.</p> -<p class="pnext">I left them there on the lonely mountain side, and set -off resolutely with my face towards Miskolcz.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey believed this mountain stream which had so -nearly cost us our lives flowed into the Sajo River; if so, -I had but to walk along its bank--unless, indeed, it took -another subterranean excursion, when it would lose my -company.</p> -<p class="pnext">It proceeded now with a rush and a rattle towards the -plain, and its rocky course reminded me of my shoeless -feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">For a staff officer, I was in a pretty plight. My cap, -of course, had gone; my feet were bare; I had flung off -my attila with my weapons; and I was wringing wet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The notebook was a mass of pulp, and so entirely useless -that I threw it into the stream; but I had previously -committed the most important facts to memory, so that -its loss mattered little.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then my thoughts wandered to Mecsey and his -companion, and I could not help laughing.</p> -<p class="pnext">My servant knew not a word of any language save -Magyar; his companion, in addition to Russian, could only -speak bad German, and I wondered how they would -get on.</p> -<p class="pnext">The ludicrousness of their position kept me merry for -a long time; and when the stream, leaving the mountains -behind, debouched into an open plain, the journey became -much pleasanter.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was now growing desperately hungry, but even in this -matter good fortune stood by me, as I had the luck to -stumble against a zingari encampment.</p> -<p class="pnext">The gipsies were wretchedly poor, their tents were -patched and dirty, they themselves were clothed in rags -and tatters, but they had a fire and a big round pot with -something savoury in it.</p> -<p class="pnext">They did not wish to share their meal with me, and -warned me off with scowling looks and surly words; but -I was far too hungry to be got rid of so easily.</p> -<p class="pnext">If they would not give me a dinner, I would buy one; -and after a good deal of angry squabbling we made a -bargain.</p> -<p class="pnext">The wrinkled old dame in charge of the cooking -operations ladled out enough of the hot stew to fill a huge -platter, in exchange for which I gave the head man of the -party my gold-braided jacket.</p> -<p class="pnext">Elsewhere it would have been a dear dinner, but under -the circumstances I was quite content.</p> -<p class="pnext">In addition, they told me that by following the stream -I should certainly come up with the army before -nightfall, which was very cheering news.</p> -<p class="pnext">These poor folk were often on the verge of starvation -themselves, and they showed no surprise at the ravenous -way in which I gobbled up the plateful of food.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men sat about lazily and smoked; the women -continued their labours; the naked children played their -uncouth games without even a glance in my direction.</p> -<p class="pnext">When the plate was empty, I rose to go, and no one -even took the trouble to say good-day.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Lucky that Görgei is so near," I thought, "if every -meal is to cost me a garment," for I was now reduced to -a shirt and pair of trousers.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the hot food had set me up, and I walked -rapidly, keeping a sharp lookout for any signs of my -friends.</p> -<p class="pnext">Afternoon had passed into evening, and darkness was -falling, when an alert "Who goes there?" in Hungarian -brought me to a halt.</p> -<p class="pnext">"A friend," I answered promptly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Advance, friend, and give the countersign."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pass the word for your officer," I said. "I am -Captain Botskay of General Görgei's staff."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Stand quite still. If you move an inch I'll shoot you."</p> -<p class="pnext">I could not see the speaker, but his voice told me he -was a man of his word, so I stood still.</p> -<p class="pnext">Presently I heard the clatter of hoofs, and in a few -minutes a party of horsemen rode up.</p> -<p class="pnext">I guessed at once that the general was visiting the -outposts, and it was no surprise to hear him calling, "Botskay, -where are you? Come this way!--Bring a torch, some -one. Quick!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The light showed my strange attire, and the general, in -spite of his genuine distress, could not forego his joke.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach, Botskay!" cried he good-humouredly, "I'm -afraid we've disturbed you. Just going to bed, eh? Here, -take this," and removing the bunda which lay across his -saddle, he threw it over my shoulders.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thanks, general," I replied gratefully. "That feels -more comfortable."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you brought any information? Yes?--Szondi, -lend Botskay your horse. He can tell me his news as we -go back."</p> -<p class="pnext">My brother-officer jumped down at once, and I mounted -in his stead.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now," said Görgei, as he and I rode in advance, "what -have you learned?"</p> -<p class="pnext">In reply I related how I had watched the march of the -Russian army, and gave him the approximate numbers of -their men, horses, and guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">He listened very attentively, put numerous questions, -most of which I was able to answer, and appeared exceedingly -thoughtful.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, well," he at last exclaimed, "we must do our -best; but unless Dembinski joins us from the south, I -don't see how we're to escape. Other three weeks, my -boy, will see the end of it."</p> -<p class="pnext">It was perfectly plain that the general's common-sense -prevented him from hoping any longer, but he kept his -knowledge to himself; and when, later on, we gathered -round his table for an hour, he was the life and soul of -the party.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortunately, my personal effects were in the camp, -so that I was able to join the others properly dressed, -though, of course, I had to endure much good-humoured -raillery.</p> -<p class="pnext">After supper we lingered for a half-hour's chat, and the -general asked me to relate the story of my personal -adventures.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the part where we abandoned the horses, Görgei -exclaimed laughingly, "Now we are on the track, gentlemen. -It seems to me that our friend has been hunted by -wolves. First, he sacrifices the animals; then he empties -his pistols; next, his servant gives up his life; then, -one by one, he discards his garments to the ravening -pack."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's the wrong time of year for wolves, general."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach, so it is. Well, go on, Botskay. We're all -wondering what it means."</p> -<p class="pnext">As the story unfolded bit by bit, the fellows craned -forward eagerly, being loud in their applause when I told -how Mecsey and Popkoff followed me into the dark waters.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That Mecsey is a servant worth having," said Görgei; -"and the Russian proved a very plucky fellow."</p> -<p class="pnext">"His men showed the white feather, though," growled -Mizvy, who always fastened on the seamy side of things.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I think I should have done the same," cried Szondi, -with a laugh. "This underground travelling isn't much -to my liking."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Some of these Muscovites would have been none the -worse for a good bath," chimed in another fellow.</p> -<p class="pnext">"But Mecsey Sándor and the Russian--what became of -them?" inquired the general.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh, Mecsey saved my life;" and I told how the -trusty fellow had dragged both Popkoff and myself from -the river.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the idea of Mecsey and the Russian, neither of whom -understood a word the other said, being left together, -they all laughed heartily, being no less amused at my -method of procuring a dinner.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, in spite of their fun, I knew they were very -pleased at my safe return; and the general's "Well done, -Botskay!" as I left his tent, was ample reward for what -I had gone through.</p> -<p class="pnext">Early the next morning we were again in retreat, and -on the twenty-fifth of July crossed the Theiss at Poroszlo, -after a sharp engagement with the Russian advanced -guard, commanded by Prince Gortschakoff.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey had not yet returned, but his absence did not -alarm me, as Colonel Popkoff was not in a condition to -travel very fast.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the retreat I had seen Rakoczy several times, -and also Dobozy, who had recently been made major.</p> -<p class="pnext">The former retained his joyous spirits, came up with a -cheery smile after each misfortune, and professed to believe -that before long we should gain a tremendous victory, and -drive both Austrians and Russians out of the country.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this was only for outside consumption, but Dobozy -assured me that the colonel really had not the slightest -hope of success. In fact, a general depression settled down -on the army. The soldiers began to grumble and to ask why -they were fighting. The old grievance broke out afresh, -and men said openly it was a folly to sacrifice their lives -for a cause in which they had no part.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were not republicans, and if Görgei had had a free -hand, all they wanted would have been granted long before.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still, they trusted implicitly in their great leader, and if -he told them to fight on, why, fight they would.</p> -<p class="pnext">Occasionally we heard accounts of Bern's gallant exploits -in Transylvania, where in the face of heavy odds he -astounded his opponents both by his daring bravery and -his military skill.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet we all felt that, whatever the result of the campaign -in that quarter, it could have little effect on the real -struggle.</p> -<p class="pnext">If we could join our forces with those of Dembinski, -there remained a chance of striking at the Austrian and -Russian armies separately, but it was as difficult to join the -Pole as to avoid the enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, Görgei persevered, and, leaving Nagy Sándor -to cover the approach to Debreczin with 18,000 men, -continued his march, hoping by a wide circuit to deceive the -Russians and reach the fortress of Arad.</p> -<p class="pnext">There, if anywhere, we should be joined by Dembinski; -and if he could not or would not meet us, we could either -surrender or die where we stood.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was, if I remember rightly, on the fourth morning -after leaving the Theiss that the general sent me back in -hot haste with a note for Nagy Sándor.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Another journey, Botskay?" cried Szondi, as I rode -past. "Don't forget to bring your clothes back this time."</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a hearty laugh at this from his comrades, and -one said it would be easy to track me, were I missing, by -looking for my abandoned garments.</p> -<p class="pnext">Indeed many years went by before I heard the last of -that unlucky incident.</p> -<p class="pnext">I answered their chaff in the same strain, and rode off -in good spirits, though sorry that the trusty Mecsey was -not with me.</p> -<p class="pnext">Everything went well on the journey. There was no -likelihood of meeting with the Russians, and my worst -enemies were the bad roads.</p> -<p class="pnext">At night I slept three or four hours in a peasant's hut, -entering Debreczin about noon next day.</p> -<p class="pnext">The city was in the greatest uproar. The people -crowded the streets talking excitedly, and the word -"Russians" was on the tongue of every speaker.</p> -<p class="pnext">Being fairly well acquainted with the district, I expected -to find Nagy Sándor posted on the sandhills about a mile -from and covering the town.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had just cleared the city when a tremendous cannonade -opened from the hills. It was Nagy Sándor's artillery -showering grape and canister upon the enemy's advanced -guard.</p> -<p class="pnext">Spurring my horse vigorously I overtook the general, -with several officers, riding to the scene of conflict.</p> -<p class="pnext">He glanced at Görgei's note, thrust it into his pocket, -told me to wait till the end of the battle, and dashed on to -the hills where he had posted his masked battery.</p> -<p class="pnext">Forty guns were belching forth canister and grape on -the advancing Russians, who appeared to be taken by -surprise.</p> -<p class="pnext">They came on, however, in dense columns; but the iron -hail was too much for them, and at last they went back -beaten, amidst the cheers of our infantry massed behind -the guns.</p> -<p class="pnext">The advantage, however, did not remain with us long. -Four heavy batteries, placed in good positions, replied -to our guns, and a short time afterwards we saw the -horse artillery galloping to the front.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The odds are too great," said the man next me -savagely. "The enemy must have forty against our -eighteen thousand, and we shall be beaten again."</p> -<p class="pnext">"We're getting well used to it," muttered his comrade, -laughing harshly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Our fellows are sticking to their guns grandly for all -that," I said; and indeed for several hours the cannonade -continued without the Russians gaining a step.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having no special duty to perform, I busied myself in -attending to the wounded, for the enemy's fire was -committing havoc in our ranks.</p> -<p class="pnext">Late in the afternoon I again found myself near the -general, who had sent off all his aides-de-camp, when I -saw a movement on our right which told me that the -battle was lost.</p> -<p class="pnext">Nagy Sándor saw it too, and his face grew black as -night.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Paskewitch has brought up his reserves," he exclaimed, -"and we have only a handful to oppose them. Well, we -must do what we can."</p> -<p class="pnext">He looked round for a messenger, and, seeing me, said, -"Botskay, ride to the rear and tell Torot to bring up -every man he has. You see that?" and he pointed to the -Russian movement on our right.</p> -<p class="pnext">I bowed, and rode off to find Torot.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two infantry divisions, supported by four field-batteries, -were preparing to attack us in our weakest place; while -far away on the right a column of infantry and a division -of cavalry were marching by a wide circuit towards the town.</p> -<p class="pnext">As for us, every man except the reserve had been -fighting for hours against overwhelming odds, and there was -not one to be spared from his place.</p> -<p class="pnext">With a heavy heart I told Torot what was happening, -and glanced disconsolately at his small body of troops.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Muscovites will swallow us up," said he cheerfully. -"However, there's the order; so off we go."</p> -<p class="pnext">I placed myself with the cavalry, and we moved out in -good order from the shelter of the hills.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the centre our guns maintained an equal conflict, but -our right was terribly weakened, and incapable of resisting -this fresh attack.</p> -<p class="pnext">The poor fellows so sadly harassed greeted us with loud -cheers, though really we could do little more than swell -the number of dead and wounded.</p> -<p class="pnext">I do not know who led the cavalry charge, but he was a -gallant fellow and deserved a better fate.</p> -<p class="pnext">The nearest battery was our goal, and few of us that -survived will ever forget that terrible ride.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was almost the last blow we were to strike in defence -of our flag, though we did not know it then.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel pointed to the battery that was dealing out -death to our comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My lads," he said simply, "it is for us to take those -guns."</p> -<p class="pnext">The men shook their swords, answering by a savage cheer.</p> -<p class="pnext">The battle had got on their nerves. They were desperate, -and cared nothing at all for the fact that three-fourths -of us were going to meet death.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the culminating point of the fight. All around -rose the roar of the guns, the cheers and groans of the -combatants, the tramp of rushing feet, the rattle of artillery.</p> -<p class="pnext">A blaze of light on the left marked where a powder -tumbrel had exploded. Yells of victory and defiance came -from the same spot, but we rode on steadily with the fixed -idea of capturing the guns in front of us.</p> -<p class="pnext">A decimated infantry regiment, going goodness knows -where, paused to cheer us; but we sped onward, gathering -speed at every stride--gathering such momentum that I -doubt if we could have stopped.</p> -<p class="pnext">The colonel was a horse's length in front, going straight -for the battery, when the first crash came.</p> -<p class="pnext">The shot tore holes through our ranks, and men shrieked -with pain; but the survivors never drew rein, and in an -instant our dead were left behind.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the second discharge the gallant colonel reeled to and -fro in his saddle; but he kept his seat, though I knew he -must be mortally wounded.</p> -<p class="pnext">Again the guns spoke, and this time both horse and man -dropped; but I took our leader's place, and still we went on -like a company of mad furies.</p> -<p class="pnext">I dared not look behind, I dared not even think. I -could only shake my sword and cry "Forward!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Then we were in the midst of the guns, slashing at the -artillerymen, who fought us till the very end.</p> -<p class="pnext">But we did what we had been sent to do, and cheered -exultingly as we emerged on the other side.</p> -<p class="pnext">Alas! that cheer was the death-knell of many.</p> -<p class="pnext">Whiz! whiz! sang the bullets as a battalion of -infantry, hitherto hidden by a depression in the ground, -sprang to their feet and poured volley after volley into us.</p> -<p class="pnext">Broken by our charge, disordered, panting, we waited a -moment irresolutely, then tried to form up and return.</p> -<p class="pnext">Only the maddest of madmen would have faced this -fresh enemy.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the horror was not yet at an end.</p> -<p class="pnext">As we rode back, a mere handful of wearied men, a -dense mass of heavy cavalry barred our path.</p> -<p class="pnext">Flight was impossible. There were but two -alternatives--surrender or death.