The Polish lady hastened up to him, pressed his hand, and whispered in his ear:
"Not a word now! We shall have plenty of time presently."
"Then you _do_ know each other?" said Vértessy. "What could the youth be dreaming of to deny his friend a little while ago?"
And with that he gave the heroine's hand a vigorous grip, for he had every reason to still call her a man.
"Sir," said he, "I fancy I am not making you a bad offer if I ask you to come and have a hasty breakfast with me and your young friend, and then choose one of my horses and buckle on one of my swords. You are not the man I take you for if you do not feel inclined to follow your comrade and share his danger."
Hétfalusy, with an expression of alarm, would have interrupted him; but the girl thrust him aside, and her flashing eyes seemed to impose silence upon him.
"Thank you, General," she manfully replied. "I anticipated that offer, and I accept it. As for our breakfast we can have that in our saddles. We have no time to stay."
"You are right," said Vértessy, squeezing the soft downy hand whose steel-like muscles did not betray the woman, "you must hasten. This mad rebellion must be overthrown as rapidly as it has arisen. Should the movement extend to other parts of the county you will not find me unprepared."
Meanwhile the steeds were led out below the gate. The attendant captain rushed out, half dressed, bringing a sword with him for Kamienszka, which she hastily buckled on like a man.
The General escorted them down to the horses, and the three cavaliers swung themselves into their saddles. Vértessy pressed once more the heroine's hand, and said to her with soldierly frankness:
"Mr. Kamienszki, I have a great regard for you!"
"Not Kamienszki but Kamienszka!" murmured the lady softly, and with that she spurred her horse and galloped after her comrades.
And now for the first time a light dawned in Vértessy's mind, and he understood it all.
"A marvellous woman!" he muttered, gazing after her till the distance hid her from his eyes.
The streets were quite quiet, nobody was about, the General's own heart was afflicted by the stillness. A beneficent calm, so often the reaction from extreme excitement, came over him.
And now he had time to hasten back to the peaceful house opposite.