The Germans, under the command of officers, were dragging the men from the arms of their wives and children to one side, and with rifle-butts beating back the screaming women.

Among the men I noticed two or three priests who were doing their best to soothe their companions and even giving them absolution in hurried whispers.
At length the separation was effected, whereon at a hoarse word of command, a company of soldiers began to fire at the men and continued doing so until all had fallen.

Then petty officers went among the slaughtered and with pistols blew out the brains of any who still moved.
"These butchers, you say, are Germans ?" asked Oro of me.
"Yes," I answered, sick with horror, for though I was in the mind and not in the body, I could feel as the mind does.

Had I been in the body also, I should have fainted.
"Then we need not waste time in visiting their country.

It is enough; let us go on." We passed out into the open land and came to a village.