The Germans, taken completely by surprise at the sight of the foe’s grim war car in its coat of elephant gray, bearing down upon them, attempted to escape, firing with their carbines as they fled.  Notwithstanding the fact that the sidewalks were lined with onlookers, the Belgians opened on the fleeing Germans with their machine guns, which spurted lead as a garden hose spurts water.

The driver, fearing the Germans might escape, swerved his powerful car against the German motor precisely as a polo player “rides off” his opponent.  The machine gun never ceased its angry snarl.

The Germans surrendered, both being wounded.

Appreciating that Ghent stood in imminent danger of meeting the terrible fate of its sister cities, Aerschot and Louvain, sacked and burned for far less cause, Mr. Van Hee hurriedly found the burgomaster and urged him to go along instantly to German headquarters.

They found General von Boehn and his staff at a chateau a few miles outside the city.  The German commander at first was furious with anger and threatened Ghent with the same punishment he had meted out to the other places where Germans were fired on.  Van Hee took a very firm stand, however.  He told the general the burning of Ghent would do more than anything else to lose the Germans all American sympathy.  He reminded him that Americans have a great sentimental interest in Ghent because the treaty of peace between England and the United States was signed there just a century ago.

The general finally said:  “If you will give me your word that there will be no further attacks upon Germans in Ghent, and that the wounded soldiers will be taken under American protection and returned to Brussels by the consular authorities when they have recovered, I will agree to spare Ghent and will not even demand a money indemnity.”

The news that Mr. Van Hee had succeeded in his mission spread through the city like fire in dry grass and when he returned he was acclaimed by cheering crowds as the saviour of Ghent.

THE BURGOMASTER’S APPEAL

Blazoned on the front of the Town Hall suddenly appeared a great black-lettered document.  It was a manly and inspiring proclamation by the burgomaster, similar to the splendid proclamation issued by M. Adolphe Max, burgomaster of Brussels, just before the German entry.  He assured the inhabitants that he and all the town officials were remaining in their places, and that so long as life and liberty remained to him he would do all in his power to protect their honor and their interests.  He reminded them that under the laws of war they had the right to refuse all information and help to the invaders; and called upon each citizen, or his wife, to refuse such information and help.  Finally, he urged the citizens to remain calm, and stay in their homes.

“Vive la Belgique!  Vive Ghent!” The proclamation ended in great capitals with this patriotic cry.