"Lucky that Görgei is so near," I thought, "if every meal is to cost me a garment," for I was now reduced to a shirt and pair of trousers.
However, the hot food had set me up, and I walked rapidly, keeping a sharp lookout for any signs of my friends.
Afternoon had passed into evening, and darkness was falling, when an alert "Who goes there?" in Hungarian brought me to a halt.
"A friend," I answered promptly.
"Advance, friend, and give the countersign."
"Pass the word for your officer," I said. "I am Captain Botskay of General Görgei's staff."
"Stand quite still. If you move an inch I'll shoot you."
I could not see the speaker, but his voice told me he was a man of his word, so I stood still.
Presently I heard the clatter of hoofs, and in a few minutes a party of horsemen rode up.
I guessed at once that the general was visiting the outposts, and it was no surprise to hear him calling, "Botskay, where are you? Come this way!--Bring a torch, some one. Quick!"