Stephen gave me a bright nod as the general cantered along, praising the men, bidding them hold out a little longer, and assuring us all that the battle was practically won.
Görgei had hardly gone when our opponents rallied for a final attack.
It was growing dusk by now, and we felt sure that everything in our part of the field depended on the next half-hour.
An Austrian success would wipe out all the advantage Aulich had obtained; while if we stood firm, the enemy must retire in every part of the field.
The part to be played by the 9th Honveds was very simple, yet I must admit we did not like it. A shadow of annoyance passed over even Rakoczy's face when the order was brought from Klapka.
Every man in the regiment burned to advance, instead of which we had to stand still and supply a steady target for the enemy's fire.
Fortunately the attack did not last long. The other regiments, turning on us as on a pivot, swung round in a flanking movement, and presently the Hungarian cry of "Forward! forward!" told that our comrades were driving the enemy before them.
"Now," exclaimed our colonel genially, "if Aulich has taken Isaszeg, the affair is over."
But had he? No one could tell. His corps had vanished completely, and the fast-approaching night swallowed everything in gloom.
Two hours longer we stood to our arms, ready at any moment either to advance or to repel any fresh attack.