diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/67478-h/67478-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/67478-h/67478-h.htm | 11071 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 11071 deletions
diff --git a/old/67478-h/67478-h.htm b/old/67478-h/67478-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 2e75eb3..0000000 --- a/old/67478-h/67478-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11071 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - A United States Midshipman in China, by Yates Stirling, Jr.—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; page-break-after: always;} -div.titlepage p {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 2em;} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - -.tdr {text-align: right;} - - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; -} - -p.drop-cap { - text-indent: -0.25em; - margin-left: 36%; -} -p.drop-cap2 { - text-indent: 0em; - margin-left: 36%; -} -p.drop-cap:first-letter, p.drop-cap2:first-letter -{ - float: left; - margin: 0em 0.15em 0em 0em; - font-size: 250%; - line-height:0.85em; - text-indent: 0em; -} -.x-ebookmaker p.drop-cap, .x-ebookmaker p.drop-cap2 { - text-indent: 0em; - margin-left: 5em; -} -.x-ebookmaker p.drop-cap:first-letter, .x-ebookmaker p.drop-cap2:first-letter -{ - float: none; - margin: 0; - font-size: 100%; -} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;} -.ph2 {text-align: center; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.large {font-size: 125%;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; - padding: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A United States Midshipman in China, by Yates Stirling, Jr.</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: A United States Midshipman in China</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Yates Stirling, Jr.</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: Ralph L. Boyer</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 22, 2022 [eBook #67478]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: D A Alexander, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by Cornell University Digital Collections)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A UNITED STATES MIDSHIPMAN IN CHINA ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" width="40%" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_0"></span> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_frontispiece.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>IT WAS ROUGHLY SEIZED<br /> -FROM HIS HAND</i></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>A<br /> -UNITED STATES<br /> -MIDSHIPMAN<br /> -IN CHINA</h1> - -<p><i>by</i><br /> - -<span class="large">Lt. Com. Yates Stirling Jr. U.S.N.</span><br /> - -Author of<br /> -“A U.S. Midshipman Afloat”</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_titlelogo.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p><span class="large">Illustrated <i>by</i> Ralph L. Boyer</span></p> - -<p><span class="large">THE PENN PUBLISHING<br /> -COMPANY PHILADELPHIA<br /> -MCMIX</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center"> -COPYRIGHT<br /> -1909 BY<br /> -THE PENN<br /> -PUBLISHING<br /> -COMPANY</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_logo.jpg" alt="" /></div> - - -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Introduction</h2> -</div> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Those</span> who have read “A United States -Midshipman Afloat” will recall that Philip -Perry and his friend, Sydney Monroe, recent -graduates of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, -had been but a short time in the -regular naval service when the battle-ship -“Connecticut,” to which they had been -assigned, was ordered to a South American -port. Here they found a revolution in -progress, and it became the duty of the -young men to prevent the delivery of certain -machine guns and other war material which -had been shipped from America to the insurgents. -In this they were successful after -some stirring adventure on land and sea.</p> - -<p>The present book shows the same young -officers on a United States gunboat in the -Yangtse River at a time when the lives of -foreigners in China are in peril. A further -account of their experiences in Eastern waters -will be found in “A United States Midshipman<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span> -in the Philippines.” In all of these -books the endeavor has been to portray some -of the bold enterprises which are all in the -day’s work for a naval officer, and to show -how our modern navy accomplishes big things -in a quiet way.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Contents</h2> -</div> - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" summary="table"> - - -<tr><td class="tdr">I.</td><td> <span class="smcap">An Incident of the River</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9"> 9</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">II.</td><td> <span class="smcap">An Unpleasant Encounter</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_21"> 21</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">III.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Peril at the Mission Gate</span> </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_32"> 32</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">IV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Embassy to the Viceroy</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_44"> 44</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">V.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Viceroy’s Treachery</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59"> 59</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">VI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Diplomacy Fails</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_72"> 72</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">VII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Dissensions</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_86"> 86</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">VIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Ignacio Shows His Hand</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_108"> 108</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">IX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Held as Hostages</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_122"> 122</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">X.</td><td> <span class="smcap">A Chinese Prison</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_139"> 139</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Friends in Need</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_152"> 152</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">A Daring Plan</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_167"> 167</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Hopes of Escape</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_181"> 181</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XIV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Escape</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_194"> 194</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">An Enemy Silenced</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_208"> 208</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XVI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Reënforcements</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_234"> 234</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XVII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Aboard the “Phœnix”</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_245"> 245</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XVIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Start for Ku-Ling</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_259"> 259</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XIX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Secret Channel</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_274"> 274</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XX.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Running the Batteries</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_288"> 288</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XXI.</td><td> <span class="smcap">To the Rescue of the Mission </span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_299"> 299</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XXII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Last Charge</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_314"> 314</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIII.</td><td> <span class="smcap">The Forts Surrender</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_332"> 332</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdr">XXIV.</td><td> <span class="smcap">Phil Explains</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_345"> 345</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">Illustrations</h2> -</div> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" summary="table"> - - -<tr><td class="tdr" colspan="2"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">It was Roughly Seized From His Hand</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_0"> <i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">A Pistol Shot Rang Out</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_71"> 71</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“<span class="smcap">We Are Your Friends</span>”</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_150"> 150</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">He Measured the Strength of His Antagonist</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_191"> 191</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“<span class="smcap">The Monitors are Actually Here!</span>”</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_256"> 256</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>“<span class="smcap">There is Still a Chance</span>”</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_283"> 283</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Americans were Struck Dumb</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_342"> 342</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> - -<p class="ph2">A United States<br /> -Midshipman in China</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I<br /> - - -<small>AN INCIDENT OF THE RIVER</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> United States gunboat “Phœnix” lay -at anchor in the swift current of the Yangtse -River opposite the Chinese city of Ku-Ling. -The surface of the water seemed tranquil, but -a closer look over the side of the ship showed -to the observer the strength of the muddy -flood that swept for thousands of miles -through the length of the Chinese Empire, -from the far-away snows of the mountains of -Tibet onward to the waters of the Pacific -Ocean.</p> - -<p>Two young midshipmen were standing at -the gunboat’s rail in eager conversation. -Their eyes were intent upon the scenes on the -shore scarce a hundred yards away.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span>“Oh, there’s Langdon!” exclaimed Philip -Perry, the taller of the two lads, as the form -of the government pilot, Joseph Langdon, -was seen coming from the ward-room companion -ladder. “Langdon, have you ever seen -this much talked about Chang-Li-Hun?”</p> - -<p>“Seen him?” Langdon echoed, approaching -the speaker. “I’ve talked with him many a -time, and you can take my word for it, there -isn’t a man in all China whom I wouldn’t -sooner have for my enemy. He’s a past -craftsman in oriental subtlety and diplomacy. -He rules his own people with a rod of iron, -and if an official displeases him, off goes his -head in the most approved Chinese fashion.”</p> - -<p>Both midshipmen suppressed an unconscious -shiver as the American pilot of the -Yangtse River illustrated the death of the -disgraced official by chopping at his own thick -neck with a great sun-tanned, muscular hand.</p> - -<p>“Everything looks peaceful enough ashore -there now, doesn’t it?” Sydney Monroe, -Phil’s friend and classmate, said in a tone of -inquiry. “It doesn’t seem as if the foreigners -were much in fear of the dangers of Chinese -violence. Look!” he exclaimed; “there are<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span> -European women and even children walking -along the streets.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the danger in China,” Langdon returned -in a troubled voice. “Living in this -country is like being on top of a presumably -extinct volcano. No one knows when it will -break out. Sometimes it comes without the -usual rumblings.”</p> - -<p>“There must have been some rumblings,” -Philip Perry exclaimed, pointing suggestively -at the half score of foreign gunboats representing -all the European navies.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Langdon answered, “there have -been many signs which have greatly alarmed -those who have made a study of the Chinese -situation. This viceroy has within the last -few weeks allowed many insults by his people -to foreigners to go unpunished, and will not -listen to the appeals of the foreign consuls. -The missionaries all over the provinces are in -fear of some terrible calamity, and it is -through their urgent demands that these war-ships -are here.”</p> - -<p>“What do the foreigners fear?” Sydney -asked, interestedly.</p> - -<p>“Fear!” Langdon exclaimed. “Why, almost<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> -every kind of torture and death. When once -the Chinese are allowed to avenge themselves -upon the foreigner there’s no limit to their -cruelty.”</p> - -<p>“Why can’t we appeal to the Chinese -government at Peking to protect foreigners?” -Phil asked gravely. “Haven’t we a treaty -with China for protection of United States -citizens here?”</p> - -<p>Langdon gave the lad a withering look, as -he replied:</p> - -<p>“This viceroy is not letting Peking know -what is happening in his provinces. If he -succeeds in making the country over which -he rules dangerous and unprofitable to -foreigners without doing more than kill a few -missionaries and ruining foreign trade, -Peking will apologize for the deaths and pay -an indemnity to the families of those killed -and then to sustain him in the eyes of his -people decorate him with the Order of the -Dragon. But if he goes too far, then Peking, -in order to save herself from an invasion of -foreign soldiers, will disgrace the viceroy in -one of the many ways known best to the -Chinese.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span>“Here comes the captain now,” Sydney exclaimed -as a small white canopied steam -launch shoved off from the jetty and stood -toward the “Phœnix.”</p> - -<p>All three walked toward the gangway to -meet Commander Hughes, the captain of the -gunboat, who had been ashore to visit his -consul and gather the latest news of the much -feared uprising among the fanatical natives.</p> - -<p>“Well, Webster,” Commander Hughes exclaimed -in hearty tones to the executive -officer, as he put his foot on the quarter-deck, -returning in a precise manner the salutes of -the officers standing near. “Keep your guard -for the mission ready to land at a moment’s -notice. I saw that half-breed Emmons, the -oracle of the river. He is non-committal, but -I can see he fears trouble. He promised to -warn me in plenty of time. Emmons says -that the Tartar general, commanding all the -soldiers under the viceroy, is not in sympathy -with this movement, and if he can urge the -viceroy to take steps to suppress it, our -presence here may yet be unnecessary.”</p> - -<p>After the captain had entered his cabin the -two midshipmen turned eagerly upon the pilot.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span>“Who is this half-breed Emmons the -captain speaks of?” Phil demanded.</p> - -<p>“Do you see all those launches over there?” -the pilot inquired, pointing to the near-by -docks where many small vessels were unloading.</p> - -<p>“Well, they belong to Emmons,” he added, -“and he’s very rich. His mother was a -native woman and his father an American -merchant skipper. Emmons wears Chinese -clothes and to meet him on the street you’d -take him for a native. We’re lucky to have -Emmons with us, but if the viceroy suspects -that he is, he’d enjoy nothing better than to -confiscate his property and expel him from -the provinces, even if he doesn’t have him -executed.”</p> - -<p>“Where’s this mission?” Sydney asked gazing -searchingly out over the green sloped -hills of the country.</p> - -<p>Langdon held a pointing finger steadily -out to the right of the walled Chinese city.</p> - -<p>“About five miles from here,” he said. -“It’s built in the middle of an ancient -Chinese graveyard and is a thorn in the -side of the Chinese. It was erected three<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> -years ago, and by order of this same viceroy. -No other site could be used. He knew that -the Chinese would never rest until they tore -the building down. It took nearly two years -to build; all the work was done by Christian -converts. I don’t blame the captain for -feeling uneasy, for in my opinion that mission -will be the first point of attack.”</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney were soon after below in -their rooms finishing their unpacking; for -they had but recently arrived on the station -and had joined the gunboat just previous to -her leaving Shanghai on her four-hundred -mile cruise up the great Chinese river. So -interested were they during the day, viewing -the shifting scenery, and at night so much of -their time had been occupied in standing -watch on the gunboat’s bridge, that they had -quite forgotten their trunks as yet unpacked -in the ward-room passages.</p> - -<p>After dinner that evening, while the midshipmen -were enjoying the bracing fall air -on the quarter-deck, Phil was suddenly -summoned to report immediately to the -captain.</p> - -<p>Receiving Commander Hughes’ instructions<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> -to take the steam launch and board -each of the foreign gunboats, the midshipman -left the cabin to carry out his orders, -much elated at the exalted rôle he was playing -in the affairs of nations. About an hour -later, having visited each of the foreign gunboats -and given to their commanding officers -his captain’s letters, the launch breasted the -swift current of the river on her return to the -ship. The coxswain of the launch was steering -his boat close to the hulls of the junks -moored to the jetty, in order to avoid the -strength of the current. The river was silent; -no sound could be heard save the whir of the -tiny engine and the rush of the tide against -the sides of the launch.</p> - -<p>As the boat passed within the shadow of a -high-sided junk, such as are used by the -wealthy Chinese as house-boats, a piercing -cry rang out over the quiet water from her -deck, directly above Phil’s head; then he -heard the sound of a scuffle, followed by the -splash of a heavy body in the dark waters -astern of the launch. The lad was on his -feet in an instant; throwing off his coat, he -sprang out on the launch’s rail, ready to go<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span> -to the assistance of the unfortunate one who -had been swallowed up in the treacherous -waters. The coxswain had by signal stopped -the headway of the launch and all eyes were -searching the waters astern: the ripples that -closed over the body were visible, while some -yards down stream an object floated, all but -submerged, rapidly borne away by the hurrying -flood.</p> - -<p>The lad stood irresolute for the fraction -of a second, fear of the treacherous flood tugging -at his heart; then overcoming this momentary -weakness, he turned to the coxswain -beside him:</p> - -<p>“Go down to leeward and pick me up,” he -ordered, gathering himself together and -springing far out into the dark river.</p> - -<p>As he struck out boldly sinister stories of -the enchanted water surged back to him. He -had heard how the suction from the muddy -bottom was known to drag to their death even -the strongest swimmers: men who had -missed their footing while stepping into boats -alongside their own ships had disappeared -beneath the yellow surface never to rise again. -The Chinese superstition was that a dragon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span> -lived in the river and that all persons who -fell into his home were drawn to the bottom -and devoured by the monster.</p> - -<p>Phil struggled manfully against these weird -fancies, yet he was conscious of the force acting -to suck his body down while he exerted -all his strength to keep his head above the -engulfing waters. The high-sided junks -flashed by him as he swam with the current -toward the victim struggling despairingly in -the embrace of the river dragon. In a few -moments his strong strokes had brought him -alongside the drowning man. He grasped -the man’s clothing and drew him closer, seeking -a firmer hold. Avoiding the waving -arms, Phil’s hand worked its way along the -body until it reached his head, and there his -fingers closed about the long braided cue; -twisting this around his hand, the lad swam -out toward the middle of the river. The -Chinaman struggled violently, striving to -grasp Phil’s hand. The boy saw with terror -that if the Chinaman succeeded they would -both drown.</p> - -<p>“Be still or I’ll let you go!” he commanded, -forgetting in his anxiety that he was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span> -talking to a Chinaman, but nevertheless the -man quieted down and Phil’s hopes rose.</p> - -<p>With the stinging water in his eyes, he -gazed about him for the launch; he could -scarcely see; the oppressive darkness seemed -to be closing in about him. Then out of the -night there loomed the sides of many junks, -massed in tiers, directly in the path of the -current carrying him. This new and terrible -danger filled him with despair: even the -strongest swimmer could not expect to survive -if he were drawn under that wooden -wall of vessels; if he were not crushed between -their huge hulls he would be forced -beneath the surface for so long a time that -life would be extinct before he rose again. -His one chance was to breast the tide, swimming -out from shore in the hope that thus he -might clear the outside junk.