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Magyars chose the latter, and, gripping our swords -firmly, we went straight at the grey-coated mass, and were -instantly swallowed up.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was no time for parrying of blows; we had to -take our chance, and, cutting and thrusting, try to force a -passage.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Follow me, my lads! follow me!" I shouted, as long -as my voice held out, but before the end of the fight I was -past speaking.</p> -<p class="pnext">I do not know how many of us got through. My head -was dizzy, my sight dim. I heard a babel of sounds -without being able to distinguish one, and sat my horse only -by mechanically gripping the pommel of my saddle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then a number of black figures surrounded me; and in -the midst of this, to me, phantom army I swept on into -the land of darkness.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-surrender">CHAPTER XXII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE SURRENDER.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">It seemed perfectly natural that the first face to meet -my waking senses should be that of Mecsey Sándor.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was lying on a bed in a little room, rather bare of -furniture, but scrupulously clean, and my trusty servant -stood looking at me.</p> -<p class="pnext">On seeing my open eyes, he placed himself at attention, -made a rigid military salute, and said with all seriousness, -"I am sorry to report, Captain Botskay, that the Russian -officer left in my charge has been rescued by his friends."</p> -<p class="pnext">At first I stared hard at him without understanding, -then I broke into a hearty laugh that must have done me -a world of good.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Hang the Russian officer!" I exclaimed; "tell me where -I am and how I came here."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A few miles from Debreczin," Sándor answered gravely. -"I found you in the town light-headed, charging a Russian -battery that wasn't there."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where's our army?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Sándor puckered his lips and blew; he could not have -given a more significant answer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then it's all over?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Thereabout, unless Dembinski can reach Arad. Bern's -troops have been broken into little bits at Hermanstadt, -and Dembinski has been chased out of Szegedin."</p> -<p class="pnext">I groaned at this, and closed my eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"General Klapka has done well, though," Mecsey -continued in his stolid way.</p> -<p class="pnext">I opened my eyes again, saying, "Klapka is shut up in -Comorn."</p> -<p class="pnext">"So the Austrians thought till the general taught them -better. The day you were being beaten at Debreczin he -came out of the fortress, smashed the Austrians, chased -them to Presburg, took a thousand prisoners, thirty pieces -of cannon, and enough ammunition to last him a year."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well done, Klapka!" I cried delightedly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Of course it won't make any difference in the end," -said Mecsey composedly; and his words were like a douche -of cold water.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Go away, you rascal!" I cried. "But no; tell me first -what became of Dembinski after he was driven from -Szegedin."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't know. Perhaps he's trying to join the general -at Arad."</p> -<p class="pnext">"If so, we still have a chance. Now help me to dress; -we must find our way back to the army."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not to-day," replied Mecsey, "nor to-morrow. The -next day, perhaps, if you're stronger. Just at present, -twenty miles in the saddle would leave you weaker than -a child."</p> -<p class="pnext">This was perfectly true, and I let Mecsey have his own -way.</p> -<p class="pnext">So for three days longer I lay in my comfortable bed, -waited on by Mecsey and the good woman of the house, -whose husband and two sons were in Görgei's army--at -least she hoped so.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, early in the morning of the fourth day, we set out -to ride to Arad by a circuitous route, as the main road was -barred by the Russians.</p> -<p class="pnext">The people of the villages, who freely gave us food and -shelter, were filled with strange rumours which totally -contradicted one another.</p> -<p class="pnext">At one place we heard that Kossuth was at Arad with -Görgei; at the next it was believed he had fled into -Turkey. Each man, I think, believed the report which -best fitted in with his inclination.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last we struck the trail of Görgei's army, and all our -informants agreed that the fearful forced marches had told -on the troops terribly.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were short of provisions and forage; the men -were half-starved, the horses like skeletons.</p> -<p class="pnext">This we learned from the villagers, while I knew for -certain there could be but a small supply of ammunition.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then shock followed shock in quick succession. -Dembinski, who had never tried to reach Arad at all, was -totally defeated by the Austrians under the walls of -Temesvar, which had held out against part of our forces -for one hundred and seven days.</p> -<p class="pnext">Following this came the news that Kossuth had resigned -his office and fled, leaving Görgei to act as he thought -proper.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's a good dodge," said Mecsey. "Our general's -bound to surrender unless he wants all his men slaughtered; -and then everybody will throw mud at him--call him a -traitor, very likely."</p> -<p class="pnext">I laughed at this prophecy, little dreaming how my -heart would ache at its fulfilment.</p> -<p class="pnext">Long afterwards Rakoczy told me that my servant was -far from being alone in his foresight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Many gallant officers thought the general should refuse -to be made the figure-head, now that everything was in -ruins; but Görgei was a true patriot. He thought of the -welfare of his distracted country, and manfully threw -himself into the breach.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had sacrificed everything for his countrymen; now -he was prepared to lose even their goodwill and esteem.</p> -<p class="pnext">The chance had come too late. Paskewitch, with his -two corps of veterans, was pressing on one side; General -Luders barred the way into Transylvania; Görgei's old -opponent, Schlick, at the head of the Austrian advanced -guard, was hurrying from Temesvar to hem him in, and -there was none to help.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the twelfth of August he wrote a letter to the -Russian general, offering to capitulate, and laid it before -his chief officers, who sorrowfully acknowledged that -nothing else could be done, unless they were willing to -fight a battle which would be only a massacre.</p> -<p class="pnext">These details were told me later by Rakoczy, for at the -time of their happening I was riding with Mecsey over -villanous by-roads to Arad, and only arrived on the -morning of the thirteenth of August, the date fixed for -the surrender.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey urged me to turn back at once; but although I -could do no good, I determined to proceed to Vilagos, -where the laying down of arms was to take place.</p> -<p class="pnext">As it chanced, a robe which Mecsey had procured -completely hid my uniform, and I was wearing a kalpag--a -round fur cap ornamented by a white heron's plume.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crowds of peasants swarmed in the country roads, while -people of higher degree rode on horseback or in light -latticed-side wagons to witness the mournful spectacle.</p> -<p class="pnext">And it was mournful in the extreme.</p> -<p class="pnext">To a high-spirited nation this blow was almost worse -than death.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hardly a word was spoken among all the sad company. -Women wept, strong men bowed their heads and shuffled -along like felons. Even I, who loved Görgei, felt a spasm -of indignation that he had not chosen to sacrifice his -country rather than consent to such humiliation.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet the sight of his broken army showed he could have -done nothing else.</p> -<p class="pnext">Ragged, shoeless, half-starved, without ammunition, -exhausted by hundreds of miles of terrible marching, hemmed -in on all sides by the victorious enemy, what could these -brave fellows have done?</p> -<p class="pnext">There was only one answer, which came from a woman--hardly -more than a girl, in fact--who stood near me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They should have died!" she cried passionately. "I -have a brother and a sweetheart over there, and I would -willingly have lost them to spare our country such disgrace."</p> -<p class="pnext">A murmur of applause arose from the bystanders, and -when one--an old man who had seen many years and -much sorrow--ventured to object, I thought the crowd -would have torn him in pieces.</p> -<p class="pnext">The disputes, the endless squabbles, the different aims of -the insurgents, the bitter enmity between the national -party and the republicans, were all forgotten in this sad -hour.</p> -<p class="pnext">"O land of the Magyars! land of the Magyars! that -it should ever come to this!" cried another woman in -heart-breaking accents. "I would give husband, father, -brother, sons, everything to wipe out this eternal shame -from my native land!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"And cry your eyes out for them afterwards!" -exclaimed Mecsey roughly. "What good will twenty -thousand dead men do Hungary? Let them live, woman, and -bide their time. The turn of the black and yellow dogs -will come."</p> -<p class="pnext">This plain talk would have provoked disorder; but just -then our attention was distracted by the sight of Görgei -riding alone to meet the Russian general.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was simply dressed, the only bit of colour being the -collar of gold braid attached to his brown blouse. His -heavy riding-boots reached above the knee, and he wore a -round black hat, with a waving white feather.</p> -<p class="pnext">The staff followed, conspicuous in short green attilas, -with heavy gold trimmings, and with herons' plumes in -their hats.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Russian leader, similarly accompanied, advanced -from his lines, and we watched the two generals exchange -hand-clasps.</p> -<p class="pnext">I sat my horse and gazed spellbound while they talked, -pitying the chivalrous Görgei from my heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile, the Hungarian troops were still marching to -their appointed places, while the Russian army stood in -two long lines on the plain of Vilagos.</p> -<p class="pnext">The conference between the leaders ceased; they returned -to their posts, and we waited impatiently for the end.</p> -<p class="pnext">At length all was ready. The Magyars were drawn up -in two lines opposite their Muscovite foes--the infantry in -the first, with the cavalry on the wings; the artillery in -the second.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once again Görgei and his staff rode to the front, where -the Russian generals met them.</p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 62%" id="figure-36"> -<span id="gorgei-and-his-staff-rode-to-the-front-where-the-russian-generals-met-them"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-338.jpg" /> -<div class="caption figure"> -"<em class="italics">Görgei and his staff rode to the front, where the Russian generals met them.</em>" Page 338]</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">The two leaders saluted, and then along the whole line -sounded the beating of drums.</p> -<p class="pnext">My eyes ached, my brain grew dizzy, my heart throbbed -violently as I strained forward, eagerly watching.</p> -<p class="pnext">That rolling of drums was the death-knell of all our -hopes.</p> -<p class="pnext">At its signal the Russians presented arms, proudly but -not vaingloriously, and then--</p> -<p class="pnext">There was a low wail, a cry of despair from the -spectators, an outburst of grief such as I had never heard, -shall never hear again.</p> -<p class="pnext">Strong men shook with grief, women sobbed as if their -hearts were broken, as our gallant infantry laid their -useless weapons on the ground, the cavalry on their saddles.</p> -<p class="pnext">As for me, I crouched low, hiding my face in my horse's -mane.</p> -<p class="pnext">I have known much of happiness since then, but no joy -has ever effaced the impression made on that sorrowful day.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even now, as I sit dreaming many years after the event, -the picture rises before me fresh as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">With eyes open or shut, I see as in reality the pyramids -of muskets; the cannon drawn close together, and without -gunners; the dismounted cavalry, with their swords on the -pommels of their saddles; the loved flags and standards, -that had fluttered so proudly on many battlefields, lying -in the dust.</p> -<p class="pnext">I see the glorious red, white, and green stripes dirty -and in rags, and think of the one that wraps all that -remains of my gallant brother. I see the thousands of -brave men who have fought and bled for Hungary, now -disarmed and impotent, but still undaunted even in that -hour of bitterness.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then again the rolling of drums pierces my ears, and I -see the breaking of the ranks as the men, under strong -escorts, are marched off to their various destinations.</p> -<p class="pnext">I hear, too, the first whisper, which afterwards swelled -into a loud roar, that Görgei is a traitor, and has sold his -country to the Russians. My ears burn like fire, and I -blush for my countrymen.</p> -<p class="pnext">It is not given to us to probe the secrets of the human -heart, and I was absent from my general in the latter days; -but I had marched with him, toiled with him, fought at -his side, seen him go again and again to almost certain -death, in order to rally his failing soldiers, and I judge a -man by his actions.</p> -<p class="pnext">But my dreams run away with me. I must return to -that sorrowful evening of August 13, when Mecsey, plucking -at my sleeve, brought me back to real life.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It's all over," he said brusquely; "and now that the -prey is secured, the Austrian jackal will come to pick the -bones."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Austrians will not dare," I began; but he stopped -me with a mirthless laugh.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Görgei has saved the army at the expense of the officers," -he said. "There will be a fine feast of death before long."</p> -<p class="pnext">These words added to my misery, for I thought of my -light-hearted friend Rakoczy, and wondered if he would be -counted amongst the victims.</p> -<p class="pnext">I expressed my fears to Mecsey, who promptly proposed -that we should discover where the colonel had been taken.</p> -<p class="pnext">This, however, was more easily said than done, as we -soon found.</p> -<p class="pnext">Russian troops in charge of their prisoners were marching -in all directions, and it was impossible to scan them all.</p> -<p class="pnext">We went about hither and thither, asking questions of -the crowd to little purpose; but at length we had the good -fortune to meet with a number of soldiers belonging to -the 9th Honveds, who had slipped from the ranks at the -very moment of surrender.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were all looking miserable and dejected; but one, -catching sight of me, ran up eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"From the colonel, sir," he cried joyfully; "though -neither of us ever expected I should have the luck to meet -you."</p> -<p class="pnext">He took a folded paper from his pocket, and I pounced -on it quickly. Here, no doubt, was the very information -we sought; but in this I was disappointed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The dear, unselfish fellow, indifferent to his own fate, -had used the last moments of his freedom to send me a -warning.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Look out for yourself," the note ran; "your name -alone will get you into trouble. Give Gyula [that was -my home] a wide berth till the wolves are gorged.--J.R."</p> -<p class="pnext">Not a word either of hope or fear for himself; all his -cares were for me.</p> -<p class="pnext">That was just like "John the Joyous," and my eyes were -dim as I placed the paper in my pocket.</p> -<p class="pnext">The faded characters, barely legible now, meet my eyes -as I write; for that scrap of soiled paper remains one of my -most sacred treasures, and it lies in a little golden casket -on my desk.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Have you found him, captain?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The speaker was Mecsey, and when I shook my head -sadly he immediately began to question the soldiers.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here, again, we were at fault. No one really knew -where the colonel was, some asserting he had been taken -to Gros-Wardein with Görgei, others saying he had gone -south with his regiment to Nagy Kikinda.</p> -<p class="pnext">We spent another hour in questioning various men who -had escaped from Vilagos, but could gain no news of the -colonel, though several stated positively that the 9th -Honveds had marched southward under a strong escort.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then I held council with Mecsey, and we decided to -separate, he to reconnoitre Gros-Wardein, while I followed -my old regiment. At the end of a week we were to meet -again at Arad, by which time it was likely that one of us -would have discovered my missing friend.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Good-bye, captain," said Mecsey, grasping the hand I -held out to him, "and take the colonel's advice. It's easier -to get into an Austrian prison than out of one."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right, my trusty fellow; I shall keep my eyes open, -though I'm not tall enough for the Austrians to cut down."</p> -<p class="pnext">So we parted, guessing little of the events which would -happen before we met again.</p> -<p class="pnext">Night was fast closing in by now, and in the darkness -I missed the bridge over the Maros River, which made me -lose nearly two hours, and prevented me from striking the -trail of the 9th Honveds.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, I found the bridge at last, and, crossing to -the other side, pursued my way at hap-hazard as long as -my horse could keep going; then I sat down by the -roadside and waited for the morning.</p> -<p class="pnext">At sunrise I started again, leading the animal by its -bridle, until a lucky chance brought me to a village.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a small place, containing not more than twenty -houses at the outside; but it boasted an inn, where I might -haply procure food for myself and horse.