"Morning?" cried a youngster who, having burned his throat, was glad to give vent to his ill-humour. "You don't call this morning? Why, I hadn't got to sleep before they woke me up again. Why didn't they tell us before, and save us the trouble of tumbling in?"
"Don't know," replied Rakoczy innocently. "Ask some one else."
We were laughing at Rakoczy's pretended simplicity, when another man, coming in, said,--
"Jolly, this, isn't it? It's as black as pitch outside, and hailstones the size of walnuts are falling. Anybody know what it's all about?"
"Which? The hailstones or the blackness?" asked Rakoczy.
"This sudden turn-out. A pity we hadn't stayed at Szondi's a couple of hours later."
"I heard a rumour that Görgei had sent a messenger to say he was retreating with the Austrians on his heels."
"He should imitate the horses and kick out behind."
"I expect he will show fight at Ofen."
"With a crowd of peasants? Not likely. His best plan is to fall back."