</p> - -<p>The hulls seemed ever closer and the lad’s -efforts weaker. The Chinaman was a dead -weight upon him; if he abandoned the -man he could save himself. Would it not be -just? He could not hope to save both himself -and the Chinaman, therefore, was he not -obeying the first law of nature by abandoning<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span> -the unfortunate man to his fate? But Phil, -even with death staring him in the face, dismissed -these unnerving thoughts from his -mind. He would save the man or drown in -the attempt! As he swam manfully ahead, -supporting the fully conscious but terrified -Chinaman, and casting anxious glances behind -him at the fast approaching menace, -his heart was gladdened at the sight of the -launch standing in boldly between him and -the junks, now but a few dozen yards away. -Then he saw the boat turn slowly, painfully, -toward him in the grasp of the cruel, relentless -current which seemed to sweep her down -under the yawning whirlpool. He closed his -eyes to shut out the sight. If the launch -failed to turn inside the distance she would -be swept under the mass of shipping and be -capsized; then the brave men who had fearlessly -taken this risk to save him would all -find a watery grave in the river.</p> - -<p>“She can’t make it!” he gasped despairingly.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II<br /> - - -<small>AN UNPLEASANT ENCOUNTER</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Phil</span> had ceased to struggle; his doom was -too close upon him to hope to escape it. His -one chance was the launch. A low cry of -joy burst from him as he saw her turn safely -under the overhanging bows of the junks -and steam swiftly toward him. Yet he knew -that all danger had not passed; the current -was still sweeping him down while the boat -must keep her headway else she would be -carried back under the shipping. The launch -loomed above him; he saw her anxious crew -gathered in the bow ready to grasp the struggling -men as they were swept by on the crest -of the flood.</p> - -<p>He was conscious of strong arms about -him, and the next moment he and the rescued -Chinaman were safely on board the launch, -while she was steaming at full speed for safety -away from the treacherous shore.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span>After the rescued Chinaman had been -resuscitated, and Phil had recovered from his -terrible exertions, he ordered the coxswain to -land at the foreign concession. The Chinaman -lay on the deck of the launch, fully alive -but not showing by word or sign his gratitude -to the midshipman who had saved his life -at the risk of his own.</p> - -<p>As the boat stopped at the stone steps of -the jetty, the Chinaman arose unsteadily to -his feet, grasping the boy’s hand in both of -his, then without a word stepped quickly out -of the launch and was lost in the night.</p> - -<p>Phil was so astonished at the man’s action -that it was some moments before he realized -that a ring had been left in his hand. He -examined it eagerly in the dim light of an -oil lantern; what was his surprise to find that -it was of massive carved gold, set with a green -jade stone.</p> - -<p>As the launch was secured alongside of the -“Phœnix’s” gangway, Phil stepped to the -coxswain’s side and took the sailor’s rough -hand in his own, much to the embarrassment -of the latter.</p> - -<p>“Blake,” the lad said earnestly, “you saved<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span> -my life, and you did it as coolly as if you had -been only making a landing alongside the -ship.”</p> - -<p>“It was nothing, sir,” the coxswain answered -quickly, his face beaming; “but to -think of your jumping into this river to save -a Chink,” he added admiringly.</p> - -<p>“My act was upon impulse,” Phil declared -earnestly, “and took no real nerve, while you -deliberately measured your chances and saw -that the odds were dead against you; one -slip, one spoke too little helm, one revolution -too few with the engines, and you and your -crew would have been swept underneath that -mass of junks, and knowing this you took the -chance and had the nerve and grit to steer -your boat cleverly to safety and me with her. -My act is insignificant beside yours.”</p> - -<p>Leaving the coxswain still wondering at his -words of praise, Phil reported his return and -went at once to his room for dry clothes. -Although the hour was early, and there were -many things over which he would have liked -to talk with Sydney and their new friend -Langdon, when once in dry, warm clothes he -found his exertions of the past hour had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> -sapped his strength, and he was soon fast -asleep. Nor did he awake until the sun was -streaming in through his port-hole.</p> - -<p>Turning out promptly, and making a hasty -toilet, he was soon in the mess-room, where -he found the full mess at breakfast, and all -discussing the seriousness of the present crisis.</p> - -<p>As he put his hands on the table the -brightness of the ring the Chinaman had -given him startled him; the deep green of -the stone stood out clearly against the white -tablecloth. Langdon, sitting beside him, -espied it immediately and grasped the boy’s -hand, examining the ring closely.</p> - -<p>“Royal jade!” the pilot exclaimed. “Where -did you get it? That’s one of the finest stones -I’ve seen in years.”</p> - -<p>Phil felt abashed, not wishing to relate his -experience before the mess.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you later,” he whispered, withdrawing -his hand before the attention of the -rest of the mess could be attracted. Then -turning to the executive officer, presiding -at the head of the mess-table, he asked anxiously:</p> - -<p>“Is there any news, sir, about sending the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span> -guard to the legation? If it is going I should -like to be allowed to go in the detail.”</p> - -<p>Sydney hastened to add his plea to go -along also, and Mr. Webster’s face broadened -in an amused smile as he watched the eager -faces of the midshipmen.</p> - -<p>“I can tell you,” he replied heartily, “that -you are both in the detail, so you may rest -easy. I for one hope there will be no -necessity for the expedition. China is a -dangerous country when once aroused.” -Then, turning to Phil, whose joy showed -plainly in his face, while his pulses beat -faster, he added:</p> - -<p>“What’s this we hear about your rescuing -a Chinaman from drowning last night? It’s -all about the ship forward, yet aft here we’re -the last to hear of it.”</p> - -<p>Phil colored painfully while he outlined -the episode of the river; he said but little -of his part, but praised unstintingly the coolness -and courage of the coxswain of the launch.</p> - -<p>“Coxswain Blake belittles his own part -as much as you praise it,” Mr. Webster remarked -kindly, as the officers rose from the -breakfast table.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span>In Phil’s room after breakfast, Langdon -examined the ring closely in hopes of discovering -a clew to the identity of the -owner.</p> - -<p>“There’s nothing here to tell,” the pilot -announced after careful scrutiny, handing -the ring back to the midshipman; “it’s of -great value among the Chinese; undoubtedly -the man was rich and he left with you the -only article of value he was then wearing. -The Chinese are a queer lot; their superstitions -will not allow them to save a fellow-being -from drowning, but when they themselves -are saved by a foreigner they will at -once put aside the obligation by giving their -rescuer a costly gift. Your Chinaman doubtless -considers his debt is paid.”</p> - -<p>After breakfast was over the midshipmen -asked and received permission to visit the -foreign concession.</p> - -<p>“You must go in uniform,” Lieutenant -Webster replied to their request, “and the -captain’s positive orders are not to enter the -Chinese city.”</p> - -<p>The lads quickly agreed to keep to this -rule, and a half hour later the “Phœnix’s”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> -steam launch landed them on the stone jetty -abreast the ship.</p> - -<p>Here they were immediately surrounded -by a score of Chinese ricksha coolies, each one -anxious to enlist their patronage in engaging -a jinricksha, which is the customary conveyance -of the far Eastern countries. The lads -were soon seated each in one of these miniature -carriages; and the coolies in the shafts darted -off at a lively pace down the smooth macadamized -roadbed of the Bund.</p> - -<p>“Where shall we go first?” Sydney questioned, -raising his voice so as to be heard -above the rattle of the wheels.</p> - -<p>Phil shook his head in sign of perfect indifference. -The sensation of riding in one of -these novel carriages for the first time was -distinctly pleasant. He felt half exhilarated -and half ridiculous. However, before they -had traveled a block, he lost his feeling that -every one was looking at him, a grown man -riding in a baby carriage, and began to thoroughly -enjoy the situation. The throngs on -the streets interested him, and the color -scheme pleased his eye; the gayly dressed natives -sprinkled here and there with the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span> -more sombre garb of the Europeans or Americans.</p> - -<p>“I don’t care,” he answered as Sydney repeated -his question. “Let them take us -wherever they will. Later, though, I want -to go to the bank and buy a draft to send -home.</p> - -<p>“Here we are,” he added suddenly, making -energetic efforts to stop his own ricksha -in its mad career, as he espied the sign on a -great stone building: “Hongkong Bank.”</p> - -<p>The lads alighting, bidding by sign their -rickshas to wait, entered the wide doorway of -the bank.</p> - -<p>Here they met scores of Chinamen pouring -continually in and out, depositing or drawing -out great sacks of Mexican dollars, the -token currency of China. Behind the counters, -although the bank was owned by an -English corporation, Phil saw only Chinese. -Millions of dollars daily passed through their -hands.</p> - -<p>Leaving Sydney gazing interestedly at the -scenes of activity, Phil moved over to a desk -upon which were paper and ink laid out for -the bank customers. As he drew near, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span> -took casual note of a foreigner standing with -his back toward the door, engaged apparently -in writing. At the man’s feet he saw a -neatly folded paper lying. Apparently it had -just been dropped from the foreigner’s pocket. -Stooping down, Phil picked it up, hastily -glancing over it to see if it was of sufficient -consequence to ask the stranger if it were his. -He had barely time to note that the writing -was in English when it was roughly seized -from his hand, and looking up in surprise, he -found himself confronted by an angry, excited -face, whose dark, piercing eyes snapped with -uncontrolled passion. The stranger thrust -the letter into his pocket with one hand, -while the other was closely clenched as if he -were about to strike down the innocent offender.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by trying to read my -letter?” the foreigner cried in a voice full of -wrath.</p> - -<p>The blood mounted to Phil’s forehead as -he returned unflinchingly the stranger’s wild -look. He was about to answer an apology -when the foreigner’s cutting voice stayed him.</p> - -<p>“Just like you officious Americans,” the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -stranger exclaimed, surveying the neat blue -uniform of the American midshipman; -“always meddling in some one else’s affairs.”</p> - -<p>“What’s the trouble, Phil?” Sydney asked -in alarm, hastening to his friend’s side, upon -seeing the look on Phil’s face and the menacing -attitude of the other.</p> - -<p>By an effort Phil controlled himself. His -first thought was then and there to settle accounts -with this infuriated man; but wiser -counsel prevailed.</p> - -<p>“I did not read your letter,” he retorted in a -dignified voice. “I wished only to see if it -was of any consequence in order to restore it -to its owner.” Then realizing that his conciliating -answer had not changed the attitude -of the stranger, he added in a voice of self-contained -anger:</p> - -<p>“If you got what you deserved, it would be a -sound thrashing for your slanderous tongue.”</p> - -<p>The foreigner, hearing the lad’s just rebuke, -and seeing by his muscular frame that he was -capable of carrying his implied threat into -execution, shrugged his shoulders eloquently, -pocketed his papers and walked sullenly toward -the door of the bank.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span>Phil stood his ground, his eyes defiantly -following the stranger until the swinging -doors closed behind him.</p> - -<p>Sydney was told of the cause of the unexpected -dispute and was eager to follow the -foreigner and demand an apology, but Phil -only laughed.</p> - -<p>“I got in the last word; that’s something,” -he said, as he quietly wrote out his order for -the draft. “I wonder who he is. By his -accent I should say he was of a Latin race. -He spoke to me in good English, though.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose he is a naval officer from -a foreign gunboat?” Sydney asked by way -of an answer.</p> - -<p>“No; he’s probably some beach-comber,” -Phil answered testily, taking his paper to the -cashier’s desk. “And as far as I am concerned -I don’t care who he is. He’s not of -sufficient importance to give him any more -attention,” he added, shutting his firm jaws -with a snap in dismissing the unpleasant incident.</p> - -<p>“Come on,” he said. “Let’s forget him. -There are lots of things here more amusing.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III<br /> - - -<small>THE PERIL AT THE MISSION GATE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Upon</span> their return on board the “Phœnix,” -the midshipmen found all was activity. A -message had been received from Emmons -which had decided Commander Hughes to -wait no longer before sending the guard to -protect the defenseless mission on the hill -some miles from the town. Persistent rumors -were current that the Chinese outlaws would -very soon make an effort to efface this -heathen blot of stone from their sacred soil.</p> - -<p>In the course of a half hour all was in -readiness to embark the guard. Tents, rations, -Colt gun and rifles were carried into the waiting -boats, and in a few minutes more the -small party of officers and men found themselves -on the stone jetty, immediately in front -of the Chinese city. Under the eyes of a -quickly-gathered, curious crowd of Chinese, -the sailors formed and marched along the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> -road skirting the fortified wall of the city. -After some miles had been covered, the great -buildings of the mission came in sight, and -soon after they were admitted within the -walled compound by the anxious missionaries, -whose dread of Chinese cruelty had been -acquired through long residence among these -fanatical people. Many of their number they -had seen sacrificed by the lawless element of -a superstitious and conservative race, whom -they had come thousands of miles to civilize -according to their Western standards.</p> - -<p>The sailor sentinels were quickly stationed -at the four corners of the walled compound, -and the peaceful mission was soon transformed -into a warlike fortress.</p> - -<p>“What do you think of all this?” inquired -Phil of the pilot after the lads had finished -their duties of preparing for the defense.</p> - -<p>“I think,” answered Langdon, a grim smile -on his face, “that these missionaries are wise -to build their houses inside of a stone fort. -The only way to succeed in civilizing the -Chinese is to make sure that they don’t kill -you before you’ve had a chance to show them -the benefits of our methods.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span>“But I mean,” urged Phil, “do you believe -that there’s going to be trouble?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve seen a great number of these -threatened uprisings,” replied Langdon -thoughtfully, “come to nothing for the want -of a leader with energy enough to keep alive -the spark of fanaticism; I hope this one will -follow in their footsteps, for if the Chinese -ever awaken to the knowledge of their power, -our small force of ships and men could never -stem the rising flood.</p> - -<p>“Do you see the forts over yonder?” he continued, -pointing to the numerous heavy gun -emplacements on the heights below the city; -“those batteries command the anchorage occupied -by the allied fleet, and their garrisons -are now wavering between their loyalty to the -government at Peking, and their families and -friends taking an active part in the intrigues -against the lives of the foreigners. If those -guns were turned against us, our position here -would indeed be a serious one.”</p> - -<p>The two midshipmen, listening to the -words of one who had lived ten years among -the Chinese, felt their hearts beat faster: -secretly they were glad that their cruise in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> -the Orient was likely to be fraught with grave -dangers.</p> - -<p>The missionaries and their numerous -Chinese converts inside the walled mission -were once more at ease; they believed that -all danger was past: the Chinese had never -attacked a mission so strongly defended by the -rifles of the hated but much feared foreign -sailors.</p> - -<p>The hot day came to an end, and the night -wind from the distant mountains brought to -the anxious ones a desire for sleep which they -had not felt for days.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney lay awake long after the -mission was wrapt in slumber. They had -talked over the situation very thoroughly, -the views of Langdon having made a deep -impression on their minds. There certainly -was a danger! Could the Chinese troops be -depended upon to withstand the bribes of the -lawless ones?</p> - -<p>Sydney’s even breathing, at last, showing -that he had fallen off to sleep, cut short -further conversation between them; while -Phil, casting an annoyed glance at the unconcerned -sleeper on the adjoining cot, arose and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span> -silently left the tent; he was far from asleep -and, being the officer of the guard for the -night, determined to make an inspection of the -sentries.</p> - -<p>The night was dark save for the dim light -shed by the crescent moon low in the western -sky. Ascending the mission stairs, he stepped -out on the broad top of the high barrier of -brick and mortar and walked down the wall. -A sentry was posted at the near corner of the -quadrangle.</p> - -<p>“Is everything all right?” he asked quietly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, but I seen a bunch of Chinese up -there near the gate a few minutes before you -come,” the sailor made answer. “I hollered -at ’em, and they ain’t stopped runnin’ yet.”</p> - -<p>“What can I do if they don’t run?” he -added, questioningly.</p> - -<p>“Nothing; just call the sergeant of the -guard,” replied Phil quickly. “On your life -don’t shoot without orders.”</p> - -<p>“If a Chink shoots at me, sir, can’t I fire -back?” the sailor asked, casting an apprehensive -glance into the darkness outside of -the compound.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Wilson had instructed the midshipmen<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> -to make certain that the sentries did -not fire first: the viceroy of the province was -believed to be striving to hold the malcontents -in check, but an untimely shot might precipitate -hostilities.</p> - -<p>“If you are fired upon,” Phil ordered, “fire -your piece and arouse the garrison, but don’t -shoot unnecessarily.”</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir,” the sailor answered, as the -midshipman drew away up the wall to visit -the next sentry.</p> - -<p>While Phil was crossing the stone archway -over the heavily-barred iron gate, the main -entrance into the mission, he was attracted by -a dark object on the ground below him, close -up to the metal doors.</p> - -<p>A closer look filled the boy’s thoughts with -an unknown dread. The object appeared -harmless enough, and yet why was it there -against the gate of the mission? Phil saw -now that it was a large box, outlined dimly in -the shadow of the archway.</p> - -<p>He peered about him uncertainly. He -could see the two lookouts at the wall’s corners; -they were alert and yet in ignorance of -the danger at the mission gate. The midshipman’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> -thoughts dwelt on the information -given by the sentry with whom he had just -spoken: there had been some Chinamen at -the gate but a few moments ago! Was this -box harmless or did its presence there foretell -a warlike design against the hundreds of non-combatants, -women and children, now under -the protection of the American sailors?</p> - -<p>His startled gaze traveled over the gloomy -expanse of surrounding country outside of the -high wall: the shadowy mounds, graves of -departed Chinese, dotting the grassy slopes -about the compound might be now concealing -an armed force of attacking fanatics; beyond -the graves it rested for a moment on the low -mud walls of abandoned houses, believed by -their owners to be forever polluted by the close -presence of the despised foreigners. Down on a -lower level the high walled city lay sleeping; -the closely packed roofs resembling a continuous -floor, upon which fell the dim light of the -waning moon; then again it descended to the -silent waters of the river, the towering pagodas -along its banks standing like guardian sentinels, -with the anchored ships a phantom fleet -upon its dark surface.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span>A spark-like glint below him caught his -eye, and its ominous message sent the blood -from his heart. With every faculty alert Phil -threw himself at full length on the wall and -peered anxiously below into the deeper shadow -of the gateway: a sputtering spark but a few -feet away from the box told only too plainly -its terrible mission: there was an explosive -against the gates, and the crawling point of -fire was the live end of the slow-match, surely -and deliberately burning its way toward the -captive force that would, in a fraction of a -minute, hurl the powerful gates asunder, thus -letting in the ambushing Chinese, doubtless -watching and waiting, concealed in the misty -shadows.</p> - -<p>The lad’s heart stood still as it flashed upon -him what his duty demanded of him. If he -were a second too late he would be blown to -pieces and yet the gates would be shattered -and useless to protect the mission. His mind -was made up quickly: he must first warn the -garrison and then quench the fatal spark -twenty feet below him.