the rumble of guns, and
that triumphant mighty chorus. There was nothing of aforetime plumed and
gold-laced splendor of war about it, but the modern Teutonic arms on
grim business bent. Except for a curious glance bestowed here and there,
the German troops marched with eyes front, and a precision as if being
reviewed by the emperor. A few shots were heard to stir instant terror
among the citizen onlookers, but these were between the German advance
guard and Belgian stragglers left behind in the city. Presently the side
streets became dangerous to pedestrians from onrushing automobiles
containing staff officers, and motor wagons of the military train.
General von Arnim, in command, ordered the hauling down of all allied
colors, but permitted the Belgian flag to remain flying above the Hotel
de Ville. He promptly issued a proclamation warning all citizens to
preserve the peace. It was both placarded and announced verbally. The
latter was performed by a minor city official, ringing a bell as he
passed through the streets accompanied by policemen.

Toward evening of August 20, 1914, the cafes and restaurants filled up
with hungry German officers and men; every hotel room was occupied, and
provision shops speedily sold out the stores on their shelves. The
Germans at first paid in cash for everything ordered, and preserved an
attitude of nonaggression toward the citizens. But subconsciously there
ran an undercurrent of dread insecurity. At the outset a German officer
was said to have been struck by a sniper's bullet. Somewhat
conspicuously the wounded officer was borne on a litter through the
streets, followed by the dead body of his assailant. Very promptly a
news curtain was drawn down around the city, cutting it off from all
information of the world without. Artillery fire was heard. Presumably
this came from the last stand of the Belgian rear guard in a valley of
the hilly country between Louvain and Brussels. With sustained optimism
to the end, rumor had it that the artillery fire was that of French and
British guns coming to the relief of Louvain. Toward nightfall one or
two groups of alleged snipers were brought in from the suburbs and
marched to the place of execution.

The feeling of a threatened calamity deepened. Another warning
proclamation was issued ordering all citizens to give up their arms.
Further, everyone was ordered to bed at eight o'clock, all windows were
to be closed and all doors unlocked. A burning