"The fighting here seems to have occurred within the last two or three days.
It is behind our lines and I did not hear of it, but so much has happens of which we do not hear, and there has been so much shifting of the lines in recent days that a battle could easily have occurred at Chastel without my knowledge.

And the shock of cannon fire with the enormous guns now used is so tremendous that the fleeing people may not have recovered from it yet.

Doubtless they will return tomorrow or the next day." "I hope so, Mr.Scott.A ruined town with nobody in it oppresses terribly." A sudden thought stabbed at John's heart.

It was possible that the people of Chastel did not return because they were fearing another attack.

If Antoine had caught the gleam of German lances in the wood then a considerable German force might be behind the French lines.
Snowstorms formed a good cover for secret operations.
Julie noticed the passing shadow in his face and she knew it to be the sign of alarm.
"What is it, Mr.Scott ?" she asked.