</p> - -<p>“Turn out the guard!” he cried loudly; -then as he heard the startled sentries repeat<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -his words, he dropped silently to the ground -on the outside of the compound and grasped -the lighted end of the fuse between his fingers, -but a few inches from its awful goal.</p> - -<p>He heard the startled cries of his companions -awakened from their sleep by the alarming -summons; the rattle of rifles and accoutrements -as the sailors hastened to their stations -on the wall. The reaction had now set in; -the boy’s limbs seemed about to fail him. -Almost unstrung he clung to the box while -he collected his scattered thoughts. If the -box remained there the enemy might yet succeed -in exploding its contents against the gate.</p> - -<p>With his body pressed close to the torpedo, -and in its deeper shadow, his ear detected a -sound near him in the grass at the edge of the -road. Suddenly a figure darted forward -across the archway and stopped on the other -side of the box, fumbling with its top, as if to -relight the fuse. Phil held his breath as he -reached forth his hand and clutched the wrist -of the intruder. Drawing the surprised man, -with all his force, across the box, he threw -him to the ground. A cry escaped the -captive as he felt the strong arms of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span> -midshipman enfold him, smothering him to -the earth.</p> - -<p>The two bodies heaved and strained; the -efforts of the Chinaman became visibly weaker, -and finally Phil cast the insensible form from -him.</p> - -<p>“Who goes there?” in excited tones from -above him showed him that aid was near. A -sailor peered over the wall immediately -above the lad’s head, his menacing rifle -covering the exhausted boy.</p> - -<p>“It’s Midshipman Perry, the officer of the -guard,” he whispered hoarsely; “heave me a -line, quick! Keep the gate closed! The -place is full of Chinese!”</p> - -<p>A rope dangled down from a corner of the -archway and Phil, grasping its end, quickly -made it fast around the box, giving the signal -to hoist.</p> - -<p>“Be careful, that’s powder,” he cautioned; -“send the end back for me. Hurry,” he -added, casting a fearsome look into the -shadows behind him.</p> - -<p>With the end of the rope in his hand he -stooped down to tie it about the body of his -captive; when, without a moment’s warning,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> -he felt a stinging blow in the face, that sent -him reeling to the wall. He clutched wildly -at the offender, now on his feet and struggling -madly to free himself from the terrifying embrace -of the midshipman. The fully recovered -celestial fought with the strength -of despair, uttering piercing shrieks which -seemed to be answered from the surrounding -darkness.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Phil was wrenched nearly off his -feet, and then fell backward against the wall, -the torn coat of the man in his hands, -while the escaping prisoner melted into the -night.</p> - -<p>Hand over hand, up the rope, it was but -the work of a second to the top of the wall, -and there he found an anxious group of -officers and men who had watched, with bated -breath, the struggle below them.</p> - -<p>Phil explained the circumstances at once -to Lieutenant Wilson.</p> - -<p>“I feel sure they’re concealed all about -here,” he ended excitedly. “I heard answers -to the man’s cries.”</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Wilson turned to Langdon, who -had been an eager listener.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span>“Is it an attack, Langdon?” he asked -anxiously.</p> - -<p>Langdon shook his head, much mystified, -then the garment in Phil’s hand caught his -eye. He took it from the lad in silence and -carried it down from the wall, entering the -small gate-house inside the compound.</p> - -<p>“Keep a strict watch, Mr. Monroe,” the -lieutenant ordered, motioning Phil to follow -him, and together they entered the room -where Langdon was carefully examining the -garment.</p> - -<p>It was a blue tunic, plain save for a white -border and a number of Chinese written characters -on its back. It was this lettering that -Langdon was studying.</p> - -<p>“Viceroy Chang-Li-Hun,” he read slowly -aloud. Then he glanced up, a worried expression -on his usually calm face.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Wilson,” he said, “it’s serious; we’ve -the viceroy’s soldiers against us.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV<br /> - - -<small>THE EMBASSY TO THE VICEROY</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">If</span> the man with whom Phil had fought -was a soldier of the viceroy, it was indeed -convincing evidence that the outlaws were -receiving aid of the official class. Lieutenant -Wilson at once saw the seriousness of the -situation for all foreigners living within the -provinces under the jurisdiction of Viceroy -Chang-Li-Hun. The American naval man -knew that his duty required him to place this -information in the hands of his commanding -officer on board the “Phœnix” immediately, in -order that all the foreign powers represented -might know that the threatened uprising was -no longer one of unorganized, misguided -coolies or working men, but was at the instigation -of the powerful mandarins, receiving -their instructions, no doubt, directly from the -viceroy himself. Did he dare take the risk -of sending messengers out of the mission at -this time when the enemy were doubtless<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> -gathered about the walls of the compound, -perhaps even now making up their minds to -attack the defending garrison? Yet in the -morning affairs might have grown even worse: -the morrow’s sun might see the mission besieged, -and every outlet barred.</p> - -<p>“Langdon,” Lieutenant Wilson questioned, -after an impressive silence, while his companions -waited, looking to him to give the -orders which each felt the terrible development -demanded, “are you sure that you -have read these characters correctly? We -must not alarm the foreigners unnecessarily. -Might not this garment have been worn by -a discharged soldier? Are we safe in assuming -that the viceroy is back of this attempt -on the gate because one of the culprits wears -his uniform?”</p> - -<p>“It is possible, sir,” Langdon answered -thoughtfully, “but I believe improbable. -This plan is not one that could be conceived -by a stupidly ignorant coolie mob; you can -see for yourself it must have been devised by -those who have some knowledge of the use -of explosives; and knowing as they must -that the mission is being guarded by American<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -sailors, it was intended as an affront to the -nation that they represent.”</p> - -<p>“I believe you are right, Langdon,” the -lieutenant agreed promptly. “I shall act -upon your judgment; your knowledge of the -Chinese should make your reasoning sound.” -Then he turned to the expectant midshipmen: -“Mr. Perry, this news must be taken to -Captain Hughes to-night; I offer you the -chance to go; your right to be chosen can’t -be disputed: your discovery of the viceroy’s -treachery and your heroic conduct in frustrating -his design has won you the privilege.”</p> - -<p>Phil flushed with pleasure at his senior’s -words of praise, while he stammered out his -readiness to undertake the hazardous enterprise. -Asking that Sydney accompany him -he received a ready assent.</p> - -<p>“Can you spare me, too, sir?” Langdon -asked earnestly. “I know every foot of the -land about here; I’ve shot pheasant all over -these hills, and understanding the language, -may be a help to Mr. Perry if he should be -stopped by the natives.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, certainly,” the lieutenant replied -quickly, his face showing his appreciation of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> -the pilot’s offer. “I couldn’t order you, but -your desire to go speaks highly of your courage. -It is our duty, as naval men, to expose -ourselves to danger.”</p> - -<p>“It’s bred in me, too, sir,” Langdon -answered. “I served with the flag during my -boyhood, and am ever ready to sacrifice all I -have for it.”</p> - -<p>“I shall not encumber you with useless -messages,” Lieutenant Wilson said finally to -Phil as he turned to leave the gate-house and -return to the wall; “you know the situation -and can explain our fears to Captain Hughes.”</p> - -<p>The midshipmen and the pilot went to prepare -themselves for their journey, while their -senior ascended the wall to dispose his small -force in order to guard all approaches and -prevent a surprise. There would be few eyes -closed in sleep that night; the gravity of the -situation was fully impressed on even the -sailors accustomed as they were to danger.</p> - -<p>Hastily arming themselves with a pair of -revolvers each and with plenty of ammunition, -the three volunteers again ascended the -wall.</p> - -<p>The moon had set and the land about the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> -mission was veiled in darkness. The men -moved slowly along the wall of the compound, -while Langdon’s keen eyes peered into the -night to discover the best location to leave -the mission. They had traversed nearly half -of the wall and were at the far end of the -compound before the pilot seemed satisfied -that the way was clear. He put out his hand -and touched Phil on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>“We’ll leave from here,” he whispered; -“the Chinese, if they are about, are all in -the front. See; the land is clearer; there are -not so many graves as in the front to conceal -an enemy.”</p> - -<p>Throwing themselves down on top of the -wall they grasped its edge, and lowered themselves -silently to the ground. Langdon led -the way directly from the mission, and -further into the country. The land here was -but slightly cultivated, the ground firm and -for the most part clear, so our travelers swung -along at a lively pace.</p> - -<p>Having covered about a mile, Langdon -stopped to allow his companions to join -him.</p> - -<p>“This is the main road leading into the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span> -city,” the pilot informed them as they arrived -at the narrow path in which the speaker was -standing. “We’ll follow this right into the -foreign concession; it’s late, past ten o’clock, -and there’ll be no natives on the road. It’s -our safest course.”</p> - -<p>Phil nodded in sign of assent, his eyes on -the Chinese road.</p> - -<p>“A road, did you say, Langdon?” the boy -asked; “it’s more like a bridle-path.”</p> - -<p>“It’s the only kind of road you’ll find in -the Chinese Empire,” the pilot replied as -they moved swiftly over its uneven surface; -“the natives don’t use carriages and coaches -for passengers, nor wagons to carry their -freight, but transport their merchandise in -wheelbarrows or on the backs of the small -Tartar donkeys. In the north the Manchus -have a rickety cart drawn by man power or -by pony and there the highways are wider, -but are even less smooth, for the natives -never repair their roads.”</p> - -<p>They had traveled another mile when -Langdon called a halt and cautioning silence -pointed to a grove of trees ahead of them.</p> - -<p>“A village,” he answered the questioning<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span> -looks of his companions; “we’ll leave the road -and circle it. The wind is from the river, so -I hope the dogs which inhabit these small -towns will not smell us. These Chinese curs -have a keen nose for a foreigner and if our -enemy is about they might warn him of our -presence.”</p> - -<p>As they skirted the village Sydney glanced -with interest down into the mean and ill-smelling -collection of mud-walled hovels, situated -below the level of the surrounding country. -He had heard that this location was chosen to -protect its occupants from the blasts of the winter -gales, and in consequence during the wet -season the floods from the heavy and prolonged -rains swept down upon them, carrying -off bodily their insecure buildings and frequently -drowning many of the unfortunate inhabitants.</p> - -<p>“Will the Chinese ever learn to build their -villages in a common-sense way?” he asked -the pilot.</p> - -<p>“They’ve done the same thing for twenty -centuries,” Langdon answered, following Sydney’s -gaze; “what was good enough for their -ancestors is good enough for them, is their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> -motto, and nothing that we can say will ever -move them. After you’ve been here for a few -years, Mr. Monroe, you’ll cease wondering at -anything you see the Chinese do.”</p> - -<p>Suddenly the lads felt themselves grasped -by the strong hands of Langdon and drawn -down into the thick grass. The silence was -broken by a faint sound of voices that seemed -to come from directly below them. Langdon -motioned the boys to remain where they were, -and crawled noiselessly forward to the edge of the -embankment surrounding the village. Phil -could now hear a high-pitched nasal voice, -raised excitedly after the Chinese fashion, with -many loud and piercing notes. He could see -Langdon ahead of him partly hidden in the -grass, and his curiosity was aroused to know -what this midnight meeting might foretell. -Then the voices ceased and the noise of tramping -feet came clearly to his ears. From out -of the shadows, but a few yards from where -Langdon was lying, a squad of Chinese soldiers -moved off into the night, over the road they -were traveling, toward Ku-Ling.</p> - -<p>After a few minutes had elapsed, the soldiers’ -footfalls dying away in the distance,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> -Langdon rose to his feet and joined the impatient -midshipmen.</p> - -<p>“They were soldiers!” Sydney exclaimed. -“We distinctly saw their uniforms as they entered -the road.”</p> - -<p>“What were they saying? Could you -hear?” Phil questioned eagerly.</p> - -<p>“One of them was the man you fought with -at the gate,” Langdon answered; “it’s just as -I supposed: there was a movement on foot to -attack the mission if that party was successful -in destroying the gateway. The one doing all -the loud talking was ‘saving his face,’ as the -Chinese say; he was explaining that a monster, -half man and half bird flew down from -the wall and put out the fuse as fast as he -could light it, and that he had mortally -wounded the ‘devil,’ but fear having entered -his heart, he had run away as fast as he could, -followed by his companions. He says that -the ‘foreign devils’ can change into these -monsters whenever they wish, and that their -breath is like fire.”</p> - -<p>Phil gasped in astonishment at the ludicrous -account of his battle with the soldier.</p> - -<p>“But his companions will not believe any<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span> -such tale as that,” he cried; “surely they’ll -know it is made up out of whole cloth?”</p> - -<p>“On the contrary,” Langdon answered, -“they’ll believe it, and what’s more he believes -it himself by this time. Doubtless he was so -frightened that he remembers little that happened, -and their imagination is so vivid that -a Chinaman will generally believe his own -words as they fall from his lips.”</p> - -<p>“What would have happened if they had -been successful?” Phil questioned. “That -small body of men could not have intended -attacking us.”</p> - -<p>“No, but after the gate had been blown in -it would be an easy matter for a few thousand -Chinese to gather. There are tens of thousands -of Chinamen in these small towns within -a mile of the mission. All they need is a -match to start them, and that was the intention -of these soldiers.”</p> - -<p>“It looks as if it were serious,” Sydney said -in an awed whisper as they cautiously regained -the road. The soldiers were not in sight, so -the Americans proceeded, cautiously watching -for the first signs of their enemy on the highway -ahead of them.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span>Finally they reached the limits of the foreign -concession, and it was after midnight before -they arrived on board the “Phœnix”; -but Commander Hughes was awake and -directed that they be shown down to his cabin -immediately.</p> - -<p>The situation was quickly explained to the -naval officer by the messengers.</p> - -<p>The captain sat in silence for some minutes -after they had finished, his face showing -strongly the strain he was under: all the -Americans on the river were in mortal danger, -and he and his small force were all that stood -between them and a fate far worse than death. -Phil and Langdon anxiously watched the captain’s -face as if to read the next move on the -international chess-board, which Commander -Hughes, as the senior among the foreign captains, -was called upon to make.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, the news you bring me is so -terrible in its possibilities,” the captain finally -began, “that I am quite at a loss how to act. -Our force is too small to resist an attack; we -must resort to diplomacy with this rascally -viceroy. And yet we don’t know how far-reaching -the movement may be. If we sit<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span> -idly by the natives will gain confidence, mistaking -forbearance for cowardice, and can -readily drive all foreigners off the river.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” the captain added, rising and -ringing for his orderly, “I want you to take -the steam launch at once and go to each of -the foreign gunboats; request that their commanding -officers come on board here to a -meeting in a half-hour’s time. Explain to -them the gravity of the situation.” Then -turning to the waiting marine, “My compliments -to the officer on duty, and tell him to -have the steamer ready for Mr. Perry immediately.”</p> - -<p>Phil soon delivered his captain’s messages to -the officer of the deck of each of the foreign -gunboats and upon his return was detailed by -Commander Hughes for the duty of secretary -to the international council.</p> - -<p>Slightly nervous in the presence of so many -seniors, the midshipman sat near his captain, -pencil in hand, ready to take notes of the proceedings -of the council.</p> - -<p>“Commander Ignacio of the ‘Albaque’ is -ill,” a young foreign lieutenant announced as -the American captain glanced at him inquiringly,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> -“and begs you will receive me as his -representative.”</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes bowed politely in -agreement and then in a few words described -the incident at the mission.</p> - -<p>“Before it is too late,” he added, “I believe -that it is our duty to lay our difficulties before -the viceroy, and demand that he take steps at -once to quell this uprising. Meanwhile we -should warn all foreigners living in the foreign -concession at Ku-Ling that if our diplomacy -fails they must be ready to take refuge -on board the gunboats. We must deal with -the situation fearlessly, for only in that way -can we expect success. Chang-Li-Hun must -be made to see the seriousness of his inactivity.”</p> - -<p>To this clear proposal all agreed and Commander -Hughes was chosen by acclamation to -lead the embassy on the morrow to the viceroy’s -yamen. Two other commanders were -selected, and then with many expressions for -success the council adjourned.</p> - -<p>“I have my doubts of the utility of a conference -with the viceroy,” Langdon told the -lads the next morning at the breakfast table.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span> -“He’s a tricky Chinaman and generally has -his own way.</p> - -<p>“Well, we shall soon see,” he ended as an -orderly appeared to summon him and Phil to -be ready within fifteen minutes to accompany -their captain on the mission to the high -Chinese mandarin.</p> - -<p>A half hour later a bright array of uniformed -officers landed on the jetty; there -were three of the gunboat captains and their -aides, all in full dress uniform, which is prescribed -for an official visit upon a viceroy.</p> - -<p>A line of green sedan chairs, the color -portraying to the curious throngs that their -occupants were of the first rank in official -parlance, wended its way in single file through -the guarded gates into the stench of the -crowded, walled city. Each chair was carried -on the muscular shoulders of four coolies, and -at almost a dog’s trot, they bore their burdens -over the narrow, crooked streets.</p> - -<p>Phil gazed excitedly upon the thousands of -inquisitive natives, crowding so near the foreigners -that the pungent odor of their bodies -came distinctly to his nostrils; their ignorant -faces at such close range appalled him. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> -chair coolies cried out hoarsely, jostling the -multitude to prevent being trodden under foot -by the persistent rabble.</p> - -<p>The embassy had covered but half the distance -to the yamen when it was wedged tightly -against a heaving mass of excited yellow -bodies. Phil saw the faces of the crowd -darken with a superstitious loathing; he -seemed to read in their cruel eyes an awakening -to the knowledge of their power, and the -helpless plight of the despised “foreign devils”. -The multitude pressed ever closer; reaching -out their claw-like talons to touch the gold-embroidered -uniforms of the naval officers. -The lad cast a swift glance at Langdon next -him; he felt confident he would read in his -face the extent of the danger threatening them. -The pilot was shouting unintelligible words -to his chair coolies; the while his face was -black with passion.</p> - -<p>The coolies refused stolidly to budge, and -by sign threatened to put down the chairs -upon the ground; all the while jabbering and -gesticulating wildly to each other and to the -mob, which appeared on the point of engulfing -the foreigners in its noisome embrace.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V<br /> - - -<small>THE VICEROY’S TREACHERY</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> gaping crowd pressed ever closer. Phil -could feel the fetid breath of those nearest -him; he saw a big Chinaman emerge from -the dense throng and push his way to Langdon’s -chair; the lad would have cried out a -warning, but all happened with such lightning-like -swiftness that he had not found his voice -before the bold Chinaman had released his -hold upon the pilot’s coat, and had fallen -back into the arms of his countrymen nearest -him, a deep red stain upon his closely shaved -head, while Langdon waved menacingly his -Colt revolver, the blunt butt of which had -successfully cowed the would-be leader.