But they had been softened so much by distance that the sound was not unpleasant, and the _Arrow_ rocked gently as if touched by a light wind.
John never ceased to watch with his glasses, and in a few minutes he announced that men in gray were below.
"I expected that," said Lannes.

"This battle line, as you know, is far from straight, and, in order to reach our destination in the quickest time possible, we must pass over a portion of the German army, an extended corner or angle as it were.

What are they doing there, John ?" "Firing about fifty cannon as fast as they can.

Back of the cannon is a great huddle of motors and of large automobile trucks, loaded, I should say, with ammunition." "You're quite sure of what you say ?" asked Lannes, after a silence of a moment or two.
"Absolutely sure.

I fancy that it's an ammunition depot." "Then, John, you and I must take a risk.