re was of great interest; it gave him an insight into
the life of the German army which he had never hoped for. He realised
at once the different atmosphere which obtained there from that which
obtained in the English army.

He saw that the German discipline was more severe and more unbending;
that not the slightest feeling of friendship or comradeship could be
found between officers and men.

He saw too that the German private was scarcely regarded as a human
being, but as a pawn on a chessboard; the officer looked upon himself
as living in a different world from that of his men.

One day Bob saw that one of the soldiers failed to salute an officer
with sufficient promptness to please him, and immediately the officer
struck the man across the face with a whip.

Bob saw the great red mark rise on the man's face, where the officer
had struck him. He knew that the pain he suffered must be great, but
he made no sign; he simply bore the punishment as if he were without
feeling.

That same evening he was admitted into the circle of a number of the
officers. Bob mentioned the incident he had seen, and asked whether
this treatment was common.

"What would you?" replied the German. "The man did not salute quickly,
therefore he must be punished."

"And if he had cast a look of disrespect?" asked Bob.

The German shrugged his shoulders.

"We do not allow disrespect from men to their officers," was the reply.
"In time of war he would be shot like a dog."

"And in peace?" asked Bob.

"Ah--in peace, he would be treated in such a fashion that he would not
soon offend again."

It was at that time, too, that Bob realised the terrible disappointment
among the German troops at the progress of the war. It had been given
out during its early stages, that the German Army would be in Paris by
the end of August. At first their boasts seemed likely to be
fulfilled, but as the days went by--as August passed and September came
to an end, and then, not only did they not find themselves in Paris,
but were driven back mile by mile, until they were nearing their own
borders--they were not only dismayed, but astonished. It seemed
impossible to them that anything could stand before the German Army.

"It's you English," said one to him. "In 1870 we crushed the French
Army in six weeks, and we should have done the same now but for you."

"And the contemptible little army has given you a great deal of
trouble?" said Bob.

"Tha