</p> - -<p>Fortunately for the foreigners, a troop of -mounted soldiers arrived on the scene at this -juncture and brutally cleared the way, trampling -under their horses’ feet the nearest of -the mob, chained as they were by the mass<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span> -of humanity behind them. Presently the -chairs were again in motion; the soldiers -now keeping the crowd in check, and in a -few minutes more the embassy arrived in -front of the yamen, the official residence of -the viceroy. The heavy, grotesquely painted -doors were quickly opened, and closed sharply -in the faces of the unruly crowd.</p> - -<p>The naval men alighted from their chairs, -well satisfied to have escaped so easily from a -disagreeable situation; but the pilot was not -so well pleased.</p> - -<p>“We’re in for it, I fear,” he confided to -Phil; “that was another insult. The viceroy -knew we were coming and he doubtless -planned that we should be mobbed, holding -his soldiers back to give us a few unpleasant -minutes.”</p> - -<p>“What would that Chinaman have done -to you?” Phil asked gravely.</p> - -<p>“It was an act of bravado,” Langdon answered -smilingly, the picture of the discomfited -man in his mind; “but if he had succeeded -in pulling me from the chair it would have -been serious; a leader is all these people -need.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>“Pretty tight squeak, eh, Langdon?” -Commander Hughes asked while they waited -for the summons to approach the audience-chamber.</p> - -<p>“It looked bad for a time, sir,” the pilot -replied; “if some one had thrown a stone, -we’d have been mobbed then and there, and -the soldiers would have been powerless to -save us. Not in my ten years among these -people have I seen such a menacing mob. -We must deal boldly with the viceroy, sir, -or else we’ll not get out of the city alive.”</p> - -<p>“Is it really as bad as that?” the captain -asked anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” Langdon answered earnestly, -lowering his voice so as not to be heard by -any save the captain; “they were in an ugly -mood, and if I am not mistaken they were -acting under orders from the yamen; otherwise -the rabble wouldn’t have dared molest -us. If we don’t keep our feet on their necks, -they’ll make short work of every foreigner in -the Yangtse Valley.”</p> - -<p>After a few minutes more of waiting the -inner doors were thrown open and the naval -men were ushered into the second courtyard,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span> -and then through more doors to the council-chamber -of the viceroy. Here they found -Chang-Li-Hun and his advisers ready to receive -them.</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes advanced toward the -viceroy and bowed ceremoniously; the -ancient Chinaman clasped his hands in front -of him and murmured a few monosyllables in -his own language, after which all were seated. -Phil found his place between Langdon and a -Chinaman, while Commander Hughes sat at -the viceroy’s left, the seat of honor in the -dragon kingdom.</p> - -<p>The silence was undisturbed for several -minutes, during which time the lad gazed -covertly about him. He noticed the sphinx-like -face of the high mandarin, whose power -was as far-reaching as even the empress -dowager’s, to whom he acknowledged allegiance -but gave it grudgingly. This wizened -old man had the power of life and death over -nearly twenty million human beings. If he -so willed, he could order any of his subjects to -be brought to the execution grounds and chop -their heads off with as little feeling as one -would have in beheading a chicken. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span> -midshipman’s eyes traveled in turn over each -face of the viceroy’s advisers, men of great -promise in the empire; they represented the -enlightened few governing with iron rods a -people who are yet stifled in the superstitions -and customs of medieval times. Through the -open door, the lad caught a glimpse of Chinese -guards; their blue tunics similar to the one -he had stripped from the back of the Chinaman -at the mission gate.</p> - -<p>Finally the silence was broken by the high-pitched -voice of the aged viceroy in his own -staccato language. Phil believed he could -read both anger and contempt in the tones of -the mandarin’s voice.</p> - -<p>After he had spoken there was a moment’s -silence, then a voice was raised in perfect -English. Phil gasped in surprise as he beheld -the speaker; a Chinaman seated on the -right hand of the viceroy. There was not a -trace of the accent which he had believed was -habitual with every Chinaman who learns the -English tongue.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency, Chang-Li-Hun, thanks -the high naval commanders for the honor -of this visit and desires to hear their requests,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span> -the interpreting Chinaman announced.</p> - -<p>“Give our compliments to his Excellency,” -replied Commander Hughes without a second’s -hesitation, “and say that the time has long -passed for requests. We come now to demand -that our countrymen be protected, in accordance -with the sacred word of China given by treaty.”</p> - -<p>The interpreter’s face was a study; the -American’s words were evidently unexpected; -he glanced uneasily at the viceroy as if fearing -the storm which he knew would break -forth when the sharp words were translated -into his guttural tongue. After a few -moments of thought, during which time the -old mandarin blinked his watery eyes expectantly -the interpreter spoke, hesitatingly -and as one who is not sure of his ground; but -instead of the burst of rage which Phil felt -was inevitable, the old statesman nodded his -head in assent.</p> - -<p>The lad saw Langdon rise to his feet and -speak in an undertone to Commander Hughes; -then the Chinese mandarins grasped the arms -of their heavily carved chairs with indignation -and horror while the pilot’s voice in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span> -their own tongue rang out loudly, in direct -address to the viceroy. Then he turned to -his captain and explained his action.</p> - -<p>“The interpreter did not give the viceroy -your words, sir,” he said, his voice quivering -with emotion. “I thought it best that he -should know.”</p> - -<p>The parchment-like features of the aged -mandarin were stamped with hatred as he -snapped out his reply to his attentive interpreter.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency is much disappointed at -the unfriendly attitude of the foreigners,” the -Chinaman announced after the viceroy had -ceased speaking, “and is grieved to hear their -harsh language.”</p> - -<p>Again Langdon’s voice was raised above -the silence which followed the placid words -of the interpreter: but this time in English.</p> - -<p>“Those were not the viceroy’s words,” -he exclaimed turning toward Commander -Hughes but glowering at the discomfited interpreter; -“his answer was a threat against our -lives.”</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes was on his feet instantly, -his face pale with anger.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span>“Langdon,” he cried, “tell the viceroy -that our meeting is ended; that we came to -demand punishment for those of his countrymen -who attempted to injure our mission on -the hill back of the city, but as he refuses to -keep to his country’s treaty, we shall be -forced to resort to arms to protect our own -people.”</p> - -<p>Langdon promptly translated Commander -Hughes’ words to the viceroy, sitting craftily -observing the incensed foreigners.</p> - -<p>Chang-Li-Hun was too clever a diplomat to -show his hand was against the foreigners; he -must appear to aid them in their endeavors to -protect their countrymen, and by the art understood -best by the Oriental he would make -these naval men “lose face” in the Chinese -eyes, and thereby show his people that the -vainglorious boasting foreigners were but -human, and could suffer and die as easily as -those of their own race.</p> - -<p>A few guttural words escaped from the lips -of the aged mandarin, which Langdon translated -at once, not waiting for the unreliable -interpreter.</p> - -<p>“The viceroy begs you will again be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span> -seated; he says he knows nothing of the acts -against the mission.”</p> - -<p>“Tell him, then, Langdon,” the American -captain ordered, while the members of the -embassy reluctantly took their seats; “and -give it to him as strong as you can,” he continued -his wrath but slightly mollified.</p> - -<p>This was all too pleasant a task for the -pilot, whose knowledge of Chinese officialdom -had not left him with much respect for their -roundabout methods. He went straight to -the point, addressing the viceroy directly, -while the latter appeared to listen eagerly.</p> - -<p>After the pilot had stopped speaking and -had reseated himself at Commander Hughes’ -side, the viceroy drew his interpreter aside, -and in a voice so low pitched that Langdon -could not hear a word, conversed with him -earnestly for many minutes; then the interpreter -arose and hurriedly left the council-chamber.</p> - -<p>The embassy sat in silence, wondering what -would be the next move of this adroit diplomat. -Phil’s nerves were atingle with expectancy; -the dangers of their position -within a hostile city, and in the grasp of an<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span> -avowed enemy, gave his young and untamed -spirit high hopes for excitement. How he -wished for Sydney that he might share whatever -was in store for the embassy before it -again reached the safety of its steel broadsides!</p> - -<p>The naval men had not long to wait before -the inner gates of the yamen were thrown -open and a battalion of soldiers filed into the -courtyard, outside the audience-chamber. Another -moment, and the light screens forming -the sides of the council-chamber were removed -and the embassy looked fairly out upon this -martial display.</p> - -<p>The soldiers were quickly formed into a -hollow square between the embassy and the -outer gates, which then were likewise opened -and a seething mob of excited, riotous Chinamen -poured through, filling up the courtyard -beyond.</p> - -<p>“What’s the meaning of this?” the American -commander exclaimed in sudden alarm; -but before Langdon could disclaim his knowledge -of what was about to happen, a part of -the square opened and a number of tightly-bound -prisoners were dragged to the middle<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span> -of the courtyard directly in front of the viceroy. -As they approached, Phil unconsciously -turned away his head to shut out the pitiful -spectacle; the prisoners were cruelly shackled -together in a manner practiced only by the -Chinese.</p> - -<p>After the lad had gained control of his feelings -and once more glanced toward the prisoners, -the viceroy was speaking, while the pilot -listened intently; the mob beyond was silent, -gazing with evident enjoyment at the terror-stricken -prisoners before the viceroy.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency says that he has just discovered -that these men were arrested last -night by his guards with contraband concealed -upon their persons, and when tortured confessed -to having attempted to blow in the -gates of the American mission, and that he -will punish them in our presence as a warning -to his people,” Langdon announced loudly, -then lowering his voice, he whispered hurriedly -to Commander Hughes: “I don’t like -the looks of it, sir; a moment ago he knew -nothing of it, and now he claims to have the -culprits; it seems strange.”</p> - -<p>“Hold!” cried Commander Hughes, starting<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span> -to his feet; “we must have proof that -these are the right men; we want no useless -executions.” For he knew only too well that -this form of punishment was the one dear to -the Chinese heart, and he could read upon the -faces of the crowd that it was waiting joyfully -to see these human heads severed from their -bodies and doubtless had been promised this -stirring sport.</p> - -<p>Langdon translated his captain’s wish hastily -to the viceroy, but the mandarin turned a deaf -ear, raising his thin, veined hand with its -claw-like nails as a sign to proceed with the -gruesome work.</p> - -<p>A muscular Chinaman, naked save for a -loin cloth, stepped from the ranks of the soldiers -brandishing a sharp curved sword, and -moved quickly to the side of the kneeling -prisoners. Commander Hughes and his colleagues -started precipitately toward him as if -to prevent him from carrying out his murderous -intentions.</p> - -<p>Phil saw the bright blade circle above the -head of a terrified prisoner and then descend. -He closed his eyes in horror to shut out the -appalling sight.</p> - - - - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span>A report of a pistol shot rang out deafeningly, -and he opened his eyes to a view of -Langdon with a smoking revolver in his -hand, while the executioner lay on the sand -beside his victim.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_070.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap2"><i>A PISTOL SHOT RANG OUT</i></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI<br /> - - -<small>DIPLOMACY FAILS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">“I guessed</span> as much!” the pilot cried out, -striding forward; the guards timidly giving -way before his menacing revolver. “These -men are Christian converts; it’s but a trick to -make us lose face before this rabble.”</p> - -<p>He reached the side of the prisoners and -raised one to his feet. Phil watched with -fascinated gaze as Langdon dragged forward -excitedly the chained and terrified men who -had been plucked from death by the timely -and unerring shot of the American; there -was something strangely familiar in the ashen -features of one of them.</p> - -<p>“This man is a mess attendant from the -‘Phœnix!’” Langdon exclaimed, pointing to -the nearer of the two prisoners; “the trick -was to execute them before our eyes before we -could interfere.”</p> - -<p>Both Commander Hughes and Phil saw at -once that the pilot was right; there was the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> -ward-room servant who had been missing since -the day of the gunboat’s arrival; he was a -Chinaman from a distant province and unable -to speak the local dialect, and in consequence -had been singled out as a victim by the scheming -officials.</p> - -<p>The midshipman feared that all was lost; -he could see no avenue of escape; the viceroy’s -attitude was certainly hostile, and how could -they, a mere handful of officers armed with -only their revolvers, hope to cope with the -soldiers of the yamen, to say nothing of the -hundreds of thousands of fanatics inside the -walled city? A single wave of that treacherous -hand would condemn them to a fate -from which his soul revolted; he had heard -of the terrible deaths meted out to foreigners -by these semi-barbarians. The lad glanced -anxiously at his companions; he saw in their -faces that they were determined to sell their -lives as dearly as possible, but the unequal -struggle could have but one ending.</p> - -<p>The naval men were standing together near -the table; every eye was upon the aged -mandarin, sitting calmly, and to outward -appearances, no more concerned than if he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span> -were witnessing a play on the yamen stage; -Langdon remained beside the prisoners, and -not far from the soldiers stolidly waiting -orders from their high chief.</p> - -<p>The situation was impressive and one to -unnerve the stoutest heart; a false move, an -ill-judged word, and those hundreds of modern -rifles might be turned against the defenseless -officers. Phil knew that nearly two thousand -sailors were under arms on board the war-ships, -ready to be landed if the embassy had -not returned to the jetty by eleven o’clock; -it was now ten-thirty by the great clock in -the council-chamber; but before the half hour -had passed all would be decided and the landing -force would not be necessary. The midshipman -knew that Commander Hughes would -not retract a single word uttered in the conference, -and that he would presently give out -his ultimatum to the viceroy, which would -either be accepted or else more foreign blood -would be laid at the door of this cruel official, -Chang-Li-Hun.</p> - -<p>“Be careful, Langdon,” Commander Hughes -said in a low voice, in which no emotion was -evident, although Phil could see the involuntary<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span> -twitching of his lips; “don’t throw a -match into the magazine. Tell him quietly -that we have seen through his treachery and -wish safe conduct through his city back to -our vessels; and insist that these prisoners -accompany us.”</p> - -<p>Phil shook with excitement as the pilot -steadied himself to give his captain’s words -to the viceroy; he understood thoroughly that -this was the only course open to the American -commander if he wished to save the hundreds -of foreigners in the province from the insults -and scorn of the Chinese expulsionists, even -though the result to him and his colleagues -was death. The lad’s mind dwelt for the -fraction of a second upon the terrible revenge -that would be visited upon those responsible -for the killing of the members of the embassy; -he thought of Canton and Peking, and how -the despised foreign soldiers had, with fire and -sword, brought home to the defilers of the -sacred rights of ambassadors the terrible consequences -of their guilt; yet there was scant -encouragement for him in such recollections.</p> - -<p>Langdon had given his captain’s ultimatum -in a calm voice from which all passion had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span> -been expunged, and now all waited with breath -abated for the words of the wizened old man, -in whose hands the fate of so many lives -rested.</p> - -<p>The viceroy at length stirred uneasily in his -chair and turning to one of his ministers -uttered a few low gutturals. The spell was -broken; a harsh command rang out, and -instantly the soldiers faced about, forcing -with set bayonets the disappointed populace -through the outer gates, which swung shut -with a loud rattle behind them. Then the -military, gathering up the two lifeless bodies, -sacrifices to the humor of a viceroy, melted -away in all directions, leaving the embassy -once more alone with the yamen officials.</p> - -<p>The viceroy raised his teacup to his lips, a -signal that the visit was at an end, and then -rising slowly, he bowed coldly, and attended -by his ministers withdrew from the room. In -a few minutes the chairs were brought and -the embassy were only too glad to be gone -from this nerve-racking and fruitless council.</p> - -<p>Langdon, with his usual energy, saw the -liberated prisoners seated in chairs in the -midst of those of the foreigners and near his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span> -own, and then stepped to the captain’s side -to report that all was ready to proceed.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think we shall be molested,” he -said hopefully; “it seems plain that the -viceroy will do nothing to stop the uprising, -but it appears he is afraid to openly defy -you.” Then he raised his voice admiringly: -“Do you know, captain, that you’re the very -first foreigner to make Chang-Li-Hun lose -face, and before a crowd of his own people -whom he had deliberately collected to witness -your own discomfiture. You gave us all a -close call in doing it, sir; I could hardly believe -my ears when I heard you tell me to -shoot the executioner, but there wasn’t time -to allow you to repeat it.”</p> - -<p>The return to the jetty was well and safely -guarded by hundreds of well-armed soldiers -and the crowds were handled so easily that -the foreigners could readily see that the -episode of the morning was prepared for them -by the yamen officials. Commander Hughes -realized that the visit to the viceroy had -given ample proof that whatever injury was -done to foreigners by the natives of the province -could be charged to the stand taken by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span> -the viceroy; and with this official backing -the hostile movement would spread to insurmountable -proportions.</p> - -<p>“Why the viceroy permitted us to take -those Chinese prisoners I can’t understand,” -the pilot exclaimed to Phil, a half hour having -passed since the return of the embassy.</p> - -<p>Phil was silent, but intensely interested. -He had just seen the foreign captains file into -the cabin, unsummoned, eager to hear the -result of the mission to the viceroy.</p> - -<p>“The two prisoners came to me immediately -we got back to the ship,” Langdon continued -excitedly, “and told me of an attack -to be made to-night on the Inland Mission. -They claim to have secured this information -from the Chinaman who was beheaded before -our eyes; he was a northern Chinaman, -but could speak the local dialect. The -soldiers, knowing these men were to die, did -not take the trouble to conceal their plans. -It seems that an army of outlaws have taken -Lien-Chow for their headquarters; it is a -small town about seven miles from here on -the To-Yan Lake, and they intend to move in -a body upon the mission. These malcontents<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span> -have been guaranteed aid from the viceroy, -and if the mission is captured, they hope to -gather enough reënforcement to allow them -to march against the forts, and the result -would be their capture, for the soldiers there -would not fire a shot against their own -countrymen. The guns of the forts will -then be turned upon us and our escape down -the river will be cut off, for these vessels -cannot face heavy ordnance.”</p> - -<p>“But why,” exclaimed Phil, after the pilot -had finished, “should they attack a guarded -mission when there are so many others scattered -over the country undefended?”</p> - -<p>“It seems to show,” returned Langdon, -“that the viceroy is directing the movement. -To attack and massacre the inmates of an unguarded -mission could readily be attributed -to an uncontrolled mob and would be a subject -for conference and indemnity; but an -attack on a defended mission, and by soldiers -in uniform, will show the Chinese that the -war is between the representatives of the foreign -governments and their own, and being -successful will stir the whole population of -this part of China to rise and drive out all foreigners.