The inhabitants told the usual stories of German treatment. They were
forced to work at all sorts of tasks from seven in the morning until six
at night. In return they received paper bills with which they were
unable to purchase milk and similar necessities. The majority, however,
were so overjoyed at their deliverance that they were almost incoherent
in discussing the enemy occupation.
The inhabitants of Stenay remained hiding in their cellars even after
the Americans had entered the town. They came out hesitatingly and in
small groups.
Hostilities along the American front ended with a crash of cannon.
The early forenoon had been marked by a falling off in fire all along
the line, but an increasing bombardment from the retreating Germans at
certain points stimulated the Americans to a quick retort. From their
positions north of Stenay to southeast of the town the Americans began
to bombard fixed targets. The firing reached a volume at times almost
equivalent to a barrage.
Two minutes before eleven o'clock the firing dwindled, the last shells
shrieking over No Man's Land precisely on time.
There was little celebration on the front line, where American routine
was scarcely disturbed over the cessation of fighting. In the areas
behind the battle zone there were celebrations on all sides.
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