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.
Jellachich was anxiously awaiting aid from the Austrians. Should it not come, his army would almost certainly be destroyed.
"Rather uninteresting work this," grumbled Thurzo. "Why, we were almost as lively down at Tisza-Fured."
"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."
"Listen!" I interrupted as a thunderous roar of heavy guns broke out apparently close upon us. "The Austrians are over the river."
"Hurrah!" cried Thurzo; "now for our share in the fight!"
Poor fellow! I have often wondered since if he would have shown such eagerness had he known what was coming.
Rakoczy spoke a word to the men, exhorting them to be steady; then we stood awaiting orders.
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.
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.