By nightfall we had completely abandoned the forest of Acz, and the vanguard had taken up a strong position several miles eastward.
I did not see Görgei again till the last man had turned into the camp at Comorn, as Klapka kept me pretty busy during the march; but I heard from time to time he was progressing favourably, and that the doctors had no doubt of his recovery.
It was strange to see him lying in his tent, his head bandaged, his face white and bloodless, his body still.
"Ah, Botskay!" said he, smiling, when I went in the first time, "I have to thank you. Szondi's been here and told me all about it. Lucky for me that I took you away from Rakoczy, eh?"
"Szondi had as much to do with it as I, general--more, in fact, for he kept the Russians off while I picked you up. There's a trooper, too, who--"
"Klapka saw to him--made him a sergeant. There's your man as well; what of him? Would he like to have the stripes?"
I shook my head smilingly. To be a sergeant, Mecsey would have to leave me, and this I was sure he would not do.
"Never mind!" exclaimed the general. "I'll find some means of doing him a good turn. He's a fine fellow, and not over free with his tongue. Well, it seems likely you'll soon meet Rakoczy again."
"Is the old regiment coming to join us?" I asked eagerly.
"No," said he; "but we are rapidly making our way back to Pesth," and he looked at me with a faint smile.