To John's mind, at least, it took on the form of a cataclysm, of some huge paroxysm of the earth.

He ate to it, he slept to it, he woke to it, and now he was walking to it.

The illusion was deepened by the fact that no human being save Weber was visible to him.

The country between the two monstrous battle lines was silent and deserted.
"Apparently," said Weber, "we're in no danger of human interference as we walk here." "Not unless a shell coming from a point fifteen miles or so beyond the hills should drop on us, or we should be pierced by an arrow from one of our Frenchmen in the clouds.

But so far as I can see there's nothing above us, although I can make out one or two aeroplanes far toward the east." "The air is heavy and cloudy and that's against them, but they'll be out before long.