The General stopped short. The words of the somnambulist recurred to him; he looked round for the old man—he was riding among the troops.
Perczel motioned to him to approach, and said, "Do you really believe that there is a battery concealed behind those vineyards?"
"I am certain of it. The slightest experience in tactics might determine that."
"And accordingly you consider the position unattainable."
"On the contrary—but on such occasions it is usual to make a détour."
"For which a very rapid movement were requisite, and our infantry is too much fatigued."
"We can manage that; intrust me with a battalion of infantry and two squadrons of cavalry, and wait here in reserve until I start the game from its cover."
"Do so," said the General, and, giving some directions to his aide-de-camp, he watched the stranger's movements with interest.
The old man put the infantry in the hussars' stirrups, and conducted them with the utmost expedition across the wood.
The idea was as natural as that of Columbus in regard to the egg, and yet it had occurred to no one before.