A NIGHT WITH THE FOURTH CORPS. 



99 



As we moved we saw the columns of our cavalry advan- 

 cing, while in front of their late bivouacs the infantry and ar- 

 tillery were massing, and by the occasional shout that rose 

 from the different battalions we knew that the general com- 

 manding, sturdy old von Blumenthal himself, was making his 

 morning rounds. Our battalion was drawn up in a field as the 

 grim old soldier, accompanied by a modest -looking staff and 

 a few orderlies, rode up, and with a touch of the peak of his 

 scarlet banded fatigue-cap, gave us in a strong, clear voice his 

 " Guten Morgen !" As with one voice, the ringing answer, 

 " Guten Morgen, Excellenz !" burst from the men, and the 

 white-haired chief rode slowly down the lines, his sharp eyes 

 scanning the motionless ranks, all glittering in the glory of the 

 morning sun. 



Then words of command were heard from the heads of the 

 various regiments, the troops began to move, and the roads 

 on all sides were soon covered with columns upon columns 

 of marching soldiery. Up against the sky on the heights before 

 us we could see artillery going into battery. A moment later 

 a white cloud burst out from the dark group, followed by the 

 distant boom of the gun, and the work of the day had 

 commenced. 





