War was now fought under new conditions.
The Germans had thousands and scores of thousands of motors, and perhaps the French were provided almost as well.
"I fancy," said de Rougemont, who was also watching the arrival of the machines, "that we'll leave our horses now and travel by motor." De Rougemont's supposition was correct.

The line of automobiles began to mass in front, many rows deep, and all the chauffeurs, their great goggles shining through the darkness, were bent over their wheels ready to be off at once with their armed freight.

It filled John with elation, and he saw the same spirit shining in the eyes of the young French officers.
General Vaugirard began to puff like one of the machines.

He threw out his great chest, pursed up his mouth and emitted his breath in little gusts between his lips, "Very good! Very good, my children!" he said, "Oil and electricity will carry us now, and we go forward, not backward!" True to de Rougemont's prediction, the horses were given to orderlies, and the staff and a great portion of the troops were taken into the cars.

General Vaugirard and several of the older officers occupied a huge machine, and just behind him came de Rougemont, John and a half-dozen young lieutenants and captains in another.