The only approaches from French territory were half a dozen roads built high above the water line, which rendered them capable of stubborn defence.
Dunkirk was thronged with reserves--English, Belgian and French.

The Turcos and East Indians were employed by the British in this section and were as much dreaded by the civilians as the enemy.

Uncle John noticed that military discipline was not so strict in Dunkirk as at Ostend; but the Germans had but one people to control while the French town was host to many nations and races.
Strange as it may appear, the war was growing monotonous to those who were able to view it closely, perhaps because nothing important resulted from all the desperate, continuous fighting.

The people were pursuing their accustomed vocations while shells burst and bullets whizzed around them.

They must manage to live, whatever the outcome of this struggle of nations might be.
Aboard the American hospital ship there was as yet no sense of monotony.
The three girls who had conceived and carried out this remarkable philanthropy were as busy as bees during all their waking hours and the spirit of helpful charity so strongly possessed them that all their thoughts were centered on their work.