Here he watched the German troops pass over, and listened to the heavy cannonade.

He soon noted that the Germans, after crossing, were taking up strong positions on the other side.

He could tell it from the tremendous artillery fire that came from their side of the Marne.
John now found that his position, while safe from observation, was far from comfortable.

The chill of the water began to creep into his bones and more shells struck unpleasantly near.

Another fell into the river and he was blinded for a moment by the violent showers of foam and spray.