The man who spoke was standing next Mecsey, and I stared in amazement at beholding Dobozy.
What was he doing there?
If he were free, why not "John the Joyous?"
So great a longing suddenly seized me to look on the dear fellow's face once more that I was unnerved, and only by a great effort kept myself from stumbling.
Several other voices now cried, "God bless you, captain!" and I became aware that many men of my old regiment were grouped around Mecsey Sándor and Dobozy.
I smiled a last farewell at them, but my aching eyes sought in vain for the noble figure of their colonel, and I concluded he was still a prisoner, or dead.
Right round the ghastly structure a cordon of troops had been drawn, the space inside being occupied by a regiment of hussars.
Even before meeting him I knew instinctively that Von Theyer was at their head, and the knowledge gave me added courage.
He, at least, should never guess the tortures that I suffered.
I walked firmly, with head erect, gazing boldly at my bitter enemy. He was on horseback, almost at the foot of the wooden steps which led to the scaffold, so that but for my guard I should have brushed against him in passing.