</p> -<p class="pnext">Four men dressed in peasants' clothes, but having a -distinctly military bearing, sat on the "word-bearer"--the -bench placed against the wall of most Hungarian country -houses--gossiping. At sight of my uniform (for I had -unfastened my mantle) they sprang to their feet and -approached me with bare heads.</p> -<p class="pnext">My suspicions were at once verified, and I exclaimed, -"You have done well, my lads. A free Magyar is worth -more than an imprisoned one. Only, should the Austrians -pass through, slouch your shoulders and stoop a little; you -bear the marks of the drill-sergeant too plainly."</p> -<p class="pnext">They smiled at one another, and one taking my horse led -it through the courtyard into the stable behind the inn.</p> -<p class="pnext">Another spoke my name, and though I could not remember -their features, they claimed to belong to the old -regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">He who had attended to my horse was the keeper of -the inn, which he now respectfully invited me to enter.</p> -<p class="pnext">Bidding the others come too, I questioned them concerning -their colonel, while the hostess prepared a meal.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fate was, perhaps, against me, for they could tell little -beyond what I already knew.</p> -<p class="pnext">The 9th Honveds had passed through in the night -without a halt, and all the country round was covered -with our disarmed troops marching to prison in charge of -their Russian captors.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this they told me eagerly; but as to Colonel Rakoczy -they could tell nothing.</p> -<p class="pnext">Naturally I was much disappointed; but comforting -myself with the thought that I was at least on the track of -the regiment, I made a hearty breakfast, took a look at -my horse, and having sent the men to act as sentries, lay -down for a couple of hours' sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the end of that time my host wakened me, and I -rose, greatly refreshed by the brief rest.</p> -<p class="pnext">My horse, too, was all the better for its food and grooming; -and I mounted quite gaily, having first thanked the -keeper of the inn for his kindness.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take care you don't run against the Austrians, captain," -the man answered. "From what I hear, their cavalry can't -be far off."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right, my good fellow; though they aren't likely -to interfere with me."</p> -<p class="pnext">The innkeeper shook his head. He had little faith in -the mercy of the Austrians.</p> -<p class="pnext">The other men now came to say a word in parting, and -then I rode slowly past the little gabled, whitewashed -houses, and so again into the open country.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a glorious day, and under other circumstances -I should have enjoyed the ride immensely; but my good -spirits sank at thought of Görgei's surrender, and of John -Rakoczy's personal danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">Everywhere the people whom I met or overtook were -ready to answer my questions; but the day ended -without my having seen any sign of the 9th Honveds.</p> -<p class="pnext">From time to time, however, it was told me that the -Russians were in the neighbourhood; so towards night I -went warily, not wishing to be taken prisoner.</p> -<p class="pnext">Between nine and ten o'clock I entered the street of -another village, and pulled up at the inn--the only house -that showed a light.</p> -<p class="pnext">A huge hound lying in the courtyard barked violently, -the noise bringing out several men, who eyed me with -suspicion.</p> -<p class="pnext">Inquiring in sharp tones for the landlord, I ordered him -to take my horse to the stables, and without paying any -attention to the others entered the kitchen of the inn.</p> -<p class="pnext">The men followed closely, and by the light of the -candles I was able to see the kind of company I had got -amongst.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were six of them altogether, each wearing a -cuirass and armed with a pair of pistols; while the room -was littered with sharp lances and loaded hatchets.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fellows stood looking at me with broad grins, as if -amused at my surprise; while I, on the other hand, had -more than a passing doubt as to what might be the upshot -of this adventure.</p> -<p class="pnext">It would be rather a melancholy end to my campaigning -if I were knocked on the head by these "poor lads," -as the country folk called the bandits, whose profession -my new companions evidently followed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thinking the sight of my uniform might inspire -respect, I unfastened my mantle carelessly; and, as I had -half expected, the men at once assumed a respectful -bearing.</p> -<p class="pnext">"An officer of the staff who has escaped from the -Russians!" cried one. "We must tell the chief."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Where is he?" I asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"At supper in the inner room, my master."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then tell him Captain Botskay will be pleased to bear -him company."</p> -<p class="pnext">The man knocked at the door separating the kitchen -from the next apartment, held a conversation with some -one inside, and returned to say that Batori Gabor would -be happy to give me greeting.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="count-beula-dislikes-hanging">CHAPTER XXIII.</p> -<p class="center medium pnext"><em class="italics">COUNT BEULA DISLIKES HANGING.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Batori Gabor stood at the door of the inner room, -and with the instinctive courtesy of the Magyar -bade me welcome.</p> -<p class="pnext">This famous brigand, who for years had lived an outlaw's -life, was tall and strongly built, with massive limbs -and deep, capacious chest. His face was bronzed and -rugged; his black hair hung in curls over his shoulders; -his eyes were dark, fiery, and searching.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had laid aside his steel cuirass; but a brace of -pistols peeped from his richly-ornamented girdle, and I -doubted not they were both loaded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Austrians overload me with favours," he exclaimed -laughingly. "You are the second guest I am indebted -to them for.--Count, I think you said Captain Botskay -was an acquaintance of yours?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Hitherto I had not noticed that Batori Gabor had a -companion in the room; now I saw a man in military -uniform sitting at the table.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the outlaw's words he rose, and, turning toward me, -showed the blue eyes and handsome, cynical features of -Count Beula.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is a surprise, count," I said coldly. "I thought -a clever man like yourself would by now be over the -border with Kossuth."</p> -<p class="pnext">"How strange!" he answered lightly. "I concluded you -had found refuge with Görgei's Russian friends."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yet you are both with Batori Gabor," broke in the -brigand cheerfully; "which is stranger still, since a month -ago either of you would have had him shot like a dog."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Not I, my dear Gabor," murmured Beula sweetly. "I -appreciate your courage too much."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And my knowledge of the country," added Gabor slyly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, yes. I think that may be turned to very good -account, till Haynau has grown tired of his butcher's -knife."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Which will not be soon. We are, however, keeping -Captain Botskay from his supper--an unpardonable -offence."</p> -<p class="pnext">Opening the door, he ordered an extra knife and fork. -Then he invited me to sit, saying, "The table's rather -crowded, captain; but we have all our courses laid at -once. It isn't a banquet, but you'll find it better than -black bread and bacon. Help yourself. I can recommend -the salmon, because one of my fellows caught it -this evening. I fancy the veal has done a breadth or -two of ploughing in its time; but the chicken's tender."</p> -<p class="pnext">The outlaw certainly proved a most attentive and courteous -host, and enlivened the meal by relating some of the -most humorous and inoffensive of his adventures.</p> -<p class="pnext">During the war he had turned patriot, and had really -done the enemy a great deal of mischief by cutting off -convoys and intercepting mounted messengers.</p> -<p class="pnext">After supper he went to give his orders for the night; -and I, not caring to remain alone with Count Beula, -borrowed a lantern, and strolled out to the shed which served -as a stable.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were nine or ten horses in the place, and I noticed -that saddles and bridles were all hung so that they might -readily be got at.</p> -<p class="pnext">My own animal had received an ample allowance of -food, and, after a night's rest, would, I reckoned, be in -capital trim.</p> -<p class="pnext">I might have stayed longer to get a better look at the -robbers' horses, but the big dog sniffed so longingly at my -legs that I thought it best to remove temptation from his -path.</p> -<p class="pnext">Batori Gabor returned at the same time, and one of the -band brought in some wine of a quality rarely found -outside a nobleman's house.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Been to look at your horse, captain?" he asked. -"Sensible that, seeing you may have to trust your life to -its speed.--Well, count, I think we may reckon on a quiet -night. Andras has returned, and says the Austrians are -sound asleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I should feel easier if we were twenty miles farther -on," answered the count.</p> -<p class="pnext">"So should I, for that matter; but the horses were -bound to have a long rest. Meanwhile we may as well -make ourselves comfortable.--Captain Botskay, a glass of -wine? By the way, you have not yet told us how you -come to be in this part of the country. I should fancy -this a very unhealthy spot for persons of your habits of -life," and he laughed at his little joke quite pleasantly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The tale will not take long in telling," I said. "The -general sent me to Nagy Sándor at Debreczin, where I had -a nasty knock which laid me up for several days. Then I -followed the army, arriving at Vilagos just in time to see -the surrender."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But after that?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I started for Nagy Kikinda, where they say the 9th -Honveds have been taken."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Looking for Rakoczy?" asked the count, and I nodded.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You wouldn't guess what a hero our friend is," remarked -the count to Batori Gabor. "He is actually risking -his life on the chance of finding out what has become -of John Rakoczy, colonel of the 9th Honveds."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then you're a very gallant fellow, Captain Botskay," -said the outlaw; "though I must stop you from playing -such a mad prank. Do you know that every road in -your path is barred by Austrian troops? You cannot -possibly get past them; and if you could, the journey -would be useless."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Still, I intend trying."</p> -<p class="pnext">Batori Gabor shrugged his shoulders. The count -laughed in the sneering manner which always made me -anxious to pitch him out of the window.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You must be fonder of a hempen rope than I," he said; -"but perhaps your name isn't on the proscribed list?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I don't know."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, mine is."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And mine," laughed Gabor. "It's been there for -years. It doesn't hurt me in the least. I look on it as -an honour."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Every man to his taste," said the count. "I have no -fancy to die in a hempen collar. I am no coward, but -the thought of being hanged like a dog by these Austrian -butchers puts me in a bath of perspiration."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You came pretty near it yesterday."</p> -<p class="pnext">The count shuddered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Don't," said he; "it gives me an ague fit to think of it."</p> -<p class="pnext">I pointed out that he was probably alarming himself -without reason, as the Austrians were not likely to do -more than put him in prison for a few months.</p> -<p class="pnext">Batori shook his head.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You're wrong there, captain," cried he. "The count -and I row in the same boat, and capture means death. -We are to be strung up to the nearest tree or beam -capable of bearing our weight by those who catch us. The -very notion of it puts the count into a flutter."</p> -<p class="pnext">Now I had once thought Count Beula a coward, and -had been obliged to own my mistake; yet at this talk of -Austrian vengeance his face became white, and he trembled -like a leaf. He tried to laugh it off, saying that -Görgei was in the right of it, surrendering to the Russians.</p> -<p class="pnext">"He would have done a sharper thing by slipping into -Turkey with Kossuth and his friends," I made answer.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There you are," exclaimed our bandit friend. "That's -what lost the war before it began. Two sets of leaders, -and two objects to fight for; why, it's worse than having -two captains over one band. However, it's done now, and -not worth quarrelling about. We have to save our -heads--a far more important matter."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am going to look for Colonel Rakoczy in the -morning."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Are you? Well, excuse the plain speech, captain--you're -a fool. The exercise of my profession has made -me acquainted with this part of the country, and even -I could not venture a mile southward without being -captured. The Austrians are stopping every pass and blocking -every hole; they think Kossuth is still in the district. -Why, but for me, our friend here would at this very -moment be swinging in the wind, and, at the best, we half -foundered our horses in getting him away. However, -they are recovering, and to-morrow night will see us safe. -You'd better join us, and wait your chance."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You may spare your breath," sneered Count Beula. -"He'll go his own way in the end. He comes of an -obstinate race."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, well, we'll give him the chance to ride with us," -replied Batori. "If he prefers being killed, that's his -affair. Now I'm going to sleep for an hour, and advise -you to do the same."</p> -<p class="pnext">He lay down in a corner of the room, pulled his cloak -round him, and in less than two minutes was sleeping -soundly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Behold!" exclaimed the count, laughing in his detestable -manner, "the beauty of possessing an easy conscience."</p> -<p class="pnext">I made no reply, being engaged in wrapping myself up; -and apparently no reply was expected.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count was evidently in a state of great anxiety, -and several times during our brief rest wakened me by -passing into the next room, as if he went to see that -all was right.</p> -<p class="pnext">I could not understand the man. He was so different -from the Count Beula who had displayed such gallantry -at the storming of Buda. In the breach no danger -had unnerved him; here he blenched at the hint of -it, and I attributed the difference to his dread of being -hanged.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, in spite of his restlessness, I managed at last -to fall into a sound sleep, and was dreaming that Rakoczy -and I were safe at Gyula, when some one pulled me -roughly to my feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">The candles had burned out, but the dawn was stealing -through the one little window, and by its light I -recognized Batori Gabor. His face was flushed and excited; -he had put on his cap and cuirass, had buckled on his -sword, and was equally ready to fight or fly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Quick!" cried he, not in panic, but in such tones as -you might expect from a man accustomed to carry his life -in his hands. "To the stables! The Austrians are out!"</p> -<p class="pnext">I looked for the count. He had already disappeared.</p> -<p class="pnext">Picking up my mantle, I ran into the kitchen. It was -empty, save for the frightened innkeeper and his wife, who -stood half-dressed, wringing their hands and shivering.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was rushing to the door when the man, as if in -desperation, seized a piece of rope which lay in the corner -and flung himself before me.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thinking he meant mischief, I touched my sword; but -his action was the effect of fear.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My lord," he cried, "we shall be murdered. Have -mercy, for the sake of Heaven, and bind us. Then they -will know that we harboured the 'poor lads' unwillingly."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You have a kind face, my sweet master," added the -trembling woman; "may your heart match it."</p> -<p class="pnext">I thought the proposed stratagem a clumsy one; but the -poor people were in such deadly earnest that I took the -rope and proceeded to tie the woman.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the midst of it the door was flung open violently, -and quick as thought I drew my pistol and covered the -intruder.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was the outlaw, who had come to seek me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," cried he; "of all the fools!" Then, checking -himself, he got another coil of rope and bound the -inn-keeper deftly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One makes more," said he, finishing as soon as I. -"Come on. There's no time for philanthropy. The men -are howling with impatience, and Count Beula's nearly off -his head."</p> -<p class="pnext">The band was mounted, and one of them at his leader's -command had saddled my horse.</p> -<p class="pnext">They looked a rough set with their lances and loaded -axes and lassos, which they carried before them on their -saddles.</p> -<p class="pnext">The chief sprang into his seat; I followed suit, and off -we went--Count Beula well to the fore.</p> -<p class="pnext">I looked down the road, expecting to see the Austrians; -but, thanks to Batori's sentries, we had fully two minutes' -start before they appeared.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were perhaps fifty of them, and they rode like -men secure of their prey; but our horses were fresh, and, -being all picked animals, easily increased their lead.</p> -<p class="pnext">A pistol shot or two came singing after us, but without -doing mischief, and Batori laughed derisively at the enemy's -efforts.