His heavy clothing kept him warm, his seat was comfortable, the pace was good and Fritz was excellent company.

Fritz was a simple peasant, though, in his belief that Germany was right in everything and omnipotent, that the other nations through jealousy had conspired to destroy her, but she, instead, would destroy them all, and rule a conquered world.
John saw readily that the poison had been instilled into him from his birth by the men higher up, and he blamed Fritz very little for his misguided beliefs.

Besides, it was pleasant to have the company of one somewhat near his own age, and to listen to human talk.

There was a girl, Minna, in the village near Munich whom Fritz was going to marry as soon as the war was over.
"And that won't be long now," said Fritz.

"It's true that we were halted before Paris last year, but we came again more numerous and more powerful than ever.