This graphic incident of the fall of LiÉge was told a reporter for a Dutch paper by a German officer:

“When the first dust and fumes passed away we stormed the fort across ground literally strewn with bodies of the defenders. All the men in the forts were wounded. Most were unconscious. A corporal with one arm shattered valiantly tried to drive us back by firing his rifle.

“Buried in dÉbris and pinned beneath a massive beam was Gen. Leman. ‘Le GÉnÉral il est mort,’ said an aide-de-camp with gentleness. With care which showed our respect for the man who had resisted us so valiantly and stubbornly, our infantry released the General’s wounded form and carried him away. He recovered consciousness and said:

“‘It is as it is. The men fought valiantly.’ He added:

“‘Put it in your despatches that I was unconscious.’

“We brought him to our commander, General Von Emmich, and the two generals saluted. We tried to speak words of comfort, but he was silent. He is known as the ‘Silent General.’ Extending his hand, our commander said:

“‘General, you have gallantly and nobly held your forts.’ General Leman replied:

“‘I thank you. Our troops have lived up to their reputations.’ With a smile he added, ‘War is not like maneuvers.’

“This was a reference to the fact that General Von Emmich was recently with General Leman during the Belgian maneuvers.

“Then, unbuckling his sword, General Leman tendered it to General Von Emmich.

“‘No,’ replied the German commander with a bow, ‘keep your sword. To have crossed swords with you has been an honor.’

“And the fire in Gen. Leman’s eye was dimmed by a tear.”