Fate was, perhaps, against me, for they could tell little beyond what I already knew.
The 9th Honveds had passed through in the night without a halt, and all the country round was covered with our disarmed troops marching to prison in charge of their Russian captors.
All this they told me eagerly; but as to Colonel Rakoczy they could tell nothing.
Naturally I was much disappointed; but comforting myself with the thought that I was at least on the track of the regiment, I made a hearty breakfast, took a look at my horse, and having sent the men to act as sentries, lay down for a couple of hours' sleep.
At the end of that time my host wakened me, and I rose, greatly refreshed by the brief rest.
My horse, too, was all the better for its food and grooming; and I mounted quite gaily, having first thanked the keeper of the inn for his kindness.
"Take care you don't run against the Austrians, captain," the man answered. "From what I hear, their cavalry can't be far off."
"All right, my good fellow; though they aren't likely to interfere with me."
The innkeeper shook his head. He had little faith in the mercy of the Austrians.
The other men now came to say a word in parting, and then I rode slowly past the little gabled, whitewashed houses, and so again into the open country.