He took no thought of escape at present, nor did Fleury, who stood beside him.

The fire of the guns great and small had now blended into the usual steady thunder, beneath which human voices could be heard.
"We don't have the forty-two centimeters, nor the great siege guns," said Fleury, "but the French field artillery is the best in the world.
It's undoubtedly holding back the German hosts and covering the French advance." "That's my opinion, too," said John.

"I saw its wonderful work in the retreat toward Paris.

I think it saved the early French armies from destruction." The German army was made of stern material.

Having planted its feet here it refused to be driven back.