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Take it easy, my lads," he shouted. "Those old screws -wouldn't catch us between this and Debreczin, if we -walked all the way."</p> -<p class="pnext">This, of course, was not exactly correct; but there -could be little doubt that, by putting our animals to their -utmost speed, we could shake off our pursuers at almost -any time.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even Beula noticed this, and, though his face was still -pale, he dropped back to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Another miss of the halter, count," cried the brigand -cheerfully; "you're in luck's way. But I'll tell you what -it is--you set my men a very bad example;" and I fancied -there was a note of anger in his voice.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count shook off his strange fear for a moment, -saying with some of his old jauntiness, "They are more -familiar with the noose than I."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Bah!" cried the robber in disgust; "if you had not -gained praise from Bern, I should say you were a rank -coward."</p> -<p class="pnext">"As a bandit, perhaps I am," he replied; a remark at -which Batori, instead of showing anger, only laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">That Count Beula could on occasion be brave as a lion -I already knew, and he was yet to give me another proof.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were, as I have said, distancing the cavalry in our -rear, when a loud shout proclaimed a new and more serious -danger.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians, by dividing their forces, had cleverly -placed us between two fires.</p> -<p class="pnext">A second body, instead of entering the village, had -worked round to the right, and now debouched into the -road in front of us; while their comrades, who had -purposely held their horses back, dashed up at full speed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The robber chief took in the situation at a glance.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Trapped!" said he; "and in the very worst place. -Smart fellow, that Austrian."</p> -<p class="pnext">At the certainty of a desperate fight Count Beula lost -his paleness. His face glowed with healthy excitement; -he looked round on the band of brigands as if he were -leading a regiment.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the first sight of the enemy we had, almost without -thinking, slackened our pace, and now Batori halted us -altogether.</p> -<p class="pnext">Riding to the front, he turned to his men.</p> -<p class="pnext">"My lads," said he, "we're in a hole; but it isn't the -first. You know what happens on these occasions. Those -who get out will ride with me again; those who don't--" And -he concluded with a pantomimic gesture which made -Beula shudder.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Elijen Batori!" shouted the bandits, and their leader -smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians in the rear were spurring hard; but we -took no notice of them, our attention being fixed on those -in front. Could we break them?</p> -<p class="pnext">I had taken part in more than one cavalry charge -against long odds, and to me the feat seemed impossible.</p> -<p class="pnext">Batori, however, showed little anxiety; while his men -were almost as cool as he was.</p> -<p class="pnext">Sword in hand, Count Beula took his place on the right -of the leader; I rode at his left.</p> -<p class="pnext">There were no unnecessary orders. Every man knew -he had to pierce that body of cavalry somehow, or be -hanged to the nearest tree; and if the knowledge did not -bring true courage, it at least sent every one into the fight -with a determination to get through.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bandits couched their lances, and dug their spurs -deeply into the horses' sides. Batori, who was evidently -a superb horseman, rode without using the reins, having a -sword in one hand and a loaded pistol in the other.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians bided their time; and, as we drew nearer, -it flashed into my mind that their leader, who, but for a -terrible scar across his face, would have been a handsome -man, was none other than my old opponent, Von Theyer.</p> -<p class="pnext">There was likely to be a very short shrift for me if -I fell into his hands; and, unfortunately, my uniform -rendered me conspicuous. However, I had little time to -think about what might happen; I was too much engaged -in what was happening.</p> -<p class="pnext">Count Beula struck the enemy first, and, but for a shot -from Batori's pistol, that moment would have ended his -career. I wished later it had.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crash we went into the midst of them, the long lances -boring a passage for their owners.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer made a dash at me, but was thrown back; -and we did not get within sword-arm of each other during -the fight.</p> -<p class="pnext">Still, I had ample work without troubling the Austrian -leader, as several hussars, attracted no doubt by my -uniform, made a desperate attempt to hem me in.</p> -<p class="pnext">A loud cry announced that one man had got through.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was Batori; but he dashed back into the <em class="italics">mêlée</em> in -order to rescue a wounded follower.</p> -<p class="pnext">His men, raised to the highest pitch of enthusiasm by -this sight, shook their opponents off and spurred to the -spot.</p> -<p class="pnext">A young Austrian officer--a sublieutenant, I judged--rode -at me furiously, leaving me barely time to parry -his stroke.</p> -<p class="pnext">Turning, he came again, when a terrific blow from -a loaded hatchet brought his horse to the ground--dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">The youngster scrambled to his feet and attacked his -new enemy; but the bandit pushed on to join his leader, -and I followed with Count Beula.</p> -<p class="pnext">We two were the last to leave the press, and the -Austrians were hot on our heels.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer led the van, though he had been badly -wounded, and his face was covered with blood.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now that the brunt of the fight was over, my companion -seemed again to fall under the spell of his strange -fear, being blind to everything except escaping.</p> -<p class="pnext">He spurred his horse cruelly, until the animal, maddened -by pain, darted ahead, and I was left alone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer, yards in advance of his hussars, galloped -on; and I heard him shouting, but could not distinguish -the words.</p> -<p class="pnext">Fortunately, my pistols were still loaded, and, drawing -one from the holster, I turned in my saddle and fired.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer was not hit; but his gallant horse, -staggering forward a dozen paces, reeled and fell.</p> -<p class="pnext">The hussars stayed to extricate their leader, and the -delay gave me a little breathing space.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once again I wheeled and rode on in pursuit of Count -Beula, while a shot from a carbine whistled past my -head.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two others followed in quick succession, doing no -harm--at least, that was my impression.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rather strangely though, it appeared to me that the -count was slackening speed, and soon I became certain -of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">The distance between us decreased. I was catching him -up hand over hand; the thing was amazing.</p> -<p class="pnext">I hoped at first his manhood had come back to him, and -that he waited purposely for me; but soon I recognized -the truth.</p> -<p class="pnext">One of the shots intended for me had struck his horse -in the haunches, and the poor animal, losing blood at every -stride, was growing feebler each succeeding moment.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bandits--at least those who survived--were a little -ahead of us; the pursuers were closing up again; my -companion was doomed.</p> -<p class="pnext">He knew it too. His face had become ashy grey, his -eyes were wild and staring; the Count Beula of the -breach and the battlefield had disappeared.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They will hang me, Botskay," he wailed--"hang me -like a common thief on the roadside."</p> -<p class="pnext">The terror of the hempen noose, about which Batori had -chaffed him, had affected his brain--upset his balance, so -to speak. I can give no other explanation of his strange -behaviour or of what happened immediately afterwards.</p> -<p class="pnext">Batori, looking back, waved his arm to bid us ride -faster; but Beula's horse was totally exhausted, and with -one last ineffectual stagger forward it rolled over, -entangling its rider in the reins.</p> -<p class="pnext">A shout from the Austrians greeted this downfall, and -the count's white face looked up appealingly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"They will hang me, Botskay!" he cried, and I regarded -the cry as one for help.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrians were close upon us. There was barely -time even to set him free; and what then?</p> -<p class="pnext">Was I to die because the man I hated asked an impossible thing?</p> -<p class="pnext">It was monstrous; it was out of all reason. I would -push on and save my own life. Count Beula had no claim -on me.</p> -<p class="pnext">The struggle was keen and full of bitter anguish, but it -was over in a second; the next I had slipped to the -ground and was tugging at the fallen man.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="the-end-of-count-beula">CHAPTER XXIV.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">THE END OF COUNT BEULA.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">You who have read my story know that from the very -beginning I disliked this Count Beula; and the -death of my gallant brother, which rightly or wrongly I -laid at his door, changed my dislike into downright hatred.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet throughout this narrative I have, I trust, never -shown myself unfair to him. I have told freely how Bern, -himself the most reckless of fighters, had praised his -courage, and in my account of the storming of Buda I made -no attempt to hide his gallantry. Even in this last fight -I have mentioned how bravely he rode at the Austrian -hussars, and how the glow of health had returned to his -cheeks as he bared his weapon for the fray.</p> -<p class="pnext">No, I am fully persuaded in my own mind that Count -Beula did not fear death, but only the manner of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">Leading or repelling a desperate charge, cheering his -men to the deadly breach, or hurling the enemy from the -ramparts of an assaulted town, he would have met death -cheerfully and without flinching.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here, on this lonely road, he was not even a soldier. -The Austrians regarded him merely as a plotter, an -accomplice of the conspirators in Vienna, an instigator of Count -Latour's murder, the boon companion of a brigand whose -life was forfeit even to Hungarian laws.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thus the fiat had gone forth that Count Beula, the -representative of a noble family, the head of a house -celebrated long before the days of Arpad, was to be taken and -hanged straightway like the vilest malefactor in the land.</p> -<p class="pnext">The very thought of this terrible disgrace had, as he -admitted, unnerved him; its imminent approach drove him -crazy. This, I am fully convinced, was the real reason -for his astounding conduct.</p> -<p class="pnext">The robbers were by this time too far off to render -any aid, though several glanced over their shoulders to see -what was happening. The hussars had got very close to us.</p> -<p class="pnext">My horse quivered with excitement, but did not move -while I, after several attempts, set the count free.</p> -<p class="pnext">Exactly what was to be done I had not determined, -though it occurred to me that my animal must carry -double, or that while Beula rode I must hang on by the -stirrups.</p> -<p class="pnext">In either case, no doubt, I should have been killed or -taken prisoner; but the count solved the difficulty in his -own way. He looked a strange object as he sprang to his -feet. Blood from a wound in the head trickled down his -ashy-grey cheeks; his blue eyes stared wildly; he seemed -like a man possessed, as I really believe he was.</p> -<p class="pnext">He glanced at the approaching Austrians and shuddered; -then, without a word of warning, he leaped into my saddle -and was gone.</p> -<p class="pnext">It all happened so suddenly that I stood dumfounded. -That one of my race and nation could be guilty of such -black treachery had never entered my head.</p> -<p class="pnext" id="id2">Wild, unreasoning anger succeeded stupor, and I shook -my sword at the retreating figure; then anger yielded to pity.</p> -<p class="pnext">Poor fellow! When the cloud had passed from his -mind, what would life be worth to him, even if the story -of his cowardice were never made known?</p> -<p class="pnext">What misery each recurring day would bring, as he -thought of the terrible price he had paid for his -life--manhood, honour, chivalry, all irretrievably lost in that -one mad moment!</p> -<p class="pnext">For the count's own sake I almost wished that a shot -from the enemy would bring him down.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had I been able to look into the future, the half-wish -would have changed into a whole-hearted prayer.</p> -<p class="pnext">But apparently luck was with the count. My horse, -having recovered his wind, bore him gallantly, gaining at -every stride upon the last of the robbers.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this takes long in the telling; in reality it lasted -but a little time, though to me it seemed an age.</p> -<p class="pnext">With Count Beula and my horse had vanished every -hope of escape.</p> -<p class="pnext">Flight was impossible, and how could I stand against a -hundred hussars?</p> -<p class="pnext">Then I remembered Von Theyer, and gnashed my teeth -at the thought of how he would gloat over my capture.</p> -<p class="pnext">Would he kill me? It was likely enough, since I had -been found in company with a notorious outlaw, and not -many questions are asked concerning the victims of an -unsuccessful revolution.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bandits had disappeared, and I was standing beside -the body of the count's dead horse when the leading hussars -galloped up.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer was not amongst them, I saw at a glance, -and smiled.</p> -<p class="pnext">The leader was the young sublieutenant who had -attacked me so furiously in the fight.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had mounted a fresh horse, but his sword was -sheathed, and he looked at me quite good-naturedly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You must surrender!" cried he genially. "You have -made a good fight, but the odds are against you. One -man, though a Magyar, cannot overthrow a hundred."</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke in German, and I replied in the same tongue, -giving him my sword, and acknowledging myself his -prisoner.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just then Von Theyer arrived, and with a savage scowl -exclaimed harshly,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tie that fellow up. Make sure of him, Ober, and put -him on your horse. If he gets away, you'll swing in his -place."</p> -<p class="pnext">Ober, a spare but muscular hussar, saluted respectfully, -and, helped by another fellow, tied my arms tightly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then they lifted me into the saddle; Ober sprang up -behind, and we were all galloping hard after Batori and -his men.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer was in the front again, where I could not -see his face; but the one glance had shown I need expect -no mercy from him. Even if he forgave my making -friends with the pretty Theresa, he must always hate the -author of that disfiguring scar across his cheeks.</p> -<p class="pnext">The wound had in truth spoiled his good looks for ever, -and Von Theyer had been a very handsome youth in the -days of the insurrection.</p> -<p class="pnext">The excitement of the ride, however, soon blew these -thoughts out of my head; and, as well as my cramped -position would allow, I looked eagerly for any signs of -the fugitives. Of Batori and his men we did not catch -another glimpse; but the brigand chief left us a specimen -of his handiwork on the roadside. Von Theyer was the -first to see it, and as he stopped the others did the same.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a ghastly object, and my blood ran cold at sight -of it.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the bough of the very first tree we reached -Count Beula hung lifeless.</p> -<p class="pnext">Across his breast was fastened a sheet of paper, on -which some one had written in Hungarian and German -characters the words: "Hungary has no need of cowards."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The brigand has saved us a job," exclaimed Von -Theyer. "If we catch him we'll hang him on the same -tree."</p> -<p class="pnext">Now you may be sure I had no wish to ask a favour of -Von Theyer, yet the spectacle of the hapless count -swinging there in the breeze nerved me to ask that the body -might be cut down and decently buried.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Buried!" cried Von Theyer scornfully. "Let the dog -hang. The kites will bury him fast enough when we are -gone."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are a brute!" I cried hotly, caring little in my -indignation for the consequences.</p> -<p class="pnext">He raised his hand to strike me, but dropped it again.</p> -<p class="pnext">"We will square our account later," he said, and gave -the word to trot.</p> -<p class="pnext">We rode on accordingly, but I could not drag my mind -from that dreadful place.</p> -<p class="pnext">I saw nothing of the country through which we passed. -I could only see the grey face of the dead count staring -down upon me from that primitive gallows.</p> -<p class="pnext">I never met Batori again, but one of his men years -afterwards related just how the tragedy happened.</p> -<p class="pnext">The bandits, seeing me jump down to the count's assistance -when his horse fell, and thinking my animal would -have to carry the two of us, slackened their speed, so that -we might the more easily catch them up.</p> -<p class="pnext">When Count Beula arrived by himself, and they, looking -back, saw me standing alone beside the dead horse, it was -easy to guess what had happened.</p> -<p class="pnext">The count, who was dreadfully excited, made no attempt -to hide what he had done, but explained that had the -Austrians captured him they would have hanged him on -the nearest tree.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Or beam," added Batori coolly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Tree or beam," answered the count. "That's the order -which refers to both of us."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said the brigand, with the laugh his men -dreaded to hear, "we shall have to ride a bit farther before -we find one or the other. Come on, count! I'll pledge -my word that the Austrians shall never hang you!"