To tell the truth, he was influenced less by
patriotism and enthusiasm than, in addition to propriety, the hope that
military life would afford him new sensations.
Had he deceived himself this time also? It almost seemed so; for,
during the fortnight which he had spent in the enemy's country, he had
as yet experienced nothing unusual. When a person is attended by two
capable servants, and has an unlimited amount of money at his disposal,
he need suffer no discomfort even in the field, especially during a
victorious advance, and as yet there had been no opportunity for
individual deeds of heroism, or perilous adventures.
Thus he had again relapsed into a half-listless mood, while, as we have
just seen him, he stood among his comrades in front of his regiment
smoking his cigarette. Now, however, the French appeared to be
advancing from the other side of the ravine. Their batteries came
nearer, their shells began to fly across the gorge and strike behind
the German cannon. One burst amid the division of infantry, killing
and wounding several soldiers. Another demolished a gun and made havoc
among those who served it.
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