He had not slept since the fight began on the previous morning, but his eyes were as bright and his carriage as jaunty as ever.
"Daresay I shall get through somehow," I answered. "But what are the others waiting for? Have they had enough? The attack seems to hang fire a bit."
"Windischgratz won't strike till he can make pretty sure of hitting the mark. Probably he expects Schlick to join him."
"According to the scouts, Schlick can't arrive till it's all over."
"Don't make too sure. Schlick's a perfect demon when the guns begin to speak. His corps would have to march all night if there was a chance of getting up in time. Anyway, had I been Dembinski, I should have forced the fighting directly day broke; but no doubt the old man knows his business."
Rakoczy walked on, passing along the lines smiling good-humouredly, joking with the men, praising them for their behaviour of yesterday, and putting them in famous spirits. Certainly one had not far to seek the reason of his popularity.
Meanwhile the morning advanced, and about seven o'clock the enemy's heavy guns opened fire at Kapolna.
Evidently the attack was to be conducted on a different plan, and very soon the cause of the alteration became plain.
Our position not being threatened, we were able to look about, and from the height obtained a good view of the field.
It was just eight o'clock when Rakoczy, passing his glass to an officer, exclaimed, "That's what I feared. See the column of smoke there on our right?"