Certainly it might help us, but I hardly thought so.
The soldiers would see us enter, and would follow. It was not as if they numbered only a half-dozen or so.
Still, it might be worth trying for; and we pushed on recklessly, running, climbing, jumping, scrambling--any fashion, so as to get there.
The Russians had been shouting and jabbering behind us, and it was much easier to understand the meaning of the bullets than of the words; but now the noise stopped, and a strong, clear voice shouted in German,--
"Surrender yourselves! I pledge my word that you shall not be hurt."
"Come, captain," cried Mecsey, who did not understand this offer; "here we are. In you go. It's dark at first, but you'll soon get used to it."
"For the last time," cried the Russian officer; "will you surrender?"
We were inside the cavern now, but I showed myself at the mouth and asked for five minutes' grace.
For myself there was but one course open--to return to Görgei. Death alone could absolve me from that duty; but there was no need to sacrifice my trusty servant.
Accordingly, I told him of the Russian's offer, and urged him to accept it.