Trench-Mates in France; Adventures of Two Boys in the Great War (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915. Excerpt: ... XVII THE DISASTROUS GERMAN DEFEAT THE excitement was so intense that the boys could not sleep that night. It was the same with many others in that jubilant army. They knew, however, that now the fight would be still more bitter and intense. The foe had a number of hills beyond the river which must be taken before the next retreat could follow. The city of Rheims was within range of some of these heights. South of the city, and where the brigade to which the boys were attached was camped, Napoleon fought one of his battles, in which the Russians were his foe. The lieutenant commented on this fact, and remarked that it was curious how time could so change the conditions and the sentiments of people that their most dreaded foe a hundred years ago should now be their staunchest friend. That battle was fought in March, 1814, and its lines are still plainly visible, due to the care which has been bestowed on retaining the principal points of interest connected with the conflict. The city itself was an ancient Gallic town; its population at the beginning of the present war was about one hundred and twenty thousand. It was one of the leading manufacturing and commercial cities in France, the center for the manufacture and exportation of champagne, for the production of woolen and other goods, and was the seat of one of the most noted academies of sciences. The cathedral is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. It has two massive towers, and the interior, which is 466 feet long and 124 feet high, is unsurpassed. Between the towers is a great central rose and three magnificent canopied portals, or openings. The Middle Ages produced nothing to equal it, and the statues which adorn its front have not been excelled by any sculpture, ancient or modern. Jo...