6. An Encounter

Women, with young children in their arms, were running about bewildered; some of them were struck down by straggling shots.

Horses were galloping riderless. Dead men lay here and there. The bodies of wounded strewed the ground. The columns of soldiers, just now very heavy, grew thinner; the number of the living became plainly less; the ground was in large places red with blood; the heavens were darkened.

Alas! it is not for us to explain such horrors.

Beyond, not very far from these abominable scenes, and straight before her, like an oasis appearing through the storm, the little farm of Knich blossomed and perfumed the air.

The wagon gate was open, and Maroussia’s young eyes saw a large number of golden-yellow chickens, who, without noticing the battle, were playing in the court. She saw also the large wagons, the plows with bright plowshares, pitchforks, spades, rakes, and shovels, awaiting the workmen who ordinarily used them.

Near the door was an enormous dog, with his hair standing up like a thatched roof after a great storm and tempest.

Maroussia’s wagon had gone around the battle-field, Knich’s dog had watched it from afar. It was easy to see from his expectant attitude, that he was prepared to receive the visitor with all the coolness of a creature who in his life has seen, known, and comprehended many things; who makes it a rule to be on the alert, and not to allow himself to go too fast in giving warnings of his fears.