"Surely such an outrage could never be perpetrated by civilized soldiers ?" "I saw it done," the priest said bitterly.

"I tried to throw myself between the victims and their murderers, but I was held back by force by the soldiers.

Imagine the scene if you can--the screaming women, the outburst of vain fury among the men, The bridegroom, in his despair at seeing his father murdered, seized a stick and rushed at the French officer; but he, drawing a pistol, shot him dead, and the soldiers poured a volley into his companions, killing some eight or ten others.
Resistance was hopeless.

Those who were unwounded fled; those who fell were bayoneted on the spot.

I took my niece's arm and led her quietly away.