Page "The Pianist (memoir)" Paragraph 61

Looking out the window minutes later, Szpilman saw that his building had been surrounded by troops and that they were already making their way in via the cellars.

So Szpilman came slowly down the stairs, shouting “ Don ’ t shoot!

I ’ m Polish !” A young Polish officer came up the stairs towards him, pointing his pistol and telling him to put his hands up.

Again Szpilman said that he was Polish.

The officer came and inspected him closer.

He eventually agreed that Szpilman was Polish and lowered the pistol.