After a discussion with the National Guards on duty, pass through.

Potter about for a couple of hours at the outposts; try with glass to make out Prussians; look at bombs bursting; creep along the trenches; and wade knee deep in mud through the fields.

The Prussians, who have grown of late malevolent even toward civilians, occasionally send a ball far over one's head.

They always fire too high.
French soldiers are generally cooking food.

They are anxious for news, and know nothing about what is going on.