January 1, 1915, at the break of day and in the same sector that the foregoing events transpired, a German lieutenant advanced toward our lines with a white flag and a bugler.
The officer carried an immense package under his arm, which was wrapped in pasteboard.
They bandaged the eyes of both and led them into our lines.
Conducted to the colonel, the boche lieutenant announced he had a communication to make to me. They reached me on the telephone and I gave the order to send him on.
I waited impatiently for an hour, I swear, and I was far from imagining what was coming——
The young man was brought into my office; he was a large and solid chap, who planted himself in front of me and saluted with respect.
"I listen——"
With a strong Teutonic accent he said to me in French:
"His Imperial Highness, the German Crown Prince, commander of the opposing army, has charged me to bring you this package!—--"