I record these remarks, because they serve to show how, even at this early period of the campaign, a wide gulf was opening between the two parties in the country. Later, it formed a deep grave in which we buried our hopes.
Before the war ended we proved up to the hilt the truth of that old saying, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
Another day passed, and then Stephen came to say good-bye.
"I'm off with an important order for General Damjanics," he said. "The camp breaks up to-morrow. Why do you look so gloomy? You're mending nicely, and will be fit to travel in another week."
"I hope so. It isn't pleasant to be left behind when others are going to the front."
"Fortune of war, George, and it's no use grumbling. Well, good-bye; we shall meet in Pesth."
I embraced him rather sadly, and, going outside, watched him mount and ride away.
All that day we looked on at the preparations for the march, and early the next morning went to see the breakup of the camp. The men, who were in good spirits, sang at their work, cheered the generals--Görgei and Klapka in particular--and showed a willing eagerness to be led against the enemy.
There must have been fifty thousand of them altogether, besides a host of camp-followers, and they were filing past till late at night--batteries of artillery accompanied by smart, keen-looking gunners; dashing hussars in their showy uniforms; veterans who had made good many a desperate fight under the black and yellow banners; home-trained Honveds drilled into decent soldiers; raw recruits indifferently armed, but supposed to be valuable on account of their enthusiasm; while over all flew our glorious red, white, and green colours.
We went back to our hovel, where the patient Sándor had prepared supper, and drank a glass of silovitz to the success of our comrades.