A coldness swept over his back, and it is true that his trousers felt to him that they were no fit for his legs at all.
A house standing placidly in distant fields had to him an ominous look.
The shadows of the woods were formidable.

He was certain that in this vista there lurked fierce-eyed hosts.

The swift thought came to him that the generals did not know what they were about.

It was all a trap.

Suddenly those close forests would bristle with rifle barrels.
Ironlike brigades would appear in the rear.