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span> -I believe to-night will be one of -blood for foreigners in China, if those away -from the protection of our river gunboats -have not already paid the penalty of their -trusting natures.”</p> - -<p>“We must not delay an instant in taking -this information to the captain,” Phil declared -excitedly, the contemplated movement of the -expulsionists with its possible results flashing -through his mind.</p> - -<p>The foreign gunboat captains were gathered -about the cabin table when Langdon and Phil -were announced by the orderly, and all listened -intently while the pilot gave hurriedly -the story brought by the two Chinese refugees.</p> - -<p>A buzz of eager conversation and questions -ensued as Langdon finished. Each of the -captains had his own plans to advance, but -Commander Hughes, as the senior, was the -first to be heard. He arose, his face grave, -and at once the room was hushed; all recognized -and respected his understanding and -fertility of resource.</p> - -<p>“We must acknowledge a failure in our -diplomatic mission to the viceroy,” he began, -weighing each word carefully; “the cable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span> -being in the hands of the Chinese officials, we -are for the present cut off from instructions -from our respective governments. We have -here every available vessel on the river, except -those necessary for the protection of the missions -farther up the country; the state of the -river at present will not admit of the battle-ships -coming to our aid, and the two monitors -of my government are by last accounts as yet -in the Philippines. We must act here and -now; there is no time for calm and deliberate -judgment; our decision must be made -quickly, and our act must be as prompt, if we -are to be in time to prevent a general massacre -of foreigners.”</p> - -<p>The speaker stopped and glanced earnestly -at the faces of his colleagues; each recognized -full well the delicacy of the position. -Would their respective governments sanction -their acts, or would they find themselves disgraced -and relieved of their commands, for -not having followed a course of procedure decided -upon by their sovereigns at a great distance -from the scene of disturbance and in -the light of events which had not as yet transpired?</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span>“My government,” Commander Hughes -resumed, “is one of the most conservative of -those represented here; it has ever been against -striking the first blow. But there has now -come a time when humanity calls for other -and more drastic measures. You have just -heard from the lips of one who knows these -people far better than we that these fanatics -aided by the viceroy intend attacking a mission -guarded by American sailors.”</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes as he spoke spread -out a chart upon the table before him, -beckoning Langdon at the same time to his -side.</p> - -<p>“If we remain anchored here the guns of -the forts, if hostile, will soon drive us from -the city,” he began again, his eyes on the -chart. “Before we strike a blow we must -first embark all foreigners from the concession -and change our anchorage to one beyond the -range of the forts. With this startling news -from the Chinese prisoners, coupled with the -attempt last night to blow up the gates of the -mission, the intention of the Chinese is no -longer a matter of conjecture. We have now -to face a condition. This mission, guarded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span> -by sailors from my own ship, is in imminent -peril and must be relieved at once. Every -moment is precious. The means only should -now be considered by us. I have two plans -in mind: the first one is to move farther up -the river to a point abreast the mission,” placing -his finger on the chart; “from the river it -is but three miles to the mission, and we -can easily land a force after dark and march -across to its relief.”</p> - -<p>As the captain finished he glanced inquiringly -at the pilot.</p> - -<p>“That would be very difficult, sir,” Langdon -said quickly, reading the question in his -captain’s eyes. “True, from there the -distance is short, but we shall have to cross -a wide and deep irrigation ditch. This -canal is nearly fifty feet in depth and its sides -are perpendicular.”</p> - -<p>“Are there no bridges?” inquired a foreign -officer anxiously.</p> - -<p>“There are several bamboo bridges,” Langdon -answered, “but they are narrow and frail. -Probably even now they have been destroyed.”</p> - -<p>“Then we must adopt my second plan,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span> -the American commander declared stoutly. -“We have but two thousand men available for -landing, which depletes our ships to an -alarming extent, anchored as they are under -the guns of the batteries; if we wait until the -mission is attacked and then land to the -rescue, we might find ourselves at a great disadvantage -against the many thousands of well-armed -enemies; besides, in our absence it -might prove too great a temptation for the -men of the forts to open fire on our ships, -thus cutting us off from our own vessels. -Lien-Chow, where the Chinese fanatics are -massing, is from here seven miles by land and -sixteen by water; the rebels will not leave -the cover of their city before dark.</p> - -<p>“My recommendation is therefore to get -under way at once from this anchorage, taking -with us all foreigners who wish to leave the -foreign concession, and then steam by the -forts and into the To-Yan Lake. Immediately -upon our arrival off Lien-Chow I propose to -land and fearlessly attack the rebels in their -headquarters. In routing them we shall -either break the back of the uprising, or else -make it incumbent upon the mandarins, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span> -real offenders, to devise other plans for encouraging -this movement against the lives of -the Europeans.</p> - -<p>“Are you with me, gentlemen?”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VII<br /> - - -<small>DISSENSIONS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Commander Hughes’</span> plans were agreed -upon, though not until after much opposition -by the other members of the council, and -word was at once despatched to the foreign -merchants and consuls ashore to close their -stores and houses and seek protection on board -the gunboats of their respective nationalities.</p> - -<p>Inside of three hours all preparations were -completed and the international fleet weighed -anchor and, in column, the “Phœnix” leading, -steamed boldly down the river.</p> - -<p>Langdon had gone to the gunboat’s bridge -to pilot the fleet through the narrow and -dangerous channel leading into the shallow -waters of the To-Yan Lake, leaving Phil and -Sydney at their guns, aft on the quarter-deck -of the vessel; for all the gunboats had cleared -for action to be prepared in case the Chinese -should precipitate hostilities. While the fleet<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span> -was getting its anchors up from the bottom of -the muddy river, they gazed with rising pulse -at the unusual activity inside the Chinese -batteries; they could see groups of blue-clad -soldiers surrounding the big guns in their -rocky emplacements. Would the forts open -fire upon the allied fleet as it steamed past?</p> - -<p>The midshipmen knew that if one shot was -fired from that impregnable fortress at the -miniature battle-ships the sound would travel -around the world. It would mean war! -The forts belonged to the Chinese government -and were manned by her soldiers; no idle -excuse would be accepted by the nations insulted.</p> - -<p>“These ships wouldn’t stand a ghost of a -chance against those guns,” Sydney exclaimed -nervously as he joined Phil on his side of the -deck. The sailors stood silently at their batteries, -each gun loaded with high explosive -shell and ready to hurl its charge at the enemy -at close range if it should suddenly declare -war.</p> - -<p>“It’s pretty short range,” Phil declared, -“and our gun pointers could send every shell -through those rock gun ports. A fleet of our<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span> -gunboats would drive the Chinese gunners -from their guns.”</p> - -<p>“One Chinese shell, though, would sink -us,” Sydney returned, intent upon gaining his -point. “However, let them go ahead. Those -rascals will find the ‘Phœnix’ will give them -a surprise-party.”</p> - -<p>“The monitors are what we need,” Phil -exclaimed, “but they are over a thousand -miles away, broiling in the heat of Manila. -With the monitors here the forts could be -silenced and captured by the fleet.”</p> - -<p>The long column of moving gunboats was -now stretched along the river from Ku-Ling -to the southward. The leader had now safely -passed the forts and its bow was directed down -the river for the entrance of the To-Yan Lake, -a good six miles distant.</p> - -<p>It was with a feeling of relief that the midshipmen -saw the last gunboat in column, following -the “Phœnix’s” lead, pass out of -range of the fort’s guns. It showed that -China, as a nation, had not as yet openly -challenged the world to battle; but if those in -the forts had known of the avowed intentions of -the fleet might they not have acted differently?</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span>Under the skilful direction of Langdon, -the Yangtse River pilot, the allied fleet -steamed to the southward, leaving on its starboard -hand the high bluff point of land below -the city, upon which, fortunately, the Chinese -had not as yet mounted protecting batteries, -and then entered the shallow waters of the -forbidden lake. From this point the channel -led away from the course of the river and to -the westward behind the city of Ku-Ling.</p> - -<p>“Do you see Commander Hughes’ plan?” -Phil exclaimed excitedly. He took a piece of -paper from his pocket, and drew a hasty map -of their surroundings. “Here’s the river, -and here,” he said, “is the lake, which we are -entering. Lien-Chow, you see, is ahead of us,” -and he pointed to a dull color of blue that -raised itself slowly from the muddy waters of -the lake. “It’s in the rear of the fort guns, -you notice, and our ships will be safely -anchored while we are relieving those in the -mission, which lies over there.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Sydney; “but if we succeed -in repulsing the rebels at Lien-Chow and -rescuing the mission,” he went on doubtfully, -“what shall we do next? We shall be cut off<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span> -from Ku-Ling. The forts will never let us -pass freely again.”</p> - -<p>Phil put his sketch in his pocket. He -wanted to complete it later and send it home -in his next letter. “Well,” he declared, “we -can’t worry over that now. The rescue of -those in the mission, you see, is our most important -duty. The future must take care of -itself.”</p> - -<p>It was shortly after two o’clock in the afternoon, -when the long line of vessels dropped -anchor off the town of Lien-Chow; and almost -immediately the gunboats had lowered their -small boats and were embarking their sailors. -Phil found himself in the steam launch with -Commander Hughes and Langdon; the former -had been chosen to command the expedition, -and the lad thanked his good fortune for his -assignment as aid.</p> - -<p>The long line of boats, laden with armed -bluejackets, rowed swiftly toward the not distant -shore of the bay, while two of the gunboats, -remaining under way when the fleet -anchored, took up their stations where they -could shell the enemy if the landing was opposed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_map.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="center"><i>PHIL’S COMPLETED MAP</i></p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>The midshipman stood beside Commander -Hughes, whose keen eyes were directed toward -the Chinese town, in which direction the -launch was heading. Phil could not discern -even a trace of nervousness in his captain’s -face, yet upon the success of this bold attempt -to coerce the Chinese mandarins his future -career in the navy rested. Langdon’s eyes -were searching the approaching shore-line for -signs of the enemy. He hastily took the spyglass -from Phil’s hand and leveled it in the -direction of a grove of trees to the right of the -middle of the town.</p> - -<p>“It’s a piece of artillery,” the pilot exclaimed, -pointing with his glass toward the -grove.</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes leveled his field-glass -and gazed for a few seconds in the direction -indicated.</p> - -<p>He had framed an answer, but it remained -unspoken. A puff of brown smoke darted -from a bright flash amidst the trees, and the -screech of a shell came loudly to the ears of -the advancing foreigners, while a column of -water rose suddenly in the air scarce fifty -yards short of the line of boats.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span>The two watchful gunboats, from the flanks, -opened fire with their broadsides, and in a -second the grove was blotted from sight by -scores of explosions.</p> - -<p>“That relieves us of the stigma of firing the -first shot,” Commander Hughes exclaimed -gladly; “but I had hoped not to have to fire -at all. My prayer was that the rebels would -disperse at this show of force.”</p> - -<p>The boats had not covered another hundred -yards when the town broke forth, in its entire -length, with a hail of rifle shots; the distance -was too great to see the flashes and hear distinctly -the discharges, but the water in front -and around the boats was cut to foam by the -hissing missiles. As the boats drew nearer, -the rattle of musketry came sharply to Phil’s -ears, while he heard again the wailing bullets -speeding by him. The attacking sailors were -silent, but the flank gunboats poured a storm -of shell into the town.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced admiringly at his captain; the -latter was strikingly cool in face of the -stubborn resistance with which he had not -reckoned; he had believed that the rebels -were but an unorganized mob and could<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span> -easily be intimidated by the allied forces; but -instead he now saw that the enemy was in -force and well intrenched, while the screech -of shell and explosion of shrapnel above the -sailors’ heads bore witness that these Chinese -outlaws were well supplied with modern -ordnance.</p> - -<p>A few boats in the long line wavered and -held back, but the majority kept steadily on, -followed in but a few seconds by those less -brave.</p> - -<p>“When we ground,” Commander Hughes -commanded, “you go to the right, Perry, and -you, Langdon, to the left: tell the officers to -advance at double time straight upon the intrenchments. -We dare not stop now; given -the slightest encouragement, the Chinese -could repulse us.”</p> - -<p>Phil felt the launch tremble, and then a -grating sound told him the boat had reached -as near the shore as its draft would allow. -Without hesitation, he jumped waist-deep -into the water and waded to the shore, a -scant hundred yards away. He saw his two -companions follow his lead, then he started -away at top speed up the beach amidst a perfect<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span> -storm of bullets, giving to the leader of -each detachment as he passed the commands -of his captain.</p> - -<p>“Form a skirmish line and advance on the -double,” he shouted to boat after boat as their -keels grated on the sandy shore; then reaching -the last boat, he quickly turned and -raced back to join his captain.</p> - -<p>Running to seaward of the advancing -sailors, he had covered but a short distance -when he found himself among a company of -demoralized foreigners; their swarthy faces -were ashen from terror. The midshipman at -once saw the danger in this panic; already -had it begun to spread to left and right; the -companies nearest the one in disorder had -halted and the sailors were glancing back uncertainly -and with increasing uneasiness. A -general stampede was not far distant. The -leader of this shameless company appeared to -be wild-eyed with terror. He seemed powerless -to stop the threatened rush for the boats. -The lad stood transfixed with horror. If the -infection spread a panic would be the natural -consequence, bringing certain defeat to the -allied arms and leaving the mission helpless<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span> -to the mercy of the cruel enemy. Without a -second’s hesitation Phil raced up to the fleeing -officer. Whirling him about to face the -enemy, the lad cried out in sudden astonishment -and misgiving, as he came face to face -with the man who had so grossly insulted -him in the bank at Ku-Ling.</p> - -<p>Phil was conscious of a look of bitter -hatred on the stranger’s swarthy face, but -there was no time to consider aught save the -danger of a panic and the defeat to his captain’s -plans.</p> - -<p>“Would you have us all massacred? Don’t -you see that these Chinese will run from you -if you will only turn and charge as you were -told?” the lad cried desperately, menacingly -emphasizing his words with his loaded -revolver. Then lowering his voice, he added -in flinty tones for only the officer’s ear: -“Now run straight as you’re heading; if you -turn back I’ll blow a hole through you!”</p> - -<p>The foreign officer felt the muzzle of Phil’s -revolver prodding between his shoulder-blades, -close to his heart, and read the -determination in the American’s voice.</p> - -<p>“Encourage your men to follow us,” the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span> -midshipman cried as the officer moved forward -uncertainly.</p> - -<p>“Forward! Charge!” the officer ordered -in a voice becoming bolder with excitement -as he saw there was nothing left him but to -obey.</p> - -<p>The startled sailors recoiled in surprise, muttering -incoherently to themselves, and then -seeing their officer advance on a trot toward -the enemy’s trenches, they turned, at first -fearfully, then gaining courage, impetuously, -and charged straight toward the source of the -leaden stream.</p> - -<p>A quarter of an hour later, Phil stood beside -Commander Hughes in the trenches of -the enemy, while the victorious sailors were -following doggedly the retreating rebels. -Langdon stood close by guarding a prisoner; -within the pilot’s huge fist was clutched the -Chinaman’s snake-like cue, while he eagerly -questioned the terrified man in Chinese. The -others waited impatiently to hear what intelligence -could be extracted from the much -frightened Oriental.</p> - -<p>“I impressed upon him that if he did not -tell me the truth that I would kill him,” the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span> -pilot exclaimed hurriedly; “he sticks to his -story that to-night they are going to attack -the big mission on the graveyard hills.”</p> - -<p>“We’ve but half succeeded,” Commander -Hughes exclaimed, the lines in his face growing -deeper from anxiety. “We’ve scattered -the outlaws here with heavy loss,” the dead -bodies almost filling the deep trenches speaking -eloquently that fact, “but we must push -forward at once to relieve our mission. I cannot -sleep another night until those innocent -non-combatants have been rescued. My men -are even secondary,” he added forcefully; “it -is their duty and privilege to die in the cause -of humanity.”</p> - -<p>“We cannot hope to succeed without opposition,” -Langdon said; “but before the news -of our fight here arouses the viceroy to action -against us, we should relieve the mission, -bringing everybody here where we can protect -them. It is but a two-hour march and is but -the natural sequence to the attack we have -made.”</p> - -<p>“Quite so,” Commander Hughes agreed -hopefully. “Langdon,” he added in a sad -voice, “you don’t know what it is to rule a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span> -dozen different nationalities. It is a wonder -we can accomplish anything.” Then he -turned to Phil, who had listened eagerly, his -young face full of concern. “Recall the sailors,” -he ordered.</p> - -<p>After the men had been ordered back from -their excited pursuit of the fleeing Chinese and -had fallen into military order in rear of the -captured trenches, the American commander -gathered the senior officers of each nationality -about him to urge upon them the necessity of -prompt action to relieve the threatened mission.</p> - -<p>Phil started, the hot blood suffusing his -face, as he saw with sinking heart the rank of -the foreigner whom he had humiliated before -his own men. Three heavy gold stripes on -the officer’s sleeve told him the rank was that -of commander, equal to that of his own captain. -This cowardly officer was then in command -of one of the foreign gunboats, but why -had he not seen him before at the councils of -the allies on board the “Phœnix”? Was -this Captain Ignacio of the “Albaque,” who -had each time pleaded sickness and sent a -young officer to represent him?</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span>Further speculation upon this perplexing -situation was cut short by Commander -Hughes’ forceful talk to the allies. All listened -intently; the well-modulated, clear voice -of the American held his listeners spellbound -with attention, but many of the foreigners -showed in their faces only too plainly that -they already feared the displeasure of their -governments for having followed the lead of -this strenuous American commander. Was it -not an American mission, guarded by American -sailors? Then why should not the -Americans rescue their own people? The -officer who had felt the cold chill of Phil’s -revolver was loudest in his condemnation of -further attacks; his arguments were so cleverly -worded that he soon won over to his side -the timid ones. The British captain alone -stood by the American in his endeavors to -persuade his brother captains that their one -chance of helping the missionaries was to vigorously -pursue the advantage already gained.</p> - -<p>“We’ve not forgotten Tatnall’s ‘Blood is -thicker than water,’” the British commander -exclaimed as Commander Hughes wrung his -hand warmly, in eloquent silence.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span>“We must abide by the decision of the majority,” -Commander Hughes said sorrowfully. -“I dare not think what will happen to those -within the mission if my men cannot withstand -the attack.” Then he turned flashing -eyes upon the group of hesitating foreigners.