The last of these assaults was of a very determined nature, and for a time had every chance of succeeding.
We were within a day's march of Kaschau, and had covered many weary miles since the morning.
A thick fog had come up with the night--so thick, indeed, it was that it closed us in like a curtain.
Most of the men fell asleep directly they lay down, and very soon there was not a sound to be heard in the camp.
Towards midnight I was awakened by a wild shouting, and springing to my feet, found that the Austrians were in the midst of us.
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.
Rakoczy's voice kept his regiment well together, and owing chiefly to the steadiness of the 9th Honveds the Austrians were finally repulsed.
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.
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.
Very glad we were when morning came; and having eaten our breakfasts, which occupied little time, we set out for Kaschau.