</p> -<p class="pnext">Count Beula, little dreaming of the inner meaning of -these words, galloped along with the band, and not -another word was spoken till they reached the first tree.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here the robber-captain called a halt, and making a -sign that some of the party should surround the count, -said to him,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"This is where the Austrians would have hung you; -but now, perhaps, they will hang Captain Botskay instead."</p> -<p class="pnext">At this Beula, discovering a little shame, replied -falteringly that they would only imprison me for a while; but -as for him, he would never have got one step past that tree.</p> -<p class="pnext">As soon as he had made an end of speaking, Batori -raised his hand. The count was seized, torn from his horse, -bound, a noose put round his neck, and he was placed -directly beneath the fatal bough.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Count Beula," cried the bandit, "you are a coward, -and Hungary has no need of cowards. You have left that -lad, who risked his life for you, to die. Now you shall -die yourself. Though the Austrians have not caught you, -you shall be hanged all the same."</p> -<p class="pnext">The unhappy man begged piteously--not for his life, but -that he might be shot.</p> -<p class="pnext">Batori, however, remained inexorable, and while the -poor wretch was still pleading gave the order. The men -pulled at the rope, and the body of Count Beula hung -swinging in the wind for the vultures and carrion crows -to devour.</p> -<p class="pnext">Thus, in the strangest way imaginable, it came to pass -that Count Beula did hang like a common criminal by the -roadside, though the Austrians were not his executioners.</p> -<p class="pnext">I pitied the poor fellow from my heart, feeling sure that -when he left me to face the enemy alone excitement had -carried him out of his right senses.</p> -<p class="pnext">As we rode from the spot I could of course only guess -at the details of the tragedy, and indeed years passed -before I met one of the actors; but the outline of it was -so bold and clear that no one could mistake the general -drift of the story, especially with Batori's sign-manual to -help.</p> -<p class="pnext">It gladdened me in after years to learn that the -unfortunate count did not really fear death, but only the -manner of it, as that was how I had read his conduct.</p> -<p class="pnext">Wrapped in thoughts of this terrible tragedy, I did not -at first notice that my captor's horse had dropped to the -rear; for though neither Ober nor I carried any superfluous -flesh, the double weight told heavily upon the animal.</p> -<p class="pnext">The difference was more marked when Von Theyer -changed the trot into a gallop; and I suddenly became -alive to the fact that were my arms free, I might yet make -an effort to escape.</p> -<p class="pnext">But how was I to work this miracle?</p> -<p class="pnext">The cords were strong, the knots skilfully tied, my arms -were in a vice, while close behind me sat the Austrian -trooper armed with sword and pistol.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, life is sweet, and I set to work under cover -of the horse's movements to try, by contracting my muscles, -to ease the bonds.</p> -<p class="pnext">I cannot say how long the attempt lasted, but the -knots on my wrist were certainly looser, when a grim -"Very sorry, captain, but the game won't work" blew my -newly-formed hopes to the winds.</p> -<p class="pnext">"It isn't that I want you hanged," continued the hussar, -"but I'd rather see the rope round your neck than mine, -and the colonel's in such a very ugly temper there's no -knowing what might happen."</p> -<p class="pnext">The fellow spoke so coolly that I could hardly keep -from laughing, though, from my point of view, there was -little humour in the situation.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, my disappointment was not very keen, as I -had hardly allowed myself to hope for success.</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrian, frightened a bit perhaps at seeing I did -not think escape an impossibility, urged on his horse, -resolved to keep within easy reach of his comrades.</p> -<p class="pnext">Towards evening we entered the village where I had -stayed the previous day, and Von Theyer ordered a halt.</p> -<p class="pnext">The brigands had disappeared entirely, leaving no trace, -and our horses were thoroughly done up.</p> -<p class="pnext">I looked round eagerly in search of my four acquaintances, -but in the whole place there was not a man except -the landlord of the inn to be seen; evidently the male -villagers did not appreciate a visit from the Austrian -cavalry.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer was, as my jailer had remarked, in a very -ugly temper, and scowled at me savagely as Ober pulled -up his weary horse.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Put him in there," said he, pointing to the kitchen of -the inn. "And don't forget it's your life or his."</p> -<p class="pnext">Ober saluted and grinned.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I'll take precious care it isn't mine, colonel," he -answered.--"Here, Franz, lend me a hand."</p> -<p class="pnext">The hussars dispersed, and entered the cottages in search -of food, while I was pushed into the kitchen and dumped -down not too softly on the floor.</p> -<p class="pnext">Ober and the man called Franz remained on guard, and -very kindly gave me a share of the black bread, fat bacon, -and sour wine which formed their supper.</p> -<p class="pnext">The food was hardly suitable for delicate stomachs, but -my last meal had been supper on the previous night, and -I was not in a mood to be particular.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer, I suppose, went to see that everything was -made safe, as he did not come in till nearly dark, and then -passed with two other officers to the inner room.</p> -<p class="pnext">He spoke a word to Ober, but took no more notice of -me than if I had been a log of wood.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Colonel's in one of his black fits," grumbled Ober to -his comrade. "He'll make us smart for not catching that -brigand."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wait till he does. Time enough to grumble then," -replied the other coolly. "Who's going to take the first -watch--you or I?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Ober leaned over to examine my fastenings.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Ach!" growled he. "We might as well both go to -sleep. The Magyar's safe enough, and I'm as tired as a dog."</p> -<p class="pnext">"All right. It's your head at stake--not mine. But -we'll make doubly sure;" and getting some more rope, he -tied me to himself.</p> -<p class="pnext">Ober did the same on the other side, and then lay -down so that I was between the pair of them.</p> -<p class="pnext">Presently the door opened, and half a dozen hussars -coming in, wrapped themselves in their long coats, and -settled down to sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">I cannot say how they had fared in the matter of food, -but their breath made it plain they had discovered plenty -of liquor.</p> -<p class="pnext">Night came. The sound of conversation in the colonel's -room died away. In the kitchen all was silent save the -loud snoring of the half-drunken men.</p> -<p class="pnext">In the silence and darkness I made an effort to set -myself free; but a few trials convinced me that Ober -had made no mistake.</p> -<p class="pnext">True, he and Franz were so exhausted by their forced -marches that even a smart tug failed to waken them; but, -on the other hand, the knots were so skilfully tied that it -was impossible to loosen them.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last I abandoned the attempt and tried to sleep, but -the haunting face of the dead count and anxiety on my -own behalf made that no easy matter.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was strange that Von Theyer had not hanged me -at once, and I wondered why he should wish to save my life.</p> -<p class="pnext">I felt sure it was not out of kindness, and concluded he -was governed by the same feelings that lead a cat to play -with its victim.</p> -<p class="pnext">Just here my reverie was broken by an astounding circumstance.</p> -<p class="pnext">One of the hussars, turning about in his sleep, had brought -himself close to the feet of the Austrian Franz, and by -a series of wriggling movements was constantly changing -his position.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of course I could not see him plainly, but I could tell -that the dark figure was moving, though very, very slowly, -until it reached my head.</p> -<p class="pnext">I lay perfectly still, save for the violent beating of my -heart, which would not be controlled.</p> -<p class="pnext">What did this by-play mean?</p> -<p class="pnext">Naturally, perhaps, my first thoughts flew to Von -Theyer. But then he had no need of foul play. By twisting -his orders a little he could easily justify himself in -swinging me up, and who was ever likely to question his -action?</p> -<p class="pnext">No, it could not be Von Theyer; but that only -deepened the mystery.</p> -<p class="pnext">Very stealthily a hand crept from the folds of the cloak, -and in the fingers was something which glistened.</p> -<p class="pnext">At this my heart gave one great throb, and then seemed -to cease beating.</p> -<p class="pnext">The glittering object was a long, straight knife, and as -the sheen of it fell across my eyes I tried, but tried in vain, -to shout for help.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Be still!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The words were spoken in Hungarian, hardly above a -breath, and I fancied there was a somewhat familiar ring -in the voice.</p> -<p class="pnext">I lay quite quiet, not attempting to speak, and the knife, -creeping down, began to rub edgewise against the cords -that fastened my wrists.</p> -<p class="pnext">The steel was sharp, the worker a master-hand, and -the hempen threads fell apart as if by magic.</p> -<p class="pnext">A sharp jerk would have set my wrists free, when -Franz stirred uneasily, and though not even half awake, -tugged at the rope which bound me to him.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he turned over again and was as soundly asleep -as ever.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a terrible moment for the three of us, but most -terrible of all for the unconscious Franz.</p> -<p class="pnext">The dark figure at my head lay motionless, but the -hand underneath that innocent-looking coat held, firmly -grasped, a sharp, keen blade.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the danger past, the knife again slid down -and finished its work. The fellow then wriggled round to -our feet, and cut the cords on my legs; only the ropes -binding me to my guards remained to be severed.</p> -<p class="pnext">My excitement grew to an intense pitch; I had to force -myself into silence. I wanted to jump up and scream -aloud.</p> -<p class="pnext">My unknown rescuer had apparently no nerves. The -steel was pushed forward steadily, without a tremor, and -the rope which bound me to Franz was cut.</p> -<p class="pnext">One link alone remained, and I thought my brain must -give way under the strain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several of the hussars tossed restlessly, muttering unintelligible -words, while here in the very midst of them, within a -few yards of their leader himself, was this daring adventurer -calmly setting free the victim of that leader's vengeance.</p> -<p class="pnext">Twice, owing to a trooper's restlessness, he had to stop; -but my unknown saviour was as patient as daring, and -after each halt he resumed his work.</p> -<p class="pnext">With the snapping of the last thread I felt as if I -really must break into a fit of hysterical laughter, or -waken Von Theyer by a defiant taunt; but, alas! my -childish glee was soon over. As I was stealing cautiously -away, Ober sprang to his feet.</p> -<p class="pnext">In an instant two dark figures were grappling with each -other, swaying this way and that; then a loud cry of -"Treachery!" came from the Austrian; there was a swift -flash of steel, and poor Ober sank, groaning.</p> -<p class="pnext">"This way!" shouted my rescuer, and I darted after -him towards the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">The troopers jumping up tried to stop us, but the -stranger knocked down several with some heavy weapon, -and cleared a passage.</p> -<p class="pnext">The confusion was tremendous, and the officers, coming -from their apartment, vainly endeavoured to find its cause.</p> -<p class="pnext">We were at the door, outside, free!</p> -<p class="pnext">"Follow!" cried the stranger, without wasting words; -but as he turned for the open country, dozens of troopers -poured into the street.</p> -<p class="pnext">My guide dashed away, and was lost in the darkness, -and I should have got clear but for one of the hussars, -who flung himself right across my path.</p> -<p class="pnext">Down I went with a crash, and though rising quickly, a -smart blow on the head behind sent me sprawling, and -the next instant I was in the midst of the angry crowd.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="imprisoned-at-arad">CHAPTER XXV.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">IMPRISONED AT ARAD.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">Von Theyer met me at the inn door, but he was -busy giving orders that a detachment of troops -should mount and scour the district.</p> -<p class="pnext">Candles and flaring torches burned in the kitchen, and -by their light I saw three men, all badly wounded, lying -side by side.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the farther end of the apartment lay Ober, and the -hussars pulled and hustled me towards his body.</p> -<p class="pnext">Poor fellow! He was quite dead, and close by I saw -the keen blade, now stained with blood, that had slain -him.</p> -<p class="pnext">His comrades uttered loud threats of vengeance, and one -man, pressing the muzzle of his pistol against my forehead, -swore he would shoot me.</p> -<p class="pnext">Another pulled him back, saying he might safely leave -me to the colonel, who would not fail to avenge the dead -hussar.</p> -<p class="pnext">For myself, I was in a state of utter bewilderment, and -looked at the brawny, rough-voiced men like a dazed child.</p> -<p class="pnext">The long-continued excitement and the dramatic close of -the incident had for the time clouded my brain, and, -beyond the fact that Ober was dead, I grasped nothing -clearly.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then above the babel of sounds I heard a voice ordering -in tones of command that my arms should be bound afresh.</p> -<p class="pnext">This the men did very willingly, and in their anger -they tied the knots so tightly that the pain almost caused -me to faint.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then two of them led me into the next room, where -Von Theyer sat, with a pair of pistols on the table beside -him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That will do," he exclaimed harshly. "Leave him -there. Now go outside and wait. Don't be frightened if -you hear the report of a pistol. I'm in no danger."</p> -<p class="pnext">The men saluted and withdrew, leaving me facing their -colonel.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the sight of that face with the hideous scar my -senses and my manhood returned to me. I remembered -that I came of a race of Magyar nobles, and resolved to -show myself worthy to bear their name.</p> -<p class="pnext">"George Botskay, once a so-called captain in the rebel -army, but now an associate of thieves and murderers, I -demand to know the name of the villain by whose aid you -have stabbed an unoffending man to death."</p> -<p class="pnext">At this implied accusation of a cowardly crime my face -flushed, and I cried hotly,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"I throw the lie in your teeth, Colonel von Theyer. -My hands are free from innocent blood, as you well know, -though it may suit your purpose to declare otherwise."</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer laughed, and his lips assumed a cruel curve -that was not pleasant to see.</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are right," said he coldly. "It does suit my -purpose. Can you guess why I did not hang you by the -side of your friend Count Beula? I had another plan, and -this night's work has made its success certain. Look at -me, George Botskay, and see for what I have to thank you. -In Vienna you worked me harm enough, but this, this--" And -he half choked as he laid his hand on his scarred cheek.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am truly sorry for your disfigurement," I replied, -"but it happened in the heat of battle and with no malice -on my part."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Perhaps when I have made you suffer I shall be sorry -too," he said flippantly. "We shall see. I could hang -you now--your life is forfeit to the laws; but that is not -my wish. I am going to brand your name, so that it shall -be carried to Vienna as the name of a common thief and -assassin. I will make the Austrian government your judge -and your executioner. When you have been publicly -disgraced and hung, Fräulein Theresa may not be quite so -proud of her Hungarian friend."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You are a coward and a scoundrel," I cried contemptuously, -"and may do as you please;" but for all my brave -words the barbed shaft had struck home.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer saw this, and was beginning to laugh, when -he caught sight of the locket, which showed through my -disordered apparel.</p> -<p class="pnext">Apparently he recognized it, as he sprang forward to -remove it; and then he saw the baron's ring.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Oh, oh!" he cried; "this is famous! So you have -been robbing the dead! I think this will add an extra -spice to my revenge."</p> -<p class="pnext">Dragging the ring from my finger, he called his men to -take me away and guard me closely.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time day was breaking; and the soldiers, unable -to sleep, got ready their morning meal.</p> -<p class="pnext">As no one offered me any, I went without, which was -not an agreeable method of beginning the day.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, they gave me plenty of rope instead, and I -was firmly fastened on Ober's horse, while two men with -levelled pistols rode one on either side of me.</p> -<p class="pnext">The detachment sent out during the night met us -a few miles from the village, and the officer reported -they had been unable to find any trace of the mysterious -stranger.</p> -<p class="pnext">Talking amongst themselves, the hussars declared that -the daring intruder must have been Batori Gabor, and I -held that opinion too.</p> -<p class="pnext">Rakoczy was a prisoner, and Mecsey Sándor far away, -so that unless one of the disbanded soldiers had performed -the deed, the robber-captain was the only person left to -suspect.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, the scheme had failed, and I was more -strongly guarded than before.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer gave the strictest orders to the two troopers, -one of whom was Franz, the comrade of the dead Ober.</p> -<p class="pnext">This man eyed me most maliciously, and I felt sure he -would be a splendid tool in furthering the colonel's scheme.