The past had nothing more mighty than the present.

The speed of the Strangers was increased a little, and the French regiments on either side kept pace with them.
More shells fell.

They came, shrieking through the air like hideous birds of remote ages.

Some passed entirely over the advancing troops, but one fell among the French on John's right, and the column opening out, passed shudderingly around the spot where death had struck.
Two or three of the Strangers were blown away presently.

It seemed to John's horrified eyes that one of them entirely vanished in minute fragments.