I pass over the chronicles of the next week. They would prove but dreary reading, since we had nothing to do from morning till night but grumble at being left behind.
The unfortunate doctor was so baited and badgered that at last, I verily believe, in sheer self-defence, he reported us as fit for service; and one fine morning, though the weather was still bitterly cold, we left Tisza-Fured with about a hundred soldiers, who were going to rejoin their various regiments.
Having plenty of provisions, we followed in the track of the army, as being the safest and most direct route; and everywhere the inhabitants of the villages through which we passed gave us a hearty welcome.
At Kapolna, the scene of our former defeat, we made a long stay, having arrived there about noon, and not leaving till next morning.
The town presented a very melancholy appearance. Many of the houses were burned to the ground, and in every direction traces of the fierce fight were plainly visible.
Still, the sufferings of the people had not weakened their loyalty to the cause, and the leading citizens feasted us generously.
For the first time since leaving Pesth I slept in a real bed, and the sensation was quite novel.
It was so extremely comfortable that I did not wish to turn out the next morning, but Sándor kept up such a tremendous hammering at the door that I was compelled to rise. I learned from my host that Görgei, with the seventh corps, was marching towards Hatvan; while Vetter, commanding the main army, was trying to push himself in between Jellachich's corps and Windischgratz, the latter of whom lay at Godolo.
Where we should find the 9th Honveds I could not tell, but decided to join Görgei, on the chance that they were with him.
After a hearty breakfast, I went into the street, where the men were already assembled under Thurzo and Dobozy.