"Stephen?" he said, in answer to my anxious questioning. "No, I certainly didn't see him; but what of that? Görgei's aides flit about like ghosts in a stage-play. They aren't supposed to be like ordinary mortals, who want food and rest. Cheer up, my boy; I really don't think there's any reason to worry. If Stephen had come to grief, Görgei would have known and told me, you may be sure. Clear your head of these notions, and go to sleep. We're likely to have a hard day to-morrow."
This was sensible advice, and I tried to act on it; but after all, I must confess, there was little sleep for me that night.
CHAPTER XII.
A SORROWFUL VICTORY.
"Conquer to-day, or back behind the Theiss! Such is the alternative; I know of no other. Damjanics still continues the battle. Aulich advances; Klapka has stopped his retreat. Forward! We must conquer!"
These were the words which greeted us from our brave chief, when once again we stood in battle array, and they warmed our blood like a draught of generous wine.
I understood little of the general's plans, except that at all costs he purposed keeping Jellachich and the Austrians apart.
On the extreme left, Aulich and a part of the second division advanced through a spur of the Isaszeg forest; in the centre our cavalry and artillery had gathered; we of Klapka's corps, with a small part of the second division, occupied the most northern spur of all.
As we reached our positions, Görgei rode down, attended by his brilliant staff.
I looked eagerly for Stephen, and my heart sank when I saw he was not there.