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92 WITH THE GERMAN ARMIES IN THE WEST
By degrees even one uninitiated was able to notice certain
changes in the situation. We see the Umbers being driven
forward to the two batteries in the south-south-west with
the Argonne forest as a background. The guns have been
silent for a while ; now they are getting ready to begin again.
Gunners and drivers are hurrying to their posts and into the
saddle, and the batteries roll away at a gallop in an elegant
semicircle and soon disappear behind the hill. They are to
accompany the infantry attack. West of the old artillery
positions fresh lines are advancing in a south-south-westerly
direction. We hear vividly the crackling, quivering sound
of the machine-guns advancing with the infantry. The
attackers have gained ground and are now entrenching them-
selves in new positions taken from the enemy.
I return to the observation station of the officer in command.
The old Field-marshal, he who fought in 1 870-1, and who
ought to have been fairly tired, had actually been induced
to sit down on the cane chair which had been brought for him.
There the old soldier sits reviving his faded memories and
cannot take his eyes off the battle-scene and the little puffs
of smoke showing up where the shells have burst. His ex-
pression is solemn and severe, his face is furrowed by deep folds
and wrinkles, his grey hairs hang round him like a mane.
He seems to prefer to be left alone with his thoughts, but if
anyone walks up to speak to him, he is full of life and vivacity.
General von Mudra, a man of fine military bearing and
distinguished aristocratic features, is standing at his tripod-
stand telescope observing the fighting. The red collar of his
light blue coat has been turned up, in his hand he holds an
ordnance map of the surrounding country, and at his left
side he carries a wallet for maps, note-books, pencils, compasses,
etc.
A third battery of German field artillery has now advanced,
and is seeking a fresh position, whilst a third wave of infantry
follows the first two in the direction of Varennes. These
reserves are also moving in open order so as not to offer a
compact target for the enemy’s fire. The men are advancing
at the double, rifle in hand. They soon disappear behind the
nearest rise. The rifle-fire keeps rattling away in the valley,
accompanied by the crackling of the maxim guns. Presently
the sound of tremendous cheering reaches our ears. It is
evident that yet another position has been taken.
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