CHAPTER XVI.

Passage of the Somme--Indifference of the Natives--Our Quarters--French Deserters--A French Chaussée--Mortemer and its Miseries--Improved Aspect of the Country--First Traces of the Prussians--Prussian Revenge--A Deputation--Valley of the Oise--Its Scenery--Our March unopposed--Preparation to Bivouac--Again in Advance--Beauty of the Scenery at Verneuil--Our Bivouac--Plundering--Senlis--Feelings of the Population--Prussian Lancers--Devastation by the Prussians--Chenevière--Our Night-Quarters, 33