</p> - -<p>“What do you propose?” he questioned, -controlling the anger and humiliation in his -voice with some difficulty.</p> - -<p>Phil saw the officer whom he had recently -humbled before his men cast a knowing look -at several of his co-conspirators, and then -heard him boldly voice his plan.</p> - -<p>“My compatriots,” he began, “believe that -this useless killing of Chinese is harming our -country’s interests. We have decided that we -should send a flag of truce to the viceroy to request -him to use his own soldiers to fight -these Chinese rebels.”</p> - -<p>“A flag of truce!” cried Commander -Hughes, in eloquent disdain. “How will the -viceroy answer us? Probably by throwing the -lifeless carcasses of our emissaries on the sand -for the dogs to feed upon.”</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio flinched before the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span> -menacing disgust in the American’s face, but -he held stolidly to his point, while all of the -allies, with the single exception of Commander -Buresford, echoed the foreigner’s proposal.</p> - -<p>“The Inland Mission containing over a -hundred innocent men, women and children, -is still in danger from these rebels,” Commander -Hughes exclaimed anxiously, making -a last stand for what he considered was vital to -his cause. “Although we have scattered their -forces, they can, as we know, quickly regather. -By concerted action, even without danger to -ourselves and possibly without bloodshed, we -can march this force of two thousand sailors -over the seven miles of intervening country. -By daylight we can return here with these -refugees and then we shall be in a far better -position to again open negotiations with the -viceroy. If he should refuse to treat with us -now—by to-morrow these outlaws will have -recovered from their repulse. I beg that -my brother officers will agree with me on this -point,” he ended in entreaty.</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio craftily refused to -allow the point to be discussed; he feared the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span> -persuasive powers of the earnest and loyal -American.</p> - -<p>“We have decided that question,” he replied -quickly, an ugly leer on his face. “Now -our business is to select those to go to the -viceroy.”</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes was about to suggest -that this foolhardy foreigner should be -chosen, and was on the point of refusing to -risk the lives of his own officers in such a -dangerous undertaking, when to his surprise -the name of Ignacio was voiced by the combined -council.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced closely at the foreigner. The -lad had heard his captain’s views of the possible -fate of the flag of truce. Would Commander -Ignacio accept the dangerous post?</p> - -<p>It seemed plain from Commander Ignacio’s -face that the detail was not to his liking, but -in his successful attempts to overrule the -plans of the American, he had become the -avowed leader of those in opposition to the -Anglo-Saxon policy of quick action. Phil was -eager to accompany the flag of truce, but to -serve under Ignacio was indeed disquieting. -The midshipman could see that his captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span> -was taken unawares by the acceptance of -Ignacio to lead the dangerous mission. -Knowing the Chinese as he did, he honestly -believed they would go to their death.</p> - -<p>The selection of the other members of the -embassy was unanimously left to the decision -of their leader, Commander Hughes.</p> - -<p>“As my country is the most interested,” -the American declared, “I shall select my -own officers.” Then turning to the midshipmen -standing near, Sydney having left his -company of sailors to satisfy his eager -curiosity, “Mr. Perry,” the American commander -said in a low voice, “you have shown -yourself worthy of this trust. I shall send -you, Mr. Monroe and Langdon. I hope and -pray that no harm will come to you.”</p> - -<p>Phil could scarcely believe his ears. He, -a midshipman, selected for such an important -duty!</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes then again addressed -the foreign commanders.</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen,” he said in a firm voice, “I -do not count on the success of this flag of -truce. If it fails we shall be forced to attack -the forts with our unarmored vessels. However,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span> -the decision is final. My orders are -that the embassy be sent without a moment’s -delay. We shall remain here until our -friends return.”</p> - -<p>Then, dismissing the allies, he took Langdon’s -arm and walked toward the American -sailors.</p> - -<p>“If I only had five hundred American -sailors,” he declared hotly, “I would throw -over these half-hearted allies and march to -the relief of the mission. But with this mere -handful, failure would be assured.” Then he -beckoned the midshipmen to him. “Langdon, -you and these young men must uphold the -dignity of our country. You, Langdon, must -speak directly to the viceroy. Impress upon -him that I am in deadly earnest. If he -harms the American mission I shall not rest -until his city is laid in ashes. I shall destroy -his arsenals and foundries. The forts will -not be able to resist the attack of the American -monitors, which should soon arrive.”</p> - -<p>“The monitors!” Langdon exclaimed. -“Are they coming?”</p> - -<p>“I wish I could believe it,” Commander -Hughes replied sorrowfully. “But we must<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span> -make the viceroy believe that we are hourly -expecting them. He fears an American -monitor, and the thought that they are coming -may act in our favor.”</p> - -<p>Preparations went forward rapidly, and inside -of half an hour, Commander Ignacio led -his small party out of the allied camp.</p> - -<p>Carrying a large white flag conspicuously -displayed, the four emissaries, with an escort -of eight sailors, four from the “Phœnix” and -four from the foreigner’s own gunboat, gained -the road leading toward the city of Ku-Ling. -Unencumbered with all save their firearms, -which were carried for protection against the -marauding bands of outlaws, the seven miles -were quickly covered, and in less than two -hours the city gate loomed before them.</p> - -<p>Approaching the city wall, Phil saw that -there was great commotion at the gate; -soldiers ran hither and thither, and before the -flag of truce had arrived near the stagnant -water of the moat, there was a noisy clanking -of rusty chain, the drawbridge was suddenly -raised, and the ponderous gates tightly shut.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen, in spite of the precariousness -of their position, could scarcely suppress<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span> -a smile of gratification: this act alone spoke -volumes; what must these Asiatics think of -the prowess of the foreigners if they feared -an attack from a dozen men?</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VIII<br /> - - -<small>IGNACIO SHOWS HIS HAND</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> the drawbridge clanked upward, and -the soldiers disappeared hastily behind the -closing gates, Commander Ignacio, glancing -nervously at Langdon, brought his party to a -stop.</p> - -<p>“You know the customs of these people; -what shall we do?” he exclaimed anxiously, -betraying that with all his vain boasting before -his confrères he depended upon the -American pilot to give him courage to act.</p> - -<p>“They have raised the drawbridge until -the viceroy can be notified,” Langdon -answered calmly; “I don’t consider we are -in much danger; of course the Chinese never -do what might be expected of them. If they -opened fire now we couldn’t escape,” he -added, casting a swift glance of disdain at the -nervous officer and giving the midshipmen a -covert wink; “so we might as well put on a -bold front.” Suiting his action to his words,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span> -he threw himself down on the ground, as if -he intended to be comfortable while the -viceroy indulged himself in his Oriental -diplomacy of wearing out the patience of those -who wished to treat with him.</p> - -<p>Over an hour passed anxiously for the -foreigners; conversation was fragmentary and -pointless. Under the eyes and within close -range of a semi-civilized enemy, who might -refuse to recognize a flag of truce, their position -was not calculated to inspire confidence. -Then the drawbridge creaked slowly down, -and a gorgeously dressed official advanced -through the opened gate, preceded by a white -flag and followed by an armed guard of -soldiers.</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio and his party rose -hastily to meet them.</p> - -<p>After the elaborate Chinese ceremony of -greeting had been concluded, the mandarin -turned to Commander Ignacio, and inquired -his mission.</p> - -<p>“We have come to see the viceroy,” Ignacio -replied in English, for the Chinaman was no -other than the interpreter, whom Phil had -seen so discomfited the day before.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span>With a nod of approval, the mandarin -beckoned that all should follow, and led the -way across the drawbridge and into the ill-smelling -city.</p> - -<p>The emissaries and their guards passed at a -rapid pace through the narrow and dirty -streets; the curious inmates of the walled -city kept at a respectful distance, their faces -expressing wonder rather than hatred.</p> - -<p>Phil, noticing the change in their demeanor -from the day before, called it to Langdon’s -attention.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” the pilot assured him, “it’s a good -sign; the will of the mandarins is always reflected -in the faces of the lower classes. They -hate us just as much as ever, but the brisk -work at Lien-Chow has shown them that we -are able to carry out our threats.”</p> - -<p>Upon their arrival at the yamen, the -viceroy received the foreigners at the second -door, one door nearer the entrance than -where he had received Commander Hughes. -This did not fail to impress the visitors. -After all, was Chang-Li-Hun prepared to -make terms?</p> - -<p>The viceroy was accompanied by the same<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span> -mandarins whom Phil had seen the day before, -and in contrast to their master’s sphinx-like -face their features betrayed the apprehension -which they doubtless felt.</p> - -<p>Chang-Li-Hun seated himself at the head -of the table, motioning Commander Ignacio -to a chair on his left.</p> - -<p>After all were seated, refreshments were -brought, and silence was preserved until the -viceroy signed that the table be cleared; then -turning to Langdon he inquired courteously -in Chinese the wishes of the flag of truce.</p> - -<p>The pilot, after a motion of consent had -been received from the leader, informed the -mandarin of Commander Hughes’ terms. -Phil watched his friend’s face closely, -glancing occasionally at the dignified old -Chinaman, whom nothing apparently could -move.</p> - -<p>“There is a hostile movement against the -foreigners in your provinces,” Langdon commenced -in the mandarin’s language, using all -the flowery and diplomatic terms which these -astute diplomats clung to so closely. “This -movement can exist only through your tolerance. -We do not claim that your Excellency<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span> -is giving it active support, but you are taking -no steps to smother it. That being the -case, the allied powers have taken the law in -their own hands. Having discovered that an -army of rebels were concentrating at Lien-Chow, -only seven miles from your Excellency’s -city, with the avowed intention of attacking -the American mission and massacring -the inmates, the allies have but a few hours -ago attacked them in their stronghold and -dispersed them with many killed, while not a -foreigner has been hurt. These rebels were -permitted to collect despite the fact that you -have seven thousand soldiers under your -orders capable of suppressing these outlaws. -Commander Hughes has directed us to say -that if your Excellency will give his honorable -word upon the spirit of his father that -no further outrages will be permitted, and -that he will protect with his soldiers the American -mission, and also cause to be issued and -posted throughout the provinces orders to desist -from attacks on Christian converts and their -teachers, then the foreign sailors will be at -once withdrawn from China’s soil.”</p> - -<p>Chang-Li-Hun’s face was barren of expression<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span> -while the pilot was delivering himself of -this long speech.</p> - -<p>“I am not the general of the soldiers,” he -craftily replied; “suppose I, a civilian, should -give the soldiers orders to protect foreigners, -how may I be assured that they will -obey?”</p> - -<p>Langdon fearlessly gazed at the aged -mandarin, whom he knew was trying, as the -Chinese say, “to throw dust in his eyes.”</p> - -<p>“Is not the Tartar general under the orders -of the viceroy?” he asked uncompromisingly.</p> - -<p>“I may give an order,” the viceroy answered -evasively, “but I am not a soldier; -then how shall I risk the displeasure of my -father’s spirit, when I would not know if it -were being enforced?”</p> - -<p>By the viceroy’s words his treachery was -unmasked. Langdon had been told in the -strictest confidence by Emmons that General -Hang-Ki had embraced secretly the Christian -belief; not suspecting this, the viceroy had -put his foot into a trap by insinuating that -the general could not be depended upon to -carry out orders to protect the foreigners and -the thousands of Christian Chinese, who were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span> -alike called foreigners by the fanatical anti-Christians.</p> - -<p>“Where can the general be found?” -Langdon inquired finally.</p> - -<p>“His residence is in the forts,” the viceroy -answered.</p> - -<p>“Then our mission is with him,” the pilot -declared, rising from his chair; “your Excellency -then will agree to give the order and I -shall endeavor to obtain his promise to conscientiously -carry it out. My captain’s one -desire is to spare the misguided people of the -city from the further vengeance of the foreign -powers.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” the viceroy asked, -for a second dropping his mask and gazing at -the pilot through worried eyes.</p> - -<p>“I mean,” Langdon answered, raising his -voice to be heard throughout the room, “that -if the Chinese soldiers and these outlaws, calling -themselves patriots, insist upon massacring -the inoffensive foreigners and their followers, -such a fire of shot and shell will be -thrown into this city by the allied fleet that -all property will be destroyed.”</p> - -<p>The aged mandarin started perceptibly at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span> -hearing these menacing words; then he seemed -to arrive at some conclusion, for his parchment-like -face betrayed a faint smile as he motioned -the pilot to be again seated.</p> - -<p>“How will the fleet bombard Ku-Ling?” -he inquired; “your ships cannot again pass -the forts if I order them to fire upon you.”</p> - -<p>“Your Excellency,” Langdon answered -boldly, “has forgotten that two American -monitors are now on their way to join the -allied fleet. With the addition of these vessels, -our ships do not fear the fire of your forts; -besides you will know that if the American -commander orders it our sailors can take the -forts with ease by storm. Our captain is in -earnest,” he urged, believing from the viceroy’s -attitude that he was weakening. “If the -mission on the hill which is under your protection -is harmed he will at once put into -effect his plans to reduce the forts and destroy -your city.”</p> - -<p>“I shall send for the general,” the viceroy -finally announced. “He may be some hours -in arriving, and meanwhile you may rest -after your journey.”</p> - -<p>The party arose, following the interpreter,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span> -and shortly found themselves in a plainly-furnished -room, where he left them abruptly.</p> - -<p>Langdon immediately explained his conversation -with the viceroy, and expressed -himself as certain that the flag of truce would -be successful.</p> - -<p>Phil had not as yet been addressed by -Commander Ignacio, and naturally felt disinclined -to join in the conversation. He had -surprised many furtive glances from the foreign -captain, and was sure they were not of -good omen; however, now he smiled pleasantly -at the two midshipmen, without a trace -of the ill nature with which Phil felt he regarded -him.</p> - -<p>“This was my idea from the start,” Commander -Ignacio exclaimed boastfully; “that -fire-eating captain of yours came near getting -us in a nice muddle, but I believe I shall -straighten it all out.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s anger flared into his eyes at hearing -this direct slur upon Commander Hughes’ -actions, but his training had taught him subordination, -and he controlled the words of -censure that came readily to his lips.</p> - -<p>Langdon however was not so diplomatic.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span>“I beg to differ, Commander Ignacio,” he -exclaimed hotly; “Commander Hughes’ acts -have made this truce possible. Until he -showed that he was in earnest by attacking -and capturing Lien-Chow the viceroy would -not have received us at all.” The foreigner’s -expression changed suddenly, and as he saw -the midshipmen unconsciously nod in approval -of the pilot’s words, a scowl of bitter -hatred appeared on his swarthy face.</p> - -<p>“You Americans are an insolent race,” he -cried angrily. “What do you know about such -matters?” he continued violently, turning -scornfully on Langdon; “you are merely a -hired pilot.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s greatest fear seemed on the point of -being realized; this braggart might spoil all -through his self-conceit. Until now all had -gone smoothly; the viceroy had as much as -shown that he was ready and willing to make -terms, and now this incompetent coward had -shown his ugly hand.</p> - -<p>“Don’t answer him, Langdon,” Phil whispered, -laying a restraining hand on the pilot’s -arm; “nothing that he can say will affect our -confidence in you.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span>The anger died on Langdon’s face as he realized -the logic in the lad’s words, and then -the strained situation was relieved by the -arrival of the interpreter.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency, the general, was fortunately -in the city,” he explained, “and was -readily found; he now waits in the viceroy’s -audience-chamber.”</p> - -<p>The foreigners were presently again before -the high mandarin.</p> - -<p>Phil gazed admiringly at the stranger, -whom he knew must be the Tartar general. -The Manchu stood over six feet in height, his -skin bronzed by exposure, in striking contrast -to the almost effeminate appearance of the -Chinese mandarins about him. The fierceness -of his Tartar ancestors looked from his -dark almond-shaped eyes; he seemed to the -lad an embodiment of those of his race who -had many centuries before under the great -Ghenkis Khan overrun the whole of Asia, -carrying their victorious banners even into -Europe; here was the soldier leader whose ancestors -had followed no other calling.</p> - -<p>The conference was again opened by the -viceroy’s thin voice.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span>“Upon investigation I find that the general -was not informed of the presence at Lien-Chow -of these outlaws. I myself knew nothing -of it. The mission was safe in my keeping, -but when your commander lands an -armed force on the soil of China, he must -take the consequences; I dare not interfere as -long as there is a single foreign sailor on our -shore. Before I can treat with you, every -armed man must be first withdrawn and the -ships again anchored in the Yangtse River; -the To-Yan Lake is by royal decree forbidden -water, and I must demand that the war-ships -leave there immediately.”</p> - -<p>Langdon gazed in surprise at the old diplomat. -Could reliance be placed in his implied -willingness to make terms after the -sailors were withdrawn from China’s soil and -the ships anchored again in the river?</p> - -<p>“That is quite impossible,” Langdon answered -promptly. “Commander Hughes will -not withdraw from China’s soil until he has -received your promise given on the sacred -spirit of your father.”</p> - -<p>“When your commander has anchored -his fleet at Ku-Ling and then comes to me<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span> -apologizing for entering the forbidden lake, -then I will give my decision, but not until -then,” the viceroy cried angrily. “I have -washed my hands of your mission; by putting -sailors there your captain has taken it -from my protection.”</p> - -<p>Langdon was so intent upon his conversation -with the viceroy that he failed to notice -that Commander Ignacio had changed his seat -to one beside the interpreter, and that in low -tones the latter had given the foreigner the -details of the conversation upon which so -much depended. The pilot now turned to -apprise this officer of the latest demand of the -arch villain, but to his consternation the -foreign commander had risen to his feet, his -black eyes snapping with importance, and -waved the American to silence, then turning -to the interpreter at his elbow exclaimed -in English:</p> - -<p>“I consider that the viceroy’s demands are -just. I was from the first against this ill-judged -action. Tell his Excellency as senior -member of this flag of truce, I shall agree to -these terms, and am sure my colleagues, with the -exception of this American, will uphold me.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span>A smile of triumph played about the corners -of the viceroy’s cruel mouth while the interpreter -gave him the meaning of Commander -Ignacio’s rash words.</p> - -<p>“So,” he thought, “the foreigners are not -of one mind.” The clever diplomat believed -that he had at last found a way to pierce the -armor of the despised foreigner.