</p> -<p class="pnext">From boyhood, riding had been one of my chief -pleasures; but this new style, tied hand and foot and -bound to a horse's back, was a novelty I did not appreciate.</p> -<p class="pnext">Towards noon we halted beside a pleasant stream, a tributary -of the Maros; and having attended to the animals, -the men sat down to their frugal dinner.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now, since there is no satisfaction to be obtained in -hanging a dead man, Von Theyer was compelled to give -me some food; and this, with the temporary freedom of -my arms, was a great relief.</p> -<p class="pnext">Having finished their black bread and cheese, most of -the men began to smoke. Some rolled out their greatcoats -and went to sleep, while others played strange games -with packs of well-thumbed cards.</p> -<p class="pnext">The halt lasted perhaps two hours, when the bugles -sounded, and we were again in motion.</p> -<p class="pnext">By this time Von Theyer had evidently abandoned all -hope of catching the robbers, as we rode at a sober pace, -and finished the day's march long before sunset.</p> -<p class="pnext">Our new quarters were in a fair-sized village, and I was -rather amused by the precautions taken to ensure my -safety.</p> -<p class="pnext">Six men were placed in the same room, and a sentry -was posted outside the door.</p> -<p class="pnext">If any accident occurred during the night, the colonel -promised to hang them all without exception; and as Von -Theyer was a man of his word, the troopers regarded his -threat with respect.</p> -<p class="pnext">Poor fellows! In spite of my own risky position I -pitied them; they were like men suffering from a bad -form of nightmare.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a meagre supper, quickly dispatched, my arms -were rebound, and I was bundled into a corner, the sergeant -in charge of the guard warning me not to move, which was -rather unnecessary advice.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two of the hussars stood over me with drawn swords, -the others sat on a bench waiting for their spell of duty. -I don't think any of them went to sleep.</p> -<p class="pnext">About midnight Von Theyer himself paid us a visit; -and the guard, springing to their feet, presented arms.</p> -<p class="pnext">He glanced round the room with an approving smile, -and said,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, sergeant, I think your prisoner will have small -chance of stabbing any one to-night."</p> -<p class="pnext">The sergeant smiled at the compliment to his vigilance, -and the colonel came over to my corner.</p> -<p class="pnext">Not caring to bandy words with him before his men, I -closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep, and after a minute -or two he went away.</p> -<p class="pnext">The night passed wearily enough, for although I managed -to sleep, my rest was broken by feverish dreams, and I -gladly welcomed the coming of another day.</p> -<p class="pnext">For some reason unknown to me we did not set out till -ten o'clock; and when, after an uneventful journey, we -rode into the town of Arad, the autumn afternoon was -fast blending into evening.</p> -<p class="pnext">The inhabitants of the old market-town swarmed out to -see the Austrian cavalry, and many glances of compassion -and pity were directed on the bound and helpless prisoner -in their midst.</p> -<p class="pnext">A few expressed their sympathy audibly, but for the -most part men, women, and children stood mournful indeed -but silent.</p> -<p class="pnext">Alas! the glory of the Magyar had departed. Henceforth -my unhappy countrymen must bend beneath the -whips of their Austrian masters.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once we were startled by a mocking laugh from some -one in the crowd, and Von Theyer frowned angrily as a -clear voice sang out, "Let the colonel look to his guards. -'Twill be his turn next."</p> -<p class="pnext">The Austrian dashed towards the spot whence the words -came, but he met only the innocent faces of terrified people, -and for very shame's sake he dared not punish them.</p> -<p class="pnext">The voice roused me, for it was that of the man who -had slain Ober in the kitchen of the inn; and now I knew -the daring intruder had been Batori, the robber-captain.</p> -<p class="pnext">Others also guessed the secret, and Franz riding up to -the colonel whispered something in his ear.</p> -<p class="pnext">Immediately the troopers were ordered to disperse, and -in small parties to search every nook and cranny in both -the old and the new town.</p> -<p class="pnext">Meanwhile Von Theyer, with half a dozen men who -acted as my escort, rode to the bridge which spans one arm -of the Maros, and connects Arad with the spit of land on -which the fortress is built.</p> -<p class="pnext">The last time I had passed that way the red, white, and -green stripes waved proudly from the ramparts. Now the -black and yellow flag hung from the walls--an outward -and visible sign of our defeat.</p> -<p class="pnext">A group of citizens stood on the river-bank to watch us -go past, and my heart gave a great leap as I recognized -amongst them the faithful Mecsey Sándor.</p> -<p class="pnext">He had discarded his uniform, and was dressed in -civilian costume, though he could not altogether disguise -his military carriage.</p> -<p class="pnext">His eyes looked straight into mine, and by a kind of -dumb show he made me understand that Rakoczy was -confined in Gros-Wardein.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then our little cavalcade swept by, the gates were -thrown open, and we passed behind the frowning walls of -the fortress.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here Von Theyer left us, and I soon received ample -proof of how effectually he had blackened my character to -the governor.</p> -<p class="pnext">Instead of being treated as an honourable though beaten -enemy, I was roughly thrust into a small, dark cell, bare of -furniture, and left to my own reflections till the morning, -when a jailer, attended by several soldiers, brought me -some food and untied my bonds.</p> -<p class="pnext">For this last attention I was extremely grateful, and ate -my lump of dry black bread in an almost cheerful spirit.</p> -<p class="pnext">But as day followed day without change, the gloom -and monotony oppressed me like a heavy weight. I grew -moody and depressed, and in spite of a hard struggle was -gradually driven to look upon the dark side of things.</p> -<p class="pnext">No news of any kind came to me in my narrow prison. -The jailer refused to answer a question, saying the -only matter I need trouble about was the date of my -execution.</p> -<p class="pnext">At first I dreamed of making my escape, but this idea -was soon abandoned, as I saw how hopeless any attempt -must be.</p> -<p class="pnext">The cell door was of iron, the walls were strong and -massive, and I had not so much as a nail to work with.</p> -<p class="pnext">Almost my sole dependence lay in Mecsey Sándor, yet -what he could do I could not imagine.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, I tried hard not to despair, and resolved, if -need be, to meet my fate bravely.</p> -<p class="pnext">In this manner more than a fortnight passed, when one -morning, about two hours after my breakfast of black -bread and water, I was surprised to hear the tramp of -marching feet, which stopped opposite my cell.</p> -<p class="pnext">The key turned in the massive lock, the door opened, -and I was harshly ordered to step outside.</p> -<p class="pnext">A number of soldiers with bayonets fixed waited. I was -placed in the midst of them and hurried away.</p> -<p class="pnext">These men belonged to an infantry regiment, and were -strangers to me, but it was plain they had formed a very -unfavourable opinion of my character.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crossing the square, they halted in front of a low door, -and the officer in command of the party signed to me to -follow him.</p> -<p class="pnext">An antechamber was filled with soldiers, fully armed -and standing at attention, while their faces were about -as human as chiselled stone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Passing through, we entered a second apartment, where -a dozen officers were seated round a baize-covered table -littered with writing material.</p> -<p class="pnext">Recognizing that these men held my life in their hands, -I looked at them eagerly.</p> -<p class="pnext">The president's chair was occupied by a tall old man -with slightly-stooping shoulders, scanty white hair, and -long, drooping, white moustaches.</p> -<p class="pnext">His face was bronzed, and his breast covered with -numerous ribbons and medals, but his blue eyes were -rather dreamy, and I thought he had much ado to keep -himself awake.</p> -<p class="pnext">The officers who flanked him on either side of the table -were of various ages, and belonged to different branches of -the service, but they all sat as immovable as statues.</p> -<p class="pnext">The silence was so weird and oppressive that I welcomed -the sound of the president's voice when he began the -proceedings by asking my name.</p> -<p class="pnext">"George Botskay," I proudly answered.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Captain in the rebel army?" he went on, reading from -a slip of paper.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Captain on the staff of General Görgei, commander-in-chief -of the Hungarian national forces," I replied.</p> -<p class="pnext">One of the stone griffins started into life at this, but the -president petrified him again by a wave of the hand.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Why did you not surrender with your leader?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Because I was absent on special duty."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is stated here," said he, tapping the paper, "that -you were at Vilagos on the thirteenth of August."</p> -<p class="pnext">"I was, but not with the army."</p> -<p class="pnext">The other stone men showed signs of life now, and the -old warrior continued his examination.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Was it not your duty, as a soldier of honour, to obey -your chief's orders, and to give yourself up to the proper -authorities?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That view of the question did not strike me," I -answered, and quite honestly too. "I was not with the -army, and therefore did not consider myself included in -the surrender."</p> -<p class="pnext">"You preferred instead to join the band of a notorious -robber?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is false," I cried--"utterly false!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The president, though he did not look like a merciful -man, was exceedingly polite.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I am afraid," he said, "that the facts are against you. -Colonel von Theyer, one of our best officers--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"A rebel turncoat," I interrupted angrily.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I do not think, Herr Botskay, that abuse of a trusted -officer will do your case any good. His report expressly -states that you were discovered with this band of robbers. -Do you deny the truth of the charge?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I cannot; but my being there was the result of blind -chance."</p> -<p class="pnext">The griffins actually smiled, which convinced me I was -getting deeper into the mire, and that feeling was not -lessened when the president said softly, "An unlucky -chance for you, Herr Botskay, I fear."</p> -<p class="pnext">"It is the truth for all that," I said stoutly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Did Count Beula meet the robbers by accident also?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"I cannot say. I know nothing of him."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Here again my information differs from your statement. -The count was well known as an abettor of the massacres -in Vienna, and it is laid down here that you were in -personal communication with him at the beginning of the -insurrection. Is that so?"</p> -<p class="pnext">The ground seemed to be slipping from under me.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Count Beula was never a friend of mine," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"One does not always make a friend of an accomplice," -replied the president suavely. "But here is another -question. Is it true that on any single occasion you -attended a meeting of the Hungarian Committee?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"That is easily explained," I began. "When--"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Pardon me, general," interrupted one of my judges, -"but I should like the prisoner to give a direct answer--yes -or no--to the question. It is a simple matter. Did he -or did he not, in October of 1848, attend a meeting of the -Hungarian Committee?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"If you will not allow me to explain, I shall refuse to -answer at all," I exclaimed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then," said the man who had spoken, "we shall be -forced to draw our own conclusions;" and he sat down very -red, but triumphant, amid a hum of approval.</p> -<p class="pnext">"There is one other matter on which you might like to -say a word," remarked the president blandly, "and that is -the doing to death of the trooper Ober."</p> -<p class="pnext">To this I replied that the unfortunate man had not met -his death at my hands, nor was I in any way responsible -for the striking of the fatal blow.</p> -<p class="pnext">Here again I was confronted by further proof of how -finely my enemy had woven the meshes of my net.</p> -<p class="pnext">According to the sworn evidence of the man Franz, he -had seen the knife in my hand, and he had also seen me -stab the hapless trooper to the heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the evidence supplied to them my judges could so -easily find me guilty of almost any crime that I took little -interest in the rest of the proceedings.</p> -<p class="pnext">Von Theyer had made such a skilful blend of fact and -fiction that his story had all the appearance of unadulterated -truth. On one point alone he had not fulfilled his -threat; there was no allusion to the ring and miniature of -the dead baron.</p> -<p class="pnext">I believe the president did mention vaguely some other -charges, but as I could not be shot or hung twice over, -these did not much matter.</p> -<p class="pnext">When he had finished his speech I bowed courteously, -saluted the officers in military fashion, and followed the -leader of the escort from the room.</p> -<p class="pnext">Once again I was placed in the midst of the soldiers, -and marched back to my cell, where they left me without -a word. I sat down on the wooden bench which was -my sole article of furniture, and tried to think over my -position.</p> -<p class="pnext">It seemed gloomy and hopeless enough, and turn which -way I would, the only outlook was towards the scaffold.</p> -<p class="pnext">As far as I could understand, the Austrians claimed the -right to hang me on either of two grounds--the refusal to -surrender with Görgei at Vilagos, and the fact that I was -caught in the company of a notorious band of robbers.</p> -<p class="pnext">The other points, such as my acquaintance with Count -Beula and the slaying of the hussar, were mere garnishings, -added by the wily Von Theyer to prejudice my judges, -and prevent them tempering justice by mercy.</p> -<p class="pnext">In this there could be no doubt he succeeded perfectly, -and I felt certain that whatever I might put forward in -my defence would prove of no avail.</p> -<p class="pnext">Indeed it was likely enough my sentence had already -been pronounced, and that at any moment I might be led -out to execution. Every sound which reached my ears -startled me, and a dozen times I stood up trying to calm -the beatings of my heart.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the day passed, and at night the jailer brought my -black bread and water, and went away again as usual -without saying a word. I ate and drank feverishly, and -then lay down on the narrow bench wondering what would -happen before the next setting of the sun. Very slowly -and wearily the dark hours crawled along, until, utterly -worn out, I fell asleep, to be awakened, it seemed almost -immediately, by the rattling of keys and the creaking of -the iron door. In an instant I sprang to my feet, and -waited with taut-strung nerves for the final ordeal.</p> -<p class="pnext">My visitor was the jailer, and as he placed my breakfast -on the ground, I burst into a peal of hysterical laughter.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="led-out-to-execution">CHAPTER XXVI.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">LED OUT TO EXECUTION.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">I pass rapidly over the period of suspense which -succeeded my examination.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even now it is painful to look back on the time when -I fully expected every hour of each ensuing day to be -my last.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet night and morning came and went, and I still -remained in the dark cell, unable to learn anything -concerning my fate.</p> -<p class="pnext">The only relief to the monotony was the coming of the -jailer, and he was such a surly fellow that his visits gave -me more pain than pleasure.</p> -<p class="pnext">A whole week passed in this way, and then I was again -taken from the cell and marched to another part of the -fortress.</p> -<p class="pnext">At every step I gazed round anxiously, expecting to see -the preparations for my execution.</p> -<p class="pnext">Young, strong, and healthy, I had no wish to die; yet -this horrible uncertainty, this alternation of hope and fear, -was actually worse than death.</p> -<p class="pnext">The faces of the soldiers were stolid and -impassive--nothing could be learned from them; while the officer did -not even look at me. We crossed the courtyard, and my -pulses throbbed with fresh hope as I was led into a spacious -room, where a stout, florid man in military uniform sat at -a table writing.</p> -<p class="pnext">Only two of the escort had entered with the officer, and -these stood with fixed bayonets.</p> -<p class="pnext">The florid man left his chair, and pointing to another, -said coldly,--</p> -<p class="pnext">"Sit down there, Herr Botskay. By order of the general -commanding, you are to answer these questions in writing, -an hour being given you for the task."</p> -<p class="pnext">To all appearance I was quite cool, but the blood surged -through my veins like a rushing torrent, and I could not -see the questions on the paper for dizziness.</p> -<p class="pnext">Apathy and despair vanished. The latent spark of hope -kindled into a fresh flame. Here was another chance of -life and freedom. Alas! my new and beautiful castle -was built on very frail foundations.</p> -<p class="pnext">The questions numbered nearly a dozen, and were framed -in such a manner that by answering them without adding -the fullest explanations I should only make my case worse.</p> -<p class="pnext">A quarter of an hour passed, and I still sat staring -stupidly at my blank sheet of paper.</p> -<p class="pnext">The soldiers stood grimly at attention, the officer leaned -on his sword, the stout man sat writing stolidly; no sound -but the monotonous ticking of the clock and the beating of -my own heart broke the silence.