His speech told me he was a Magyar, and by his dress I judged him to be a servant in some nobleman's family.
At first he glanced at us suspiciously; but, discovering I was an officer in Görgei's army, he became very friendly, and answered my questions readily enough.
"You cannot venture into Gyongyos," he said. "The town is filled with Russians. The general is there with his principal officers, but I hear they start for Kapolna in the morning."
"Will they come this way?"
The Magyar shook his head. "No," he replied; "I wish they would. It would keep them clear of my master's estate."
"Is your master with our army?"
"Alas, no! My sweet master is a cripple, paralyzed. He never leaves the house. But why not ride there with me? The count, my master, is a great patriot, and will make you welcome."
"But it might lead him into trouble."
"Not at all. The Russians are not likely to pay us a visit. If they do, we can easily hide you."
"And Paskewitch will march that way?"