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IX<br /> - - -<small>HELD AS HOSTAGES</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Americans were speechless with amazement. -Phil was confident that he read -triumph in the spiteful face of the foreign -commander. Langdon gazed with unfeigned -disgust at the officer who had brought defeat -to the allies. This wily Chinaman would -now refuse to interfere with the unlawful acts -of his subjects; trusting to the dissensions of -the allies to bring their punitive efforts to -naught. All realized that now even their -own lives were in peril, and they were powerless -to interfere. Commander Ignacio was the -appointed head of the embassy and his decision -was authoritative.</p> - -<p>The Americans quickly learned the ill -effects of the traitor’s words, for the viceroy at -once disregarded the pilot’s presence and in -the most insulting tone turned to his interpreter.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency,” that Chinaman said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span> -upon the completion of the viceroy’s ultimatum, -“sees that the ranking officer has -more intelligence than his low-caste companions, -and that as he has given his promise -that an apology will be made, his Excellency -will at once set him at liberty to return to his -people. And his Excellency further warns -his compatriots that if the sailors are not -withdrawn within twenty-four hours to their -ships, and if the fleet does not leave the To-Yan -Lake, that the lives of those held as -hostages will pay the penalty.”</p> - -<p>Phil, throwing discretion to the winds, was -upon his feet before the interpreter had finished -his threatening sentences.</p> - -<p>“Commander Ignacio,” he exclaimed, beside -himself with anger and mortification, -“can you not see what you have done? -The viceroy offers you your freedom; you -must at once insist that we are under the -sacred protection of a flag of truce and that -he has not the right to detain us.”</p> - -<p>“Are you then so anxious about your -precious skin?” the foreigner answered, an -expression of intense dislike on his swarthy -face.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span>The viceroy had risen, taking the arm of -an assistant. He bowed formally, and moved -away toward his own apartments.</p> - -<p>Langdon heard his parting instructions to -his interpreter.</p> - -<p>“Hold these American dogs and send the -others back to their own people. Let their -commander tell them that when their sailors -have ceased to pollute Chinese soil then I -shall treat with them. And to show my -displeasure at the attack of the foreigners -upon our innocent people, I shall hold these -dogs as hostages.”</p> - -<p>Realizing his helplessness, the pilot was -silent, and he and the midshipmen allowed -themselves to be led away by the waiting -guards.</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio gave Phil a look of -triumph as he passed him, which glance the -lad returned proudly. Doubtless this despicable -man believed he had won a signal -victory over the midshipman who had accused -him of cowardice before his own men.</p> - -<p>The Americans were conducted to a room -outside of the council-chamber of the yamen. -All were too crestfallen and disappointed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span> -with the turn affairs had taken to care what -their fate might be. Through the windows -of the room they saw the traitor and his four -sailors pass along the courtyard on the way -back to the camp of the allies, and a few -moments afterward, their own sailors were -brought and shoved roughly into the room -where their officers were held captive.</p> - -<p>“If that villain,” Langdon exclaimed -angrily, “had only kept quiet, we should all -have been returning by now. He played -right into the viceroy’s hands.”</p> - -<p>“It is all my own doing,” Phil moaned. -“Why didn’t I tell our captain the kind of -man he was?”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” Sydney and -Langdon asked in a breath.</p> - -<p>Phil told of the attack on Lien-Chow and -of the cowardly part Commander Ignacio -had played.</p> - -<p>“Well, if that isn’t the queerest!” the pilot -exclaimed after the midshipman had finished; -“Commander Hughes in my hearing complimented -him upon the fearless attack of his -men; they were the first in the enemy’s -trenches after the Americans and English.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span> -And it was you that put wings to their leader’s -feet.”</p> - -<p>The pilot’s laugh sounded so incongruous -that the Chinese guards glanced suspiciously -inside, fearing that the handful of foreigners -might be planning some daring escape.</p> - -<p>“I feel that it is my fault,” Phil repeated -penitently. “I alone am responsible for our -captivity.”</p> - -<p>“Cheer up, lad!” Langdon exclaimed. -“It might be worse. The viceroy will soon -find that Commander Ignacio will not be -supported. He will not dare to hold us -long.”</p> - -<p>But the pilot, with his wide knowledge of -the Chinese, did not know the capacity for -cruelty of this aged mandarin.</p> - -<p>Even as the pilot spoke, the room filled -with soldiers, who disarmed the Americans, -binding their hands behind them and attaching -heavy chains to their ankles. Langdon -began to caution the sailors to submit without -resistance, but before he could give the advice -a stalwart sailor had picked up a heavy chair -and floored the nearest of the Chinese soldiers.</p> - -<p>The sailors were quickly taken away, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span> -after their work was completed the guards -withdrew, leaving the midshipmen and the -pilot bound upon the hard floor. The tight -cords on their wrists cut cruelly into the flesh.</p> - -<p>Phil gave himself over to despair; he could -see no way out of their terrible predicament. -Langdon, breathing heavily beside him, was -silent, while Sydney was speechless with -anger and mortification.</p> - -<p>After several minutes the interpreter entered -their prison; his sallow face betrayed not a -spark of sympathy as he told Langdon to be -prepared to receive the sentence of punishment -at the hands of the viceroy.</p> - -<p>The pilot growled an answer in Chinese -which caused the interpreter’s face to show a -shade of annoyance; then he answered in -English, glancing fiercely at his captives.</p> - -<p>“We respect a flag of truce, but those who -land on friendly soil and attack innocent -villagers are not entitled to its protection.”</p> - -<p>Phil would have denied the Chinaman’s assertions, -but the next second he was roughly -dragged to his feet, and with his companions, -led into the private apartments of the viceroy.</p> - -<p>There the mandarin was seated comfortably<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span> -in his chair of state, enjoying hugely the -discomfiture of the foreigners. One by one -the Americans were forced down upon their -knees before the viceroy; the guards zealously -pulling the hair of the helpless ones as a -caution to obey quietly.</p> - -<p>While Chang-Li-Hun spoke to Langdon -in a low voice, the midshipmen were held -down on their knees, their heads bent forward, -and as each moved to ease his cramped limbs, -the cruel hands of the soldiers would inflict -some new and painful torture to keep them -motionless. The strain was well-nigh unbearable; -the body bending forward brought -a heavy and increasing strain on the wrist -bindings.</p> - -<p>“Your two companions being officers of a -foreign navy under arms on China’s soil, -I have the right to hold them for punishment -and execution, if I so desire. You being but a -civilian, if you will apologize publicly I -will set you free at once,” the viceroy said in -a conciliatory voice.</p> - -<p>The pilot stoutly refused to accept his -clemency.</p> - -<p>“Would your commander really dare attempt<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span> -to bombard my city?” the mandarin -continued curiously.</p> - -<p>The severe pain at his wrists spurred -Langdon on to picture blackly the doom -awaiting the self-satisfied and treacherous -official.</p> - -<p>“If you hold these officers captive, the -American commander will not rest until he -has set them at liberty. If you harm a hair -of their heads he will raze your city to the -ground and every shell will be directed at -this yamen. The inside of the wall will be -as desolate as that of your great city of -Nanking after the Taiping rebels had sacked -it.”</p> - -<p>The viceroy turned livid with uncontrolled -rage. He spurned the bound prisoner with -his foot, while the soldiers, seeing the anger -in their master’s face, pulled the hair and -beard of the helpless man.</p> - -<p>Langdon was now beside himself. By -a mighty effort, he bore back upon the -soldiers, his great strength scattering them -with ease, and then he raised his head and -gazed full into the face of the viceroy.</p> - -<p>“By holding us as hostages you are but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span> -signing your own death-warrant. Our mission -here was for your own good. Your people -will suffer, but the mandarins are those -whom Commander Hughes desires to punish. -You know that if your city is destroyed by -the foreign fleet you must either commit -suicide or falsify the reports to Peking which -in time will be discovered. If you liberate us -at once and give your promise that foreigners -will be protected, even now you can redeem -your action.”</p> - -<p>Chang-Li-Hun could hardly believe his -ears. He had never been talked to so plainly -in all his life. His mandarins stood near him, -the scowls on their outraged faces betokening -evil for the helpless Americans.</p> - -<p>Langdon was, at a motion from the viceroy, -quickly restrained, and struggling violently -in the hands of numerous soldiers was borne -out of the council-chamber. The midshipmen’s -guards were severe as they dragged the -unresisting lads from the presence of the -viceroy.</p> - -<p>“I fear I’ve made a worse muddle of it,” -the pilot exclaimed dolefully, after they were -again alone in the room which for the present<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span> -served as their prison. Then he recounted to -his companions what had passed between him -and the powerful mandarin.</p> - -<p>“We can hope for no immediate relief from -our people,” Phil declared dejectedly. “Even -though the allies condemn Ignacio’s actions -and are willing to aid in our release, they cannot -storm the city by land from Lien-Chow. -First the fleet must pass through the fire of -the forts.”</p> - -<p>“There is one other chance,” Langdon replied -hopefully. “The viceroy is certainly -acting without or perhaps even contrary to -orders from Peking. I could tell that by the -anger in his face when I accused him of it. -His government is being kept in the dark. -It knows nothing of the conditions within his -provinces. If the foreign ambassadors in -Peking have back-bone enough to insist upon -knowing the state of affairs, the throne will -ask for reports, and Chang-Li-Hun, as powerful -as he is, must disclose his treachery. If -these reports are not satisfactory to the ambassadors -and at the same time if sufficient -fear can be put into the emperor’s heart by -intimidating him with the threat of another<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span> -sack of the capital by the foreign soldiers, -then he will send one of his trusted Manchu -generals with an army at his back, from a -neighboring province. When once these soldiers -have arrived in front of the viceroy’s -yamen then Chang-Li-Hun must acknowledge -himself beaten.”</p> - -<p>“Meanwhile what is going to happen to -us?” Sydney asked.</p> - -<p>“Come, brace up, Syd,” cried Phil, trying -hard to appear cheerful. “We’ve been in as -bad a place before. If our time has come, -nothing that we can say or do will stop it.”</p> - -<p>“It isn’t that I am afraid of what’s going -to happen,” Sydney exclaimed in a hurt voice. -“If they’d given us a show it wouldn’t have -mattered; but to violate a truce! That’s what -makes me feel like tearing these shackles off -and throttling every Chinaman in sight, and -to feel I can’t makes me wish to use all the -bad words that I know.”</p> - -<p>Phil could barely suppress a laugh; -Sydney had described his own feeling more -accurately than he could himself.</p> - -<p>“We may just as well keep our tempers,” -Phil replied philosophically. “It only wastes<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span> -one’s strength to get angry, and we’ll probably -need all the endurance we have before we are -again with our own people.”</p> - -<p>“Did the captain send any telegrams to the -admiral or Washington about the state of -affairs?” Langdon asked suddenly.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he sent one yesterday and one was -given to the Chinese operator in the concession -this morning,” Phil replied. “The last -one was a long one and outlined what he intended -doing, with his reasons. They were -all in cipher. I helped him prepare them.”</p> - -<p>“They haven’t gone further than the viceroy’s -waste paper basket,” Langdon returned. -“He will guard every outlet for news. Doubtless -his version of the actions of the foreigners -will be wired, unless he sees fit to remain -silent.”</p> - -<p>“How can he remain silent?” Sydney inquired. -“The gunboats came here believing -that there was going to be trouble. Surely if -the foreign governments do not hear from -their representatives they will be suspicious.”</p> - -<p>“It’s too deep for me this time,” Langdon -declared. “The viceroy knows what he’s doing; -that I can assure you. History usually<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span> -repeats itself in these Chinese troubles, and he -is probably banking on the timidity of the -foreign governments. If the plain unvarnished -facts of the attack on Lien-Chow got to Washington -with no word from Commander -Hughes, what would happen? That is what -Chang-Li-Hun is counting on.”</p> - -<p>“The president would wire for particulars,” -Phil answered.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and he wouldn’t get them,” Langdon -returned; “and then what would happen?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, but the viceroy believes he -does and he hopes that Washington will act -in such a way as to give the victory to Chang-Li-Hun.”</p> - -<p>As the pilot’s voice died away, the predicament -of himself and companions came home -forcibly to Phil. His arms and legs were -swollen, causing him great pain, and the -thought of the further cruelty of those who -held them captives was not pleasant.</p> - -<p>“Is there no way to escape?” the lad -asked, glancing about the insecure looking -prison.</p> - -<p>“We might succeed in getting out of the -yamen,” Langdon answered discouragingly,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span> -“but we could never expect to get out of the -city. There are but two gates, and both are -heavily guarded at all times. Once we are -missed from here the news would travel with -the speed of wireless telegraphy throughout -the city. No, we are as secure as if we were -on a desert island.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t we bribe the guards?” Sydney -asked, casting a contemptuous glance at the -ragged soldier at the door.</p> - -<p>“What have we to bribe with?” Langdon -asked mournfully. “I haven’t a cent about -me.”</p> - -<p>“The green jade ring my grateful Chinaman -gave me!” Phil exclaimed.</p> - -<p>The Americans took heart at the thought -of this priceless possession.</p> - -<p>“Guard it carefully,” Langdon cautioned; -“it may save us.”</p> - -<p>“Does Commander Ignacio really believe,” -Sydney asked suddenly, “that Commander -Hughes will apologize to the viceroy?”</p> - -<p>“That traitor Ignacio knows that he will -not!” Phil exclaimed angrily at the thought -of his treachery. “There’s more in this than -we understand. It’s a plot to defeat our<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span> -captain, and he with only his small force is -powerless if the other nations side with this -villain. Our only hope is that the other -foreigners will not stand for Ignacio’s cowardly -agreement.”</p> - -<p>“Those in the mission,” Langdon said with -alarm in his voice, “are in a worse plight -than ever. Unless Commander Hughes finds -himself strong enough to relieve the mission -it will sooner or later be attacked; our fifty -sailors cannot withstand a long siege against -the Chinese regular troops.”</p> - -<p>The more Phil speculated upon the situation -the more perplexing it seemed. Numbers -of helpless foreign missionaries were scattered -among the cities of the provinces. Even now -many might have been killed by the lawless -element. In the past many missionaries had -been killed by mobs stirred to violence by -printed circulars sent out openly by the -mandarins. Would the firm stand of the -foreigners deter the mandarins from giving -license to their people to destroy? Phil knew -that this was his captain’s hope.</p> - -<p>Langdon’s voice interrupted the lad’s musings.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span>“We shall be separated,” he said dejectedly. -“Please don’t be rash. Remember the cruelty -of these people. They might kill in a fit of -anger, even though your death was against -their interests. Don’t expect kind treatment. -You will probably be liberated when our -captain has shown the viceroy that he is equal -to his threats, but I am not an officer and I -know too much to suit that scheming interpreter.”</p> - -<p>That the pilot despaired of his life was -indeed disquieting news to the midshipmen, -but their solicitations were quickly cut short -by the sound of tramping feet in the hallway -outside their prison door.</p> - -<p>A number of armed soldiers entered the -room and dragged the captives roughly to -their aching feet, hurrying them along the -stone pavement up the courtyard.</p> - -<p>Phil saw ahead of him the unresisting -Langdon, brutally kicked and struck by his -captors as he shuffled painfully along, then -his own guards turned down a corridor, dragging -him after them.</p> - -<p>Wondering what was about to happen Phil -saw a soldier knock loudly upon a door; a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span> -most unearthly yell from within was the only -answer, then the door opened inwards and he -found himself shoved into the midst of a -crowd of half-naked Chinamen. His heart -sank within him as he realized that he was -to be imprisoned along with the lowest of -the criminals of the viceroy’s provinces. But -a moment later he could have cried out for -joy at the sight of Sydney thrown roughly -almost into his arms. At least he would have -his friend to share his tortures; that was something -for which to be thankful.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER X<br /> - - -<small>A CHINESE PRISON</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> arrival of the Americans in the jail -was heralded with delight by their scantily-clad -fellows; they one and all crowded about -the lads examining their uniforms and putting -very dirty hands on their white skins. -Many had never seen a foreigner at such close -range. The midshipmen were so tightly -bound that they could not escape this unpleasant, -although apparently friendly, treatment.</p> - -<p>Finally Phil could bear it no longer; the -sickening odor from their unwashed bodies -became more than his endurance could stand. -Managing to rise to his feet, he painfully -crossed the damp floor to a wooden bench, -the only article of furniture in the cell; -reaching this he sat down upon it, gently -but forcefully pushing the prisoners seated -beside him until he had the bench entirely -to himself. The Chinese stood close by in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span> -silent surprise, showing no anger at this -treatment.</p> - -<p>“Come here, Sydney,” he called. “We’ll -take the bench and keep these ruffians away. -They’ll smother us with their heathen curiosity.”</p> - -<p>Sydney crawled through the delighted -crowd, the prisoners moving aside readily for -him, and as he reached the bench and raised -himself off the reeking floor to a seat beside -Phil, the gaping Chinamen chattered like -children, quite absorbed in the infrequent -spectacle of foreign devils in their jail.</p> - -<p>A number of the more bold among the -prisoners squatted on the floor close to the -bench, examining the stout boots and leggins -of the midshipmen, but these Phil motioned -away, emphasizing his meaning by a shove -from his manacled feet. The Chinamen arose -at once, their faces expressing only astonishment.</p> - -<p>The lads were soon left alone; their fellow -prisoners had formed a circle around them -with an intervening space of over a yard, -while one or two of their number assumed -the rôle of protectors and faithfully kept their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span> -comrades from infringing upon this forbidden -ground.</p> - -<p>“They are more kind than their masters,” -Sydney said, after the midshipmen had -gathered their scattered wits.</p> - -<p>“Poor fellows, they seem as happy as if -they were only doing penance for small -sins,” Phil replied, gazing compassionately -at his motley companions. “Yet they are all -condemned to be executed. Do you see the -large ring each wears about his neck, with -a brass tag attached? That’s the mark of a -felon to be beheaded, or worse.”</p> - -<p>“Where do you suppose they’ve taken -Langdon?” Sydney asked anxiously. “It’s -certainly terrible to be helpless in the power -of these cruel Chinese. They may even now -have beheaded him. The viceroy was angry -enough to revenge himself.”</p> - -<p>“I hope it’s not so bad as that,” Phil -answered, trying hard to be reassuring, not -feeling, however, a particle more secure than -the condemned men about him. “Langdon -said,” he added grimly, “if our hands were -lifted up high behind our backs and they -hurried us out of the cell, our heads would<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span> -probably be cut off in the large outer court. -Until they do that, I suppose we may be sure -that we are not in any immediate danger of -death.”</p> - -<p>Sydney shuddered at the unpleasant -thought. And this was the China that they -had been so eager to visit.</p> - -<p>Toward evening a great tub filled with -millet was brought in by the keepers and -this the prisoners devoured ravenously. -Luckily for the lads, they had satisfied their -appetite from the viceroy’s table, for they -would have stood but scant chance among -that hungry rabble.</p> - -<p>The cell was now entirely dark, save for a -swinging light which streamed through the -barred doors. The midshipmen scarcely closed -their eyes during the long hours of the night, -and when the first streaks of day shone into -their foul cell, they were sitting open-eyed on -their bench.