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last, seizing the pen, I began to write--not in answer -to the questions, but a short account of what had passed -between Von Theyer and myself, and an explanation of -how I came to be in the company of Batori Gabor.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was rather a lame performance, its chief merit being -to afford a reason for Von Theyer's persecution; and when -the official came to witness my signature, I felt it would -do me but little good.</p> -<p class="pnext">Another week passed--a week of heart-wearing -suspense--before I was again called to attend the court.</p> -<p class="pnext">A single glance at the faces of my judges extinguished -the tiny spark of hope which struggled to keep alive in -my breast.</p> -<p class="pnext">The president spoke in impressive tones, every word -sounding distinctly in the quiet room.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a long speech, but the whole of it might easily -have been compressed into a dozen sentences.</p> -<p class="pnext">On the first two counts--refusing to surrender at Vilagos, -and joining a band of notorious outlaws--I was unanimously -found guilty, and sentenced to death.</p> -<p class="pnext">After this, one would have thought the rest to be of -little interest, but the president gravely continued his -remarks.</p> -<p class="pnext">The unlawful killing of Ober was also considered proved, -and on the various other charges laid against me the court -expressed no opinion.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Therefore," concluded the president in a solemn voice, -"it becomes my painful duty to tell you, George Botskay. -that on the second morning from this you will be led out -to execution in the market-place of this town, that your -death may act as a warning to all those who vainly hope -to oppose the imperial government."</p> -<p class="pnext">My limbs trembled, the blood left my face, but, managing -to control my voice, I said calmly, "As a soldier, -general, you will know a soldier's feelings. I do not plead -for mercy, but there is one favour I would like to beg."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Speak on, Herr Botskay. It may be in our power to -grant it."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then I ask that you will at least permit me to die -the death of a soldier, and not that of a criminal."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That," responded the old man, "is impossible, since you -ceased to be a soldier when you joined Batori Gabor. As -a brigand you were captured, as a brigand you must suffer;" -and he waved his hand, directing that I should be removed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Back again in the lonely cell, my first feeling was one -of relief that the period of suspense had ended.</p> -<p class="pnext">I could no longer be tortured by swift alternations of -hopes and fears. The worst had come, and with it a -feeling of apathetic stupor.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the next day, as I sat measuring off the hours by -guess-work, a revulsion of feeling set in.</p> -<p class="pnext">Life was sweet, and all the throbbing vigour of my -youth protested hotly against this violent and disgraceful -death.</p> -<p class="pnext">Had it come when I charged with Görgei at the head of -our cavalry, or when beside my noble-hearted brother -I scaled the ramparts of Buda, the glow of patriotism, of -devotion to my outraged country, would have removed half -its terrors; but now, in this guise!</p> -<p class="pnext">Then my thoughts turned to the faithful Mecsey; to -John Rakoczy, my true and gallant friend, whom I should -never again see; finally passing to the Austrian maiden, -whose fair face had never faded from my memory.</p> -<p class="pnext">Would she believe the untruths which Von Theyer -would but too surely circulate?</p> -<p class="pnext">I shuddered to think what terrible stories his fertile -brain might invent when I was no longer able to give -them the lie.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet, through it all, I never quite lost hope that the -beautiful girl would keep her faith in my truth and honour; -and this feeling sufficed to raise me from the slough of -misery into which I was sinking.</p> -<p class="pnext">Night came at length, and the surly jailer brought my -last supper, which I forced myself to eat.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then, after a solemn hour spent in prayer, I lay down -on my hard bench and slept peacefully as a child.</p> -<p class="pnext">I had no means of telling the time, but the jailer -apparently wakened me earlier than usual, and I was led -into a room where, instead of the usual bread and water, a -proper breakfast was laid. The apartment was filled with -soldiers; and when I had finished, two of them, stepping -forward, pinioned my arms tightly behind my back.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was, as near as I could judge, about ten o'clock when -the governor entered, and, after a brief talk with one of -the officers, ordered the procession to be formed.</p> -<p class="pnext">The air was keen, though the sun shone brightly overhead, -as we proceeded slowly to the courtyard, where the -soldiers halted.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two other detachments now joined us, and in the midst -of each a prisoner walked bareheaded.</p> -<p class="pnext">They were both officers in Bern's army of Transylvania, -so I did not know them, but we exchanged glances of pity -and goodwill.</p> -<p class="pnext">One was an old man with scarred face and white, -flowing beard, a veteran Pole, who had spent his life in -warfare against the enemies of his country.</p> -<p class="pnext">His fellow-victim was quite young, hardly older than -myself; but he bore himself as proudly as his comrade, -gazing at the Austrians without a tremor.</p> -<p class="pnext">After a delay of ten minutes the arrangements were -completed, and the booming of a big gun announced to the -townsfolk that the mournful procession was about to issue -from the gates of the fortress.</p> -<p class="pnext">The soldiers closed up their ranks, the order was issued, -and we set out, my escort being the last of the three.</p> -<p class="pnext">I tried hard to march with steady step and unfaltering -countenance, but it was hard work.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fresh morning air, the bright October sun, the -merry flight of birds overhead, even the gaudy uniforms of -the soldiers, spoke of life, and I was going to lose it.</p> -<p class="pnext">A lump rose in my throat as we passed through the -gateway, but I remembered I was a Magyar, and choked it down.</p> -<p class="pnext">The pain and misery would soon be at an end, and the -white-coats must not think me a coward.</p> -<p class="pnext">At minute intervals a gun was fired from the ramparts, -and the church-bells of the town tolled mournfully in -response.</p> -<p class="pnext">Crossing the one bridge which had not been destroyed -during the war, we entered the town proper.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was astounded at the spectacle.</p> -<p class="pnext">Two lines of soldiers with loaded rifles guarded the route -to the market-place, and kept back the crowds of people -who stood on tiptoe and craned their necks in eager anxiety -to catch a last view of those about to die.</p> -<p class="pnext">Not the populace of the town alone had assembled, but -the inhabitants of all the surrounding districts had come -in thousands to show respect to the victims of Austrian -cruelty.</p> -<p class="pnext">The women sobbed as we went by, and looked at us -with a yearning pity that almost broke down my composure. -The eyes of the men flashed with fierce hate, and -I thought it well that these brave Magyars had no weapons.</p> -<p class="pnext">Little children were held up in the arms of their fathers -to see us, and were that day taught a lesson which they -would not forget in many years.</p> -<p class="pnext">The nearer we approached our destination the denser -the crowd became, while the market-place itself was so -packed that several persons died of suffocation.</p> -<p class="pnext">There, during the preceding night, an enormous wooden -stage had been erected, and in the centre was a tall gallows.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the sight of this, I confess freely, my heart sank, and -I feared that my courage would desert me.</p> -<p class="pnext">Now just at this moment I saw the face of the gallant -Mecsey Sándor, which acted on my nerves like a strong -tonic.</p> -<p class="pnext">The faithful fellow stood in the very foremost of the -crowd, immediately behind the soldiers, and opposite the -steps by which the wide platform was reached.</p> -<p class="pnext">He was very mournful, yet the look in his eyes expressed -something more than sorrow.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Courage, my sweet master, and God bless you!" cried -he boldly, while I, turning my head, smiled to show I -understood.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Courage, George Botskay!" exclaimed a second voice. -"The Austrians cannot kill your name, which will never -die in Magyar-land."</p> -<p class="pnext">The man who spoke was standing next Mecsey, and -I stared in amazement at beholding Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">What was he doing there?</p> -<p class="pnext">If he were free, why not "John the Joyous?"</p> -<p class="pnext">So great a longing suddenly seized me to look on the -dear fellow's face once more that I was unnerved, and only -by a great effort kept myself from stumbling.</p> -<p class="pnext">Several other voices now cried, "God bless you, captain!" -and I became aware that many men of my old regiment -were grouped around Mecsey Sándor and Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">I smiled a last farewell at them, but my aching eyes -sought in vain for the noble figure of their colonel, and -I concluded he was still a prisoner, or dead.</p> -<p class="pnext">Right round the ghastly structure a cordon of troops -had been drawn, the space inside being occupied by a -regiment of hussars.</p> -<p class="pnext">Even before meeting him I knew instinctively that Von -Theyer was at their head, and the knowledge gave me -added courage.</p> -<p class="pnext">He, at least, should never guess the tortures that I -suffered.</p> -<p class="pnext">I walked firmly, with head erect, gazing boldly at my -bitter enemy. He was on horseback, almost at the -foot of the wooden steps which led to the scaffold, so -that but for my guard I should have brushed against -him in passing.</p> -<p class="pnext">His eyes, full of cruel hatred, met mine; but I trust they -detected no sign of fear or blenching in my face.</p> -<p class="pnext">I mounted the steps, and as the soldiers placed me -beneath the gallows a low, deep hum of pity rose from -the crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">The two officers from Bern's army were stationed some -distance away on my right, and the governor, stepping to -the front, began reading in a loud, clear voice some official -document.</p> -<p class="pnext">It was a wonderful and impressive scene. The huge -platform, with half a dozen high officials and two firing -parties; the bronzed hussars, in brilliant uniforms, sitting -their horses like statues; the ring of infantry, with the -sun shining on their bright, steel bayonets the hushed -crowd beyond, angry but impotent--furnished a spectacle -that those who beheld never forgot while life lasted.</p> -<p class="pnext">The governor continued to read, and as he read a little -bird with cherry-coloured throat and gay plumage came -and perched itself near me on the frowning gallows.</p> -<p class="pnext">I was watching the tiny fellow with interest when a -cry from the crowd, as of pain wrung from some animal, -greeted the end of the governor's speech.</p> -<p class="pnext">The fatal moment was fast approaching, and I cast a -farewell glance at Mecsey and his companions.</p> -<p class="pnext">The faithful fellow was in a state of terrible excitement, -those around him being hardly less moved.</p> -<p class="pnext">Their faces alternated with hope and fear, grief, rage, -despair, anxiety--in short, all the passions that the human -face is capable of expressing. But, above all, it seemed to -me they were waiting.</p> -<p class="pnext">Waiting for what?</p> -<p class="pnext">The idea which suddenly flashed across my mind made -me tremble. Was it possible that these great-hearted men -were mad enough to dream of a rescue?</p> -<p class="pnext">From my heart I hoped and prayed this was not the -secret of their excitement.</p> -<p class="pnext">The thing was utterly impossible, and could only lead to -the shedding of much innocent blood.</p> -<p class="pnext">Life had never seemed so glorious a possession as it did -just then, but I would have forfeited it a hundred times -rather than expose those thousands of men and women to -the horrors of an Austrian butchery.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet I was powerless to avert the evil, if, indeed, the -trusty Mecsey had planned such a mad project.</p> -<p class="pnext">However, in a few brief moments now everything would -be decided. My fellow-victims were to suffer first, and, -kneeling in the positions appointed, they submitted to the -bandaging of their eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">I kept my head steadfastly turned from the cruel scene, -as did the vast majority of the crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">The firing parties advanced.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Long live Hungary!" cried the younger soldier.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Long live Poland!" cried the veteran, the voices of -both being equally cool and collected.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Fire!"</p> -<p class="pnext">The report of the volleys rang out, and a groan burst -from the spectators.</p> -<p class="pnext">From the victims themselves there came not a sound.</p> -<p class="pnext">When next I looked round, the two bodies had been -removed, and the governor was beginning to read from a -second paper. It was a recital of my various crimes, and -the sentence pronounced by the military tribunal.</p> -<p class="pnext">Slowly, expressively, giving each word with due -distinctness, he read on, while I watched Mecsey's face, and -prayed that the speech might come to an end before -mischief was done.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet, all unknown to me, the question of my life or -death hung on the length of time occupied by that -pompous old man.</p> -<p class="pnext">It could not be said I had abandoned hope, since, after -the finding of the court-martial, I had never entertained -any; all my suspense now was centered in the action of -Mecsey and his companions.</p> -<p class="pnext">That their presence, and the selection of their particular -position, was due to some settled purpose, there could -be little doubt; and I felt equally sure that every man -of that desperate party was in possession of hidden -weapons.</p> -<p class="pnext">What was the signal they waited for?</p> -<p class="pnext">Suddenly, in the midst of the reading, there came a cry -from the outskirts of the crowd--a cry caught up and -repeated by thousands of voices, till the volume of sound -rolled over the whole market-place.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey and his confederates threw their caps high into -the air, and yelled like madmen; the governor, deadly -pale, stopped his reading and called to Von Theyer, who -hastily mounted the platform; the infantry, waiting for -orders, gripped their rifles with grim resolution; the -hussars bared their swords and prepared for the word to -charge.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet the people made no attempt at a rescue; only in -one place they formed a lane along which a horseman -galloped frantically amidst such a wild outburst of -cheering as Arad never knew before or since.</p> -<p class="pnext">During those few moments I must have suffered more -agony than falls to the lot of many men in a lifetime.</p> -<p class="pnext">Of what was happening I had not the slightest idea, -only I saw Von Theyer return to his men, and heard his -short, quick words of command.</p> -<p class="pnext">At the same time the infantry faced about and -presented a steel-girt barrier to the crowd.</p> -<p class="pnext">Yet the cheering did not cease--it grew louder; and -now we on the platform could hear such words as "The -Kaiser! Long live Francis Josef! Long live the Kaiser!"</p> -<p class="pnext">At the first sign of danger the soldiers on the platform -surrounded me in a body, and the executioner was already -arranging the noose when the horseman reached the line of -infantry.</p> -<p class="pnext">What he said I knew not, but those sturdy warriors -opened their ranks. He dashed through, and when in the -open space Von Theyer would have turned him back, he -struck him from the saddle, at the same time shouting out -something in a loud tone.</p> -<p class="pnext">Springing to the ground, he left his horse with heaving -flanks and spume-flaked nostrils, and scrambled up the -wooden steps, crying aloud and waving a large white -envelope.</p> -<p class="pnext">As one in a dream I watched him approach the governor -and hand him the mysterious missive.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then he turned to me, and I forgot all about death, for -the strange messenger was "John the Joyous."</p> -<p class="pnext">Never had the name fitted him more admirably. His -cheeks were flushed with happiness; his eyes bright and -sparkling; every feature had part in the joyous smile that -overspread his handsome face.</p> -<p class="pnext">I could not think or reason--in fact there was no -necessity, for John Rakoczy had come.</p> -<p class="pnext">The crowd shouted lustily until the governor, waving -the white envelope, went to the edge of the platform.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then the cheering ceased and all was silent save for the -voice of the governor as he read from a sheet of paper the -free pardon of His Most Gracious Majesty, Kaiser Francis -Josef, to George Botskay, sometime captain on the staff -of General Arthur Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">He added some further words, to which the people responded -with a wild cheer, and then began to disperse, while -I stood dumfounded with the rope yet round my neck.</p> -<p class="pnext">The market-place emptied slowly; the infantry formed -up in companies and marched to the fortress; the hussars, -headed by Von Theyer looking black and scowling, trotted -off; only the governor's personal escort remained.</p> -<p class="pnext">Then the old man harshly told me I was at liberty; -and he, too, went away, leaving me with my chivalrous -friend.</p> -<p class="pnext">This startling swing back from the very brink of the -grave left me weak and dazed. I had hardly sufficient -strength to thank the man who had saved my life.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Wait a bit," said he smilingly. "There will be plenty -of time for all that. We have many things to tell each -other, but you must get back a little strength first. Come, -lean on me. Mecsey has a carriage ready, and I am going -to send you to Gyula."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Aren't you coming?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"In a day or two. There is a little business in Arad to -be settled first."</p> -<p class="pnext">So greatly had my nerves been weakened by the shock -that I did not guess what the business was, and permitted -him to lead me away without protest.</p> -<p class="pnext">At one of the inns Mecsey waited with a carriage, and -many of the old Honveds stood in front of the house.</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy was there too, and the true-hearted kindness of -my former companions brought tears of gratitude to my -eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">"The Joyous" wrapped me up comfortably, and giving -Mecsey, who was to ride inside, many injunctions, shook -my hand in a parting grasp.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rouse yourself!" cried he. "Dobozy and I are -coming in a few days, and we don't want to be entertained -by an invalid."</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy added some lively badinage to cheer my spirits, -the two waved their hands in farewell, the coachman -cracked his whip, and we were off to the lonely -homestead I had not visited during the last two years.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center large pfirst" id="an-austro-hungarian-alliance">CHAPTER XXVII.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center medium pfirst"><em class="italics">AN AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN ALLIANCE.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst">"The Joyous" was certainly not acting up to his -reputation.</p> -<p class="pnext">We had just adjourned to the drawing-room after -supper, and were sipping our coffee.</p> -<p class="pnext">The light from the central lamp fell on Baron von -Arnstein's ring and miniature.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Von Theyer was wearing them, poor fellow!" exclaimed -Rakoczy gloomily. "See! there is a bloodstain -on the miniature!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Poor fellow, indeed!" cried Dobozy. "I've no patience -with you. He is as much to be regretted as a vicious old -tusker! Besides, after such a knock-down blow, you were -bound to fight."</p> -<p class="pnext">"The general opinion; though Schlick thought that, as -the emperor's special messenger, I acted rightly."</p> -<p class="pnext">"At all events, you saved my life, John," I interrupted.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And now," Dobozy answered merrily, "he regrets it!"</p> -<p class="pnext">"No, no!" cried John. "I would kill a hundred Von -Theyers if they threatened George's safety. Still, this -hussar was a splendid soldier, and brave as a lion."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He was the finest cavalry leader in the Austrian -service," I said.</p> -<p class="pnext">"And tried his very hardest to get you hanged," -laughed Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's so!" exclaimed Rakoczy. "Still, I would -rather have slain him on the battlefield than in a duel."</p> -<p class="pnext">"While he preferred that Botskay should hang," -observed Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">In my dazed state at Arad I had not thought of the -consequences which must follow Rakoczy's blow, but he -and Dobozy knew the Austrian would be satisfied with -nothing less than a duel to the death.</p> -<p class="pnext">Indeed, my carriage had barely departed when several -officers galloped up with demands for the most abject -apology, unless my friend wished to receive challenges -from all the officers of the regiment in succession.</p> -<p class="pnext">To this Rakoczy replied good-humouredly that he had -no quarrel with any one save their colonel, whom he -would fight, and referred them to Dobozy as his friend.</p> -<p class="pnext">A duel was accordingly arranged, in which Von Theyer -fell, whereupon General Schlick forbade the officers of the -regiment from carrying the matter farther.</p> -<p class="pnext">All this had been talked over after supper, but the sight -of the ring and miniature brought up the subject afresh.</p> -<p class="pnext">At last, however, Rakoczy, shaking off his depression, -settled down to explain how my pardon was obtained -from the emperor.</p> -<p class="pnext">"In the first place," he began, "everything is owing to -Mecsey Sándor, who is the best and trustiest of servants."</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy caused an interruption here by his emphatic -approval of the remark.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Seeing you in the hands of Von Theyer," Rakoczy -continued, "he at once scented mischief, and returned to -Gros-Wardein. There he hung about till I was set free, -when he told me what had happened. Now, it struck -me that unless the Austrian had a strong case, you would -not have lived to reach the fortress. I scarcely knew how -to act. Görgei was in prison, though pardoned, and I -had no influence with the Austrian leaders. Here, again, -Mecsey Sándor came to the rescue. 'Does not my master -know some powerful ladies in Vienna?' he asked. That -question furnished me with a key to undo all the locks."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then 'twas the fräulein who saved my life?" I cried.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Or her mother," answered Rakoczy slyly. "But you -are in a desperate hurry to reach the end of the story, -which isn't a compliment to the teller."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Go on!" I cried impatiently. "So you reached Vienna."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But not in a second, my friend. The journey took -time. However, I did get there, and found the ladies in -mourning for the baron. Poor little Theresa was pale as -a ghost, and her eyes were red with much weeping. -Really it seemed cruel, to burden them with fresh -sorrow. But your life was at stake, my boy, so I cast -scruples to the winds and told them the story. They only -knew the baron was dead; and when I related how you -had nursed and afterwards buried him, even the baroness -thawed and called on God to bless you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And Theresa?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"She only spoke with her eyes, and some day you may -discover for yourself what they said. To push on with -the story, however--Dobozy's positively yawning!--I told -them how you had spoiled Von Theyer's beauty, winding -up with an account of your imprisonment and almost -certain execution, unless the emperor himself would interfere."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And they agreed to petition him?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes. At first the baroness threw cold water on the -scheme, saying it could not succeed; but Theresa wept and -prayed so earnestly that her mother consented, and we all -three set out immediately for the palace.</p> -<p class="pnext">"By my advice Theresa sought an audience for herself -only. Any woman in distress has influence over a man; -but when one's petitioner is young and beautiful--well, -there! You know more about these things than I do."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then the emperor received her?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Or you would not be here now. I intended to advise -her what to say, but, bless you, she had it all mapped out."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Trust a woman, old or young, for that," remarked -Dobozy.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'There are four chief points,' she said to me. 'The -attempt to save Count Latour, which ought to count for -much; his protection of my mother and myself; his -kindness to my father, who was a great favourite with the -young archduke before he ascended the throne; and his -steady opposition to the scheme of separation.'"</p> -<p class="pnext">"And the last is not the least," said I, delighted to find -she had thought about it all.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, we waited in the courtyard of the palace, the -baroness seated in her comfortable carriage, I on -horseback. About sixty times an hour I opened my watch--not -the battered one--and wondered what was happening -in the audience-chamber. Every time a door opened or a -servant of the palace moved, my heart leaped to my mouth. -The baroness, stately and dignified, sat bolt upright, as if -nothing under the sun could trouble her, though I believe -she felt keenly, nevertheless."</p> -<p class="pnext">"These people," exclaimed Dobozy with an air of -wisdom, "never obtrude their feelings in public."</p> -<p class="pnext">"A second hour passed," continued Rakoczy, "and half -of the third, when a door was opened, and Theresa, -accompanied by a perfect escort of high functionaries, made her -appearance. The first glance assured me all was right.</p> -<p class="pnext">"She had been weeping--the tear-stains being still on -her face--but her eyes were bright and sparkling now, -and she ran to my horse's head with an <em class="italics">abandon</em> that -must have shocked her mother.</p> -<p class="pnext">"'Ride, Herr Rakoczy!' she exclaimed. 'Do not waste -a second! Here is your friend's pardon, signed by the -emperor's own hand. No, don't stop to thank me. If--if--oh, -it would be too terrible!' and without a moment's -warning she burst into tears.</p> -<p class="pnext">"I was going to comfort her, but she dried her eyes, -declared she was stupid, and skipped off to the carriage.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Then I doffed my hat to the ladies, wished them -farewell, and galloped off. Luckily for you--and -others--I arrived at Arad just in time."</p> -<p class="pnext">By his mention of <em class="italics">others</em> I guessed there still remained -something to be cleared up. But first I wished to make -sure about a little matter which caused me some anxiety.</p> -<p class="pnext">"How will Theresa learn that your journey ended -successfully?" I asked.</p> -<p class="pnext">"From the palace, no doubt. However, I took the -liberty of sending a trusty messenger with a letter in -which I stated that, as soon as you were strong enough, -you would pay your thanks in person."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Which I most certainly will do. Now tell me, please, -whom you meant by the <em class="italics">others</em>."</p> -<p class="pnext">"That's Dobozy's yarn, not mine."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Or rather Mecsey's."</p> -<p class="pnext">"And it had something to do with a public rescue?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Dobozy laughed.</p> -<p class="pnext">"About the maddest idea that ever occurred to any man -outside the walls of a lunatic asylum. I never spent such -a bad half-hour in my life. But for the colonel's arrival, -I really can't say what would have happened. Mecsey -was in deadly earnest, and he had so worked on the men -of your old regiment that they were ready for anything."</p> -<p class="pnext">"But the plan?" I exclaimed. "There must have been -at least some glimmering of a plan?"</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, you see, this servant of yours believes in -having two strings to his bow. According to him, the -colonel's mission might or might not prove a success; so -it was as well not to depend on it altogether. People say -one fool makes many, and it was certainly so in this case. -Learning that the 9th Honveds were to be dismissed, -Mecsey pounced on the men, and wheedled them into -promising their help. Then he came to me, explained -what was going on, and asked me to lead. I pointed out -the wickedness and folly of the scheme, but Mecsey was -far superior to arguments. With a proper leader, he said, -the men would win; without one they would fail; and if -I wanted the thing to be wrecked, of course I wouldn't -join. Well, to cut a long story short, I agreed. We got -together all the weapons we could--long knives and axes -mostly, though some of us had pistols--and waited.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Mecsey was just urging me to give the signal for a -rush at the platform, when some one in the secret sighted -the colonel, and we knew it was all right."</p> -<p class="pnext">"What an awful thing it would have been!" I exclaimed -with a shudder.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well," said Dobozy, "the colonel saved the situation -by about two minutes. I really believe though that Mecsey -was a bit disappointed. He had a swift horse in waiting, -and all we had to do was to rush the platform, knock over -the soldiers, and carry you off before the Austrians were -aware of what was taking place. Mecsey would have -made a great general."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Now, George," exclaimed Rakoczy, when he had -finished laughing at the idea of General Mecsey Sándor, -"remember we haven't heard yet how you came to fall -into the hands of the Austrians. It was rumoured in -camp, before the surrender, that you were killed at -Debreczin."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Rumour would probably have proved true, but for the -inestimable Mecsey," I replied. "He turned up as usual -in the right place at the right moment, nursed me in the -house of a good Samaritan, and journeyed with me to -Vilagos. There we parted, as I expect he's told you."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yes; and the reason," said Rakoczy warmly.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Well, instead of helping you out of a scrape, I got into -one," and I related my adventures while with the band of -robbers.</p> -<p class="pnext">Both my listeners expressed astonishment at the conduct -of Count Beula, and Dobozy frankly praised the bandit-chief -for having hanged him.</p> -<p class="pnext">"Yet he bore himself like a thorough soldier in the -field," said Rakoczy, who rarely looked at the dark spots, -even in the sun. "You may depend his nerves were -overstrung. As to this Batori Gabor, I knew him well years -ago. He belongs to a good family, but he fell foul of the -Austrian police over some political matters, and took to -the plains. I understand he did the enemy no end of -damage during the war."</p> -<p class="pnext">"He must be a daring fellow," exclaimed Dobozy with -enthusiasm. "That was a bold venture, to creep into the -kitchen amongst all those hussars."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Almost as bold as Mecsey," I answered with a laugh; -"but it is perhaps as well neither of them succeeded."</p> -<p class="pnext">"Better," said Rakoczy, "as success in either case would -have made you an outlaw; whereas you are now a free man."</p> -<p class="pnext">"With liberty to visit Vienna whenever you like," -laughed Dobozy; "but isn't it almost bed-time?"</p> -<p class="pnext">Here, practically, my adventures with the red, white, -and green flag come to an end. From that night in my -old home with Dobozy and "John the Joyous" I date the -beginning of a new life.</p> -<p class="pnext">Gratitude, of course, and my promise to the dying baron -took me to Vienna, where my reception encouraged me to -pay several further visits, and in process of time my old -friend's forecast was fulfilled. Theresa became my wife -after her mother's death, and now there is no keener -Magyar in all Hungary than Madame Botskay.</p> -<p class="pnext">Every year we spend a couple of months in beautiful -Pesth, and generally another month with the paralyzed -Count Arnim and his wife, with both of whom Theresa is -a great favourite, as indeed she is with most people.</p> -<p class="pnext">The redoubtable Mecsey Sándor, who makes as faithful -a steward as a soldier-servant, fairly worships her; and this -is the more wonderful, because the honest fellow heartily -detests the whole German race.</p> -<p class="pnext">Mecsey is perfectly happy and comfortable, and spends -his leisure time in describing over and over again the -stirring events of the great campaign.</p> -<p class="pnext">Occasionally Arthur Görgei--now a poor man living in -retirement--comes to see us, and I need hardly say that -no one save "John the Joyous" himself is ever more -heartily welcomed.</p> -<p class="pnext">Some men--but none on my estates--call him a traitor, -and assert that he sold our country to the Russians. If -Görgei betrayed his country, we of his army were -accomplices in his treachery, and this is the proof.</p> -<p class="pnext">We marched hundreds of miles, often bare-footed, over -rough and stony ground; we half froze in the winter's -cold, and fainted beneath the scorching heat of summer; -for weeks together we lived on a scanty ration of black -bread and water; we stormed fortresses and fought -terrible battles when the odds were all against us; and -the man whose spirit, courage, and leadership made these -things possible was Arthur Görgei.</p> -<p class="pnext">If such deeds as these were acts of treachery, then -indeed were we all traitors, and our leader was far and -away the greatest.</p> -<p class="pnext">But the men who spoke thus wildly applauded Louis -Kossuth as the most glorious patriot in history, and -Kossuth was a fugitive in the land of the Turks!</p> -<p class="pnext">It is the usual rule that the losers should be called on to -pay for the game, and our opponents adhered to it closely.</p> -<p class="pnext">With the exception of Görgei and Klapka, our chiefs -were seized by the Austrians, and, after a mock trial, -sentenced to death. Aulich, Damjanics, Nagy Sándor, -with ten others, all perished on one day; while at Pesth -the high-spirited Batthiany, the true leader of the national -party, was shot in the presence of several thousands of -his sorrowing countrymen.</p> -<p class="pnext">Hungary indeed lay crushed under the heel of her -Russian and Austrian conquerors, but since that day many -events have happened. Our liberties have been restored, -and now our country takes its rightful place as the ally -and not the vassal of the haughty Hapsburg dominion.</p> -<p class="pnext">A quarter of a century later, when my own boys, -Stephen and John, were springing into early manhood, -we all journeyed to Pesth to see the Emperor Francis -Josef crowned King of Hungary.</p> -<p class="pnext">"John the Joyous" was with us, and though his hair -was sprinkled with white streaks, his heart had never felt -lighter.</p> -<p class="pnext">The boys were chiefly occupied in gazing at the gorgeous -spectacle--the ermine-trimmed velvet cloaks of the -councillors, the flashing mail of the nobles, the sparkling -diamonds and precious stones, the magnificent horses, the -robes and mitres of the officiating priests.</p> -<p class="pnext">To them it was a splendid procession; to us it was -the fruition of hopes long deferred.</p> -<p class="pnext">We thought of Görgei, of my brother Stephen, and of -all the gallant men who had laid down their lives for the -cause, and I think it was something more than the sun's -rays which brought the water to our eyes.</p> -<p class="pnext">And when the Austrian Emperor, robed in the embroidered -mantle of St. Stephen, and crowned with the sacred -crown, swore as King of Hungary to guard her rights and -liberties against all foes, our hearts were full.</p> -<p class="pnext">We felt that in the years long past our loyalty to the -red, white, and green flag had not been altogether in vain.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst small">THE END.</p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line">*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK <span>THE RED, WHITE, AND GREEN</span> ***</p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">A Word from Project Gutenberg</h2> -<p class="pfirst">We will update this book if we find any errors.</p> -<p class="pnext">This book can be found under: <a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40137"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/40137</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext">Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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