1900. Illustrated. Erckmann-Chatrian, pseudonym of Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian, write about how poor Joseph Bertha, the narrator of this affecting and exciting story, is snatched away from his betrothed and his peaceful trade by the conscription. His individual experiences in the campaign are as interesting, from the point of view of romance, as their representative nature and his shrewd and simple reflections upon them are historically and philanthropically relevant.