</p> - -<p>A jailer brought a basin of water to the -door of the cell and then entering, took off -their irons and led them out into the courtyard. -The lads’ hopes rose, but they soon saw -that it was to be only a preparation for more<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span> -imprisonment. A bowl of rice apiece was -given them, which was quickly eaten, and -then each received a steaming cup of tea. -This reassuring meal put new life into the -lads and they felt more cheerful than at any -time since their imprisonment.</p> - -<p>“What’s he doing?” Sydney cried out in -alarm, as the jailer began to rub his neck -with a damp rag, while another rubbed his -wrists and ankles. Phil was afterward given -the same treatment, and then the hateful irons -were again put on, but in addition there were -put about their necks the dreaded rings, -with the dangling brass tags that jingled ominously.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were stunned. Like the -others of their cell-mates they were now wearing -the badge of death. They also had been -condemned by the viceroy and would be held -in this loathsome prison until their numbers -were called by the “Board of Punishments,” -the Chinese high court of justice.</p> - -<p>Once more in their cell the lads sat -dejectedly on their bench. They had small -desire for conversation; each felt his doom -pressing upon him, and strange to say with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span> -this weight of trouble their thoughts turned -to Langdon.</p> - -<p>“If we are to be executed,” Phil said sorrowfully, -“poor Langdon must have already -met his death.”</p> - -<p>Sydney had not the heart to reply. He -nodded his head sorrowfully. Then a thought -struck him, and he raised hopeful eyes to his -companion’s face.</p> - -<p>“He must be near us, Phil,” he exclaimed. -“Can’t we find some means of communicating? -If we could only talk their language we -might ask our jailer; he appears friendly and -probably knows.”</p> - -<p>Phil was silent for a few moments, then he -suddenly began to whistle loudly the stirring -music of their class song. The tune brought -tears to Sydney’s eyes. It took him back to -the day the brigade of midshipmen marched -by the reviewing stand for the last time with -his class as seniors. Two hours afterward, -with his diploma in his hand, he had shaken -hands as a graduate with the secretary of the -navy. What a terrible contrast! Then a sudden -fear took possession of him. Had Phil -lost his mind? Was the knowledge of their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span> -terrible end too much for his nerves and had -his strong mind succumbed? While these -disquieting thoughts were coursing through -his brain, Phil ceased whistling and listened -eagerly. From a distance a high-pitched -treble of a whistle came indistinctly to their -ears amid the noises of their cell.</p> - -<p>The Chinese crowded about Phil in evident -delight, while a number of jailers stood -outside the half-closed door peering inside, -smiles on their ignorant faces.</p> - -<p>“They seem to enjoy my music,” Phil -said in a perfectly rational voice; “but -thank goodness, Langdon is still alive!”</p> - -<p>“Maybe it was from one of the sailors,” -Sydney suggested.</p> - -<p>Phil continued his whistling for many -minutes until his listeners had become -thoroughly accustomed, then he put forth his -strategy.</p> - -<p>“Langdon knows our signal code,” he said -quietly, “and I’m going to try to whistle -him a message, if we can only get these fellows -quiet. At least we’ll find out who it is -that is confined near us.”</p> - -<p>Then by single and double whistles, covered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span> -up ingeniously with snatches of tunes, he -spelled out:</p> - -<p>“Who are you?”</p> - -<p>The lads waited breathlessly for several -minutes, which seemed to them as many -hours. Then the answer came distinctly:</p> - -<p>“Langdon. If the interpreter comes to you -show him the ring. It may be your last -chance.”</p> - -<p>Phil acknowledged this, and then to allay -the suspicions of the jailers, he whistled several -lively tunes.</p> - -<p>The long day dragged slowly by. In their -cramped surroundings they leaned back -against the wall and dozed off, only to be -awakened by the pains in their tightly-bound -limbs. The irons galled terribly.</p> - -<p>At last the jailer brought them their evening -meal, a bowl of rice apiece, and before -leaving them for the night, examined their -shackles. While examining Sydney’s swollen -wrists he “hi-yaw’d” loudly, calling the midshipmen’s -attention to where the tender skin -had been chafed through, the red flesh showing -clearly.</p> - -<p>“Of course; what does he expect?” Sydney<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span> -exclaimed angrily. “These irons are not -lined with velvet!”</p> - -<p>The jailer took Phil by the shoulder and -led him to a corner of the cell, where a Chinaman -was lying, his pale face showing that the -poor fellow’s death was but a matter of hours.</p> - -<p>Stooping down, the jailer lifted one of the -sick man’s arms. The sight that met the lad’s -gaze was heartrending. The wrist where his -iron had been was a festering sore. The -diseased flesh had slowly spread until his -forearm to the elbow was infected and the -man was dying of blood poison. Phil at once -understood the terrible danger to his friend. -He had heard of the maggot which is said to -infest all Chinese prisons. The earth beneath -his feet at a depth of a few inches was -swarming with these deadly parasites, and -their instinct leads them directly to a fresh -wound. Once this insect enters the flesh of a -victim, his death by a fearful, agonizing and -lingering illness is assured.</p> - -<p>Pointing to Sydney’s irons Phil demanded -by signs that they be immediately removed, -but the jailer shook his head in dissent, his -expressive face portraying a fear for himself<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span> -if he did, while he struck his own neck with -his hand as if to say, “That’s what would -happen to me if I took his irons off.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s solicitude for his friend was great. -How could he hide this wound from the -searching little worm? He thought of his -pocket handkerchief in his blouse pocket; -reaching inside his coat with his manacled -hands, he dragged it slowly out, with the -intention of using it as a bandage about -Sydney’s wrist, but to his consternation as he -pulled a bright spark of metal flashed before -his eyes and the precious jade ring fell loudly -to the floor at the jailer’s feet.</p> - -<p>The Chinaman pounced upon it with -avidity, hastily concealing it in his loose -clothes. Phil attempted to hold him, but he -roughly pushed him aside, shutting the barred -door in his face with a loud slam.</p> - -<p>Their last hope had flown. The Chinaman -would doubtless conceal the ring and say -he knew nothing in case he was questioned.</p> - -<p>The keen disappointment at the loss of the -talisman made Phil fear even more for the -terrible predicament of his companion. A<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span> -few more days in this noisome hole might -mean his death. Ill fed, with no opportunity -to wash away the accumulated dirt from their -unclean surroundings, he must surely fall a -victim of the insidious insect.</p> - -<p>Another night passed in torture, relieved -only by an occasional exchange of signals -between Phil and Langdon. He had fared -no worse than the midshipmen. Phil told -him of the loss of the ring and afterward -there was a long silence, as if the news were -too disappointing to find an answer.</p> - -<p>Finally after several hours, the midshipmen -were awakened from their painful slumber to -hear the signal from the pilot.</p> - -<p>“The viceroy has received some word from -the allies. He asked me many questions to-day,” -and then abruptly the whistle ceased.</p> - -<p>The lads were eager to hear more, but -Langdon was silent, and soon a jailer -entered and threatened by signs to gag the -midshipmen if they continued; so, much -against their inclinations, they stopped signaling.</p> - -<p>Early the next morning the lads were -awakened from an uneasy sleep by loud cries<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span> -in the courtyard outside of their cell door. -The jailer hurried in, unlocking their chains -and signed them to follow him. The midshipmen -upon staggering to their feet would have -fallen, if it had not been for the prompt support -of their fellow prisoners, who having -risen from their earth beds were gazing -curiously through the open door.</p> - -<p>Emerging into the sunlight Phil at first -could see nothing, but the jailer, taking each -by a hand, led them staggeringly across the -sandy courtyard. Then suddenly, pushing -on their shoulders, the jailer forced the midshipmen -on their knees before two mandarins.</p> - -<p>Phil raised his eyes and saw the kindly -face of the Tartar general, while from the lips -of the other, a stranger, came in perfect -English as he raised the almost fainting lads -to their feet:</p> - -<p>“Come with us; we are your friends.”</p> - -<p>Jubilantly they followed the Tartar general’s -military figure, and soon found themselves -within a large room where a small table was -set, and the tempting odor of food struck -pleasantly upon their hungry senses.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_150.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>“WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS”</i></p> - -<p> </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span>The lads were told to be seated, the mandarins -taking chairs opposite each.</p> - -<p>Phil was fairly bursting with suppressed -excitement. Were they to be liberated?</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XI<br /> - - -<small>FRIENDS IN NEED</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> midshipmen saw that something had -occurred to bring about this change in the -behavior of the mandarins, but for their lives -they could not guess its import or the effect it -would have upon their condition. Both lads -had come to understand something of Chinese -perfidy, and determined to school themselves -to bear any disappointment.</p> - -<p>Very deliberately the two mandarins finished -their meal, the midshipmen, even under -their tension of impatience, doing full justice -themselves to the savory dishes, and then the -servants removed the remnants of the repast. -Meanwhile all four men sat in silence, the -mandarins in their silken robes in great contrast -to the forlorn appearance of the Americans -in their dirt-covered uniforms.</p> - -<p>At length the silence was broken by the -unmusical voice of Hang-Ki, the Tartar general. -While he talked, making many gestures<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span> -with his hands to illustrate his meaning, -the lads racked their brains for a solution to -this unexpected treatment. Finally the general -finished, glancing interestedly at the -midshipmen, anticipating no doubt the effect -his words would have on the faces of the -youths.</p> - -<p>Phil drummed calmly with his finger nail -a signal to Sydney.</p> - -<p>“Show no feeling,” the latter read from -the clear clicks upon the hardwood table, -and he nodded guardedly in assent.</p> - -<p>The second Chinaman was now interpreting -the general’s words, and the midshipmen -listened eagerly.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency, General Hang-Ki, was -given this ring by a soldier who said it was -found by one of the jailers on the person of -one of the American officers. He wishes to -know from where it came.”</p> - -<p>To Phil’s delight the Chinaman held up -the jade ring, which he had believed was irrecoverably -lost.</p> - -<p>Phil saw no reason for concealment, so he -at once told the story of his rescue of the -Chinaman from the river.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span>Then it was the midshipmen’s turn to -watch the general’s face as Phil’s words were -given him in his own language, but to their -disappointment, his features did not betray -the slightest signs of aught save interest.</p> - -<p>Finally the interpreting mandarin turned -to the expectant lads, a smile on his intelligent -face. They had been wondering unsuccessfully -who this Chinaman might be, using -the English language as readily as his own. -He spoke a few words to the general, and receiving -an affirmative nod, he again addressed -the Americans.</p> - -<p>“I see you do not know me. My name is -Emmons. So far I have been powerless to -aid you. The viceroy is not my friend, and -if it were not for the confidence shown me by -the general, I should before now have shared -the fate which you have so narrowly escaped. -Even now all danger is not over. This ring, -you say,” addressing Phil, “was given you by -the man you saved from the river?”</p> - -<p>Phil nodded silently.</p> - -<p>“That part we cannot explain. The ring -is a gift from the emperor to Ta-Ling, the -viceroy’s official secretary and interpreter.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span> -The stone is the most priceless jade. Fortunately -for you the jailer, fearing to keep it in -his possession during the night, gave it to the -captain of the yamen guard, who brought it -at once to the general. If it had gone to the -viceroy, before now you both would have -been executed.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” Phil exclaimed. -“Did I commit such a serious offense by saving -this man from drowning?”</p> - -<p>Emmons smiled grimly as he answered:</p> - -<p>“By saving Ta-Ling’s life you committed a -serious offense against the foreigners in China. -That it was he you saved there can be but -little doubt, and he is the bitterest enemy the -foreigners have among the viceroy’s advisers. -He is a graduate of an American college, and -because of his harsh treatment at San Francisco -each time he returned to college from -his yearly visits to China, he has sworn to -avenge himself upon all Americans, and of -course all foreigners will suffer, because the -Chinese people cannot discriminate between -an American and one of another nationality. -Because of my American blood I have gained -his enmity, and while once I enjoyed the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span> -viceroy’s confidence, now he has openly shown -me his displeasure. This uprising was started -by the wide circulation of handbills, printed -in the yamen and distributed at Ta-Ling’s -direction throughout the provinces, calling -upon all patriotic Chinamen to exterminate -the foreigners. General Hang-Ki is the only -friend that the foreigners have; he commanded -an army corps against the allies at Peking -in 1900, and knows the terrible consequences -awaiting those who dare resort to such -barbarous and uncivilized methods. Unfortunately -Ta-Ling has the entire confidence of -the viceroy, and has poisoned his ear against -the wiser counsel of the general.”</p> - -<p>“Is the mission still unharmed?” Phil -interrupted anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” Emmons answered promptly, “the -viceroy has given the general orders that it -be guarded from attack, although Ta-Ling has -been making desperate efforts to gather together -the rebels, who were dispersed by the -foreign sailors at Lien-Chow. If he should -succeed in having the general’s soldiers withdrawn -from their camp near the mission, he -may yet succeed in his cherished wish.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span>“But Ta-Ling himself has enemies,” Phil -exclaimed. “It must have been these who -attempted to drown him in the river.”</p> - -<p>“The one who attempted to drown him in -the river is sitting opposite you in the person -of General Hang-Ki,” Emmons answered, -smiling at the lads’ astonished faces. “Knowing -that the general would not lend himself -to the intrigues against the lives of foreigners, -Ta-Ling decided to put the general out of the -way. The night you saved the secretary from -the river and, as you supposed, received this -priceless royal jade ring as a reward, his -Excellency was spending the night with me on -my house-boat. The general, if possible, always -sleeps in the open air, and this aided the -would-be murderer in his design. I had been -asleep for some hours when I was aroused by -cries, and hurrying to where I had left the -general sleeping, I saw him hurl the body -of a man overboard; but the assassin had nearly -accomplished his purpose as the knife thrust -over the general’s heart will show.” Emmons -turned his tongue to the Chinese language, and -the general baring his chest, the lads gazed in -horror at the terrible wound.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span>“We believed,” continued Emmons, “that -the man was only a robber, until we saw this -ring and heard your story, but now there can -be no doubt that the would-be assassin was -the viceroy’s interpreter, Ta-Ling himself.”</p> - -<p>“Is it likely,” Phil asked incredulously, -“that if the man was Ta-Ling, he would give -me this ring?”</p> - -<p>“He didn’t give you the ring, you can be -sure of that,” Emmons replied decidedly; “it -slipped off his finger when he thanked you. -Afterward when he missed it, he doubtless -thought he had lost it in the river.”</p> - -<p>“Do you suppose he has recognized me as -the one who pulled him out of the river?” -Phil asked suddenly, grasping at the hope -that the Chinaman might befriend him; but -Emmons quickly dashed this hope to the -ground.</p> - -<p>“The night was dark, and besides, after his -experience in the river, for he cannot swim, I -doubt if he remembers much of what happened. -According to the old law of China he -would not dare for his soul’s peace to take -your life if he knew you had saved him, but -Ta-Ling is a progressive Chinaman, and considers<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span> -his self-preservation in this world of -more importance than the peace of his spirit -hereafter. If this attempt on the life of a -trusted general of the emperor were known, -Ta-Ling could not be saved by even the -viceroy. The penalty is death by a terrible -torture.”</p> - -<p>“Will the general report this occurrence to -the viceroy?” Phil asked excitedly, his -hopes again rising that the interpreter might -be disposed of and Langdon and the rest of -the hostages liberated to return to the safety -of their ships.</p> - -<p>“The general believes that the time has not -come to expose him,” Emmons answered, -lowering his voice to almost a whisper. “Ta-Ling -is now the master of the viceroy’s yamen -and if we failed to break his authority he -would make certain of your destruction, -reporting to the viceroy that you all had committed -suicide for shame at your misdeeds.”</p> - -<p>Both midshipmen’s faces broke into smiles -in spite of the serious situation. Emmons, -seeing the merriment caused by his words, -hastened to explain.</p> - -<p>“I know that such an idea is entirely<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span> -foreign to the American mind, but not so -with the Chinese. If a man knows he has -committed some deed which his fellows condemn, -he is ashamed, or as we say in China, -‘loses face,’ and he is very likely to commit -suicide to regain his good name. And again, -a Chinaman held prisoner may take his own -life for revenge against his captors.”</p> - -<p>“They needn’t fear that from us,” Phil -replied. “We’ll cling to life as long as we are -able.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what the general and I have come -to help you in,” Emmons said in sympathy; -“the jailer has already been cautioned to say -nothing of the ring, and the soldier who -brought it to the general is no friend of Ta-Ling; -but even with this doubt removed your -lives are in danger so long as you are held by -the viceroy. An ultimatum was received -from the American commander last night -that the allies have refused to approve the -commander of the flag of truce’s promises and -if the hostages are not liberated before noon -to-morrow, the allied fleet would bombard the -city. This has thrown the viceroy into a -fever of fear, for he owns much valuable<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span> -property in and about the city. He has -given the general orders to open fire on the -fleet if it again moves to an anchorage off the -city.”</p> - -<p>“Will he obey the order?” Phil asked -eagerly.</p> - -<p>“He must,” Emmons replied. “He dare -not refuse a direct order from the viceroy, -but he has demanded this order in writing, so -as to protect himself when the day of reckoning -comes. General Hang-Ki has sent a -memorial to the viceroy protesting against -this action; he realizes that these gunboats -stand for many great battle-ships that would -be sent against his forts as soon as the spring -floods bring rising water in the Yangtse -River.”</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were silent, while Emmons -spoke to the general. The conversation -lasted for several minutes, when finally the -former again spoke in his father’s language.</p> - -<p>“The viceroy is ignorant of our presence -here and we must soon leave you. If Ta-Ling -should discover that we had talked with -you, all hope for you would be over.”</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were cast down into the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span> -depths of despair. Then they were not to be -liberated at all, and would again go back to -their prison and be in the cruel clutches of -that fiend Ta-Ling.</p> - -<p>“The general has done his best to arrange -an escape,” were the cheering words from -Emmons. “To-night you will be put in a -cell away from the Chinese prisoners. The -door of the cell will be unlocked. Here is a -plan of the yamen, and I have marked your -route to the gate and safety. I shall have -chairs waiting you at the gate. Success depends -upon yourselves; we dare not help you -farther. In this room marked in pencil you -will find mandarin robes, which you must -put on. The guards throughout the yamen -will be removed until midnight, so you must -succeed before that time. The room in which -you will find disguises is occupied by the -viceroy’s treasurer. He is a close friend of -Ta-Ling and cannot be bought. If you are -discovered the general will be powerless to -save you.”</p> - -<p>“And Langdon?” Phil asked earnestly, -his heart beating high with hope. “We cannot -go a step without him and our four sailors.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span>“That is more difficult,” Emmons replied -with annoyance. “He is being constantly -visited by Ta-Ling. To attempