o longer the leader, and he did not have any
doubt that Lannes would take him, where he ought to go. His feeling of
ease deepened into one of luxury.

They did not rise very high at present, and John could still catch
glimpses of the world below which was now a sort of blurred green,
houses and streams failing to show.

They sailed easily and John told much of what had befallen him and his
comrades, Carstairs the Englishman and Wharton the American.

"The British army came within a hair's breadth of destruction," he said,
"and I'm not so sure that it will escape yet."

"Oh yes it will," said Lannes, "after it once formed the junction with
our own army and they were able to retreat in a solid line the great
chance of the Germans to strike the most deadly blow of modern times
passed. And I tell you again that the French Republic of 1914 is far
different from the French Empire of 1870. We have the fire, the
enthusiasm, and the strength that the First French Republic commanded.
We are not prepared--that's why the Germans are rushing over us now--but
we will be prepared. Nor is our nature excitable and despondent, as
people have so often charged. Even though our capital be removed to
Bordeaux we'll not despair. Using your own phrase, we'll 'come again.'"

"What, has Paris been abandoned?"

"They're talking of it. But John, look toward the east!"

The _Arrow_ had dropped down low, toward a wood, until it almost lay
against the tops of the trees, blending with their leaves. Lannes
pointed with the finger of his free hand, after passing his glasses to
John.

John saw puffs of flame and white smoke, and the dim outline of masses
of men in gray, moving forward. From another line farther west came the
blaze of many cannon.

"Our men are making a stand," said Lannes. "Perhaps it's to gain time.
But whatever the reason, you and I hope it will be successful."

"And we may save our Paris," said John.

He was not conscious that he used the pronoun "our". He had become so
thoroughly identified with the cause for which he fought that it seemed
natural. The battle deepened in fury and volume. Although far away John
felt the air quivering with the roar of the great cannonade. They rose
somewhat higher and each took his turn at the glasses. John was awed by
the spectacle. As far as he could see, and he could see far, men,
perhaps a half million of them, were engaged in mortal struggle. The
whole country seemed to roar and blaze