The Germans in Belgium; Experiences of a Neutral (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916. Excerpt: ... THE SACK OF LOUVAIN Wednesday, August 26.--At 4 a.m. in the morning M. Scharpe was already at my bedside. He said that probably a large part of the town was already on fire. During the night there had been continual firing in the streets. Fugitives entering Louvain by the Rue des Moutons reported that dead bodies were lying in the streets. The whole family had passed the night in the dark at the windows. As for me, I had heard nothing. Professor Scharpe begged me to go into the town, as he himself was obliged to remain with his wife and children, who were in great anxiety. He commissioned me to offer the hospitality of his house to some friends in the centre of the town. He asked me to get certain provisions, and at the same time to ascertain what injury had been done by the fire. I dressed hurriedly and went off. All our quarter round the Rue des Moutons had been spared. Alone in the street, I saw pressed against the window-panes the anxious faces of the inhabitants, who had been awake all night, ready to fly the moment their lives and property seemed to be seriously menaced. I was asked for news, or was told the worst rumours in low tones. I only replied by evasive gestures. The neighbourhood of the Town-Hall was in flames, and also the Krakenstraat, Drieengelenbuurt, and the vegetable-market. I proceeded to the house of M. Scharpe's friends. Five German soldiers stopped me. They had quite a different aspect from that of the previous days. They marched along with haggard eyes, as if drunk. They threatened me and ordered me not to stay in the street. I answered that I wished to be conducted at once to the officer on guard. From him I enquired if there was any order compelling citizens to remain in their houses after sunrise. The answer was in the negativ...