So he ceased to push at his neck and try to direct him, and the horse continued a slow and peaceful progress down the stream in the shadow of small trees.

The night was darker than those just before it, and the dampness of the air indicated possible flurries of rain.

Cannon still rumbled on the horizon like the thunder of a summer night.
While trusting to the horse to lead him to some destination, John kept a wary watch, with eyes now growing used to the darkness.

If German troops appeared and speed to escape were lacking, he would jump from Marne's back and hunt a new covert.

But he saw nobody.