The _Arrow_ kept close to the _Omnibus_, so close that John could see
the white faces of Wharton and Carstairs and their hands clenching the
sides. But he remembered his own original experience, and he was not
disposed to jest at them now.
"They're air-sick--as I was," he said to Lannes. "Call to them to look
westward at the troops," said Lannes. "Great portions of the French and
English armies are now visible, and such a sight will make them forget
their natural apprehensions."
Lannes was right. When they beheld the magnificent panorama spread out
for them the color came back into the faces of Carstairs and Wharton,
and their clenched fingers relaxed. The spectacle was indeed grand and
gorgeous as they looked up at the sky, down at the earth, and at the
line where they met. The sun was now low, but mighty terraces of red and
gold rose in the west, making it a blaze of varied colors. In the east
the terraces were silver and silver gray, and the light there was
softer. The green earth beneath was mottled with the red and silver and
gold from the skies.
The German army was yet invisible beyond the hills, although the cannon
were flashing there, but to the west they saw vast masses of infantry,
some stationary, while others moved slowly forward. Looking upon this
wonderful sight, Wharton and Carstairs forgot that they were high in the
air. Their hearts beat fast, and their eyes became brilliant with
enthusiasm. They waved hands at the _Arrow_ which flew near like a
guiding friend.
Pages:
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228