HIS ARREST
The story of Max's arrest was characteristic.
He was busy at the Hotel de Ville with his colleagues when a peremptory
message arrived from Von der Goltz, bidding him come at once to an
interview.
"I cannot come at once!" said Max, "I am occupied in an important
conference with my colleagues. I'll come at half-past four o'clock."
Presently the messenger returned.
"Monsieur Max, will you come at once!" he said in a worried manner. "Von
der Goltz is angry!"
"I am busy with my work!" replied Max imperturbably. "As I said before,
I shall be with Von der Goltz at four-thirty."
At four-thirty he went off, accompanied by his colleagues, and a
dramatic conference took place between the Germans and Belgians.
Max now fearlessly informed the Germans that he considered it would be
unfair for Brussels to pay any more at present of the indemnity put upon
it by Germany.
One reason he gave was very simple.
The Germans had posted up notices in the city, declaring that in future
they would not pay for anything required for the service of the German
Army, but would take whatever they wanted, free.
"You must wait for your indemnity," said Max. "You can't get blood from
a stone."
"Then we arrest you all as hostages for the money," was the German's
answer.
At first Max and all his Échevins were arrested.
Two hours later the aldermen were released.
But not Max.
He was sent to his _honorable detention_ in a German fortress.
The months have passed.
He is still there!