NEW YORK
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
1918
COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
PUBLISHED OCTOBER, 1918
TO
DOCTOR ROBERT FREEMAN
PIONEER RELIGIOUS WORK DIRECTOR
OF THE Y. M. C. A.
AND THE HUNDREDS OF PREACHER-SECRETARIES
WHO ARE SERVING SO BRAVELY AND EFFICIENTLY
ON THE CRUSADE OF SERVICE IN FRANCE
AND TO THE CHURCHES THAT SENT THEM
FOREWORD
Some human experiences that one has in France stand out like the silhouettes of mountain peaks against a crimson sunset. I have tried in this book to set down some of those experiences. I have had but one object in so doing, and that object has been to give the father and mother, the brother and sister, the wife and child and friend of the boys "Over There" an accurate heart-picture. I have not attempted the too great task of showing the soul of the soldier, although I have tried to picture him at some of his great moments when he forgets himself and rises to glorious heights, just as he might do at home if the opportunity called.
I have tried to show his experiences on the transports, when he lands in France, his welcome there, the reactions of the trench life; something of his self-sacrifice, his willingness to serve even unto the end; his courage, his sunshine. I have also given some other pictures of France that aim to show his heart-relations to his allies and to the folks at home.
If I have done this, sufficient shall be my reward.