"And very extravagant it was of you," she said.
Jan pointed out that if we did not leave the tents we should very
shortly have to discard both tents and carts, which would be even more
extravagant.
She reluctantly cheered up, and we drove away in the sunshine. Before we
turned the corner we could see an excited mass of soldiers, peasants,
and boys rushing to the tents with their clasp knives. Perhaps, as
coverings, they saved many people's lives on the cold nights to come.
[Illustration: RETREATING AMMUNITION TRAIN.]
More and more exhausted oxen were to be seen lying by the roadside. A
huge cart drove over one. We all arose in our seats, horrified--but the
old ox was all right, still chewing the cud. Over the cliff lay the
smashed remains of a cart--its owners were flaying the dead horse. A
peasant with bowed head led his cart past us. Drawing it was one ox--its
partner was in the cart, lifting its head spasmodically--finished.
Quantities of carts passed us filled with furniture, baths, and
luggage.
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