The story of the quarrel in the restaurant had spread widely, and the officers waited with much curiosity to see how the meeting would go off.
"Well," said the count, bowing all round in his finicking way, "I hear that the breach is nearly practicable."
"We shall most likely start in a few hours."
"Then you have not drawn back?"
"My place is with the first column," said Stephen calmly.
"Ah! I lead the fourth. I am going now to see the general, but, as you say, we shall meet in the fortress," and he lounged off.
As the count had stated, the breach was considered practicable, but the great guns thundered on, doing as much damage as was possible before the assault took place.
Our regiment, being the farthest off, was to start first; but the evening wore away, and Rakoczy had not received any definite orders.
Always careful of his men, he made them turn in early; but we officers sat or stood about in groups, talking over the chances of the coming assault.
It was nearly midnight when Stephen, who had been sent for by the chief, returned, and we crowded eagerly round him, anxious to know what had been decided.