If Germans instead of French should come then we'd have a better chance of escaping among the hedges and vineyards." John agreed with him and they quickly made ready, each taking his automatic and knapsack, and leaving the fire to die of itself on the hearth.
"I'm telling that cottage good-bye with regret," said John, as they walked away.

"I spent some normal and peaceful hours there last night and it's a neat little place.

I hope its owners will be able to come back to it.

As soon as I open the stable door, in order that the horse may go where he will, I'll be ready." He gave the big animal a friendly pat as he left and Marne gazed after him with envious sorrowful eyes.
They walked a full mile, keeping close to the Marne, where the trees and bushes were thickest, and listened meanwhile to the fourth day's swelling roar of the battle.

Its long continuance had made it even more depressing and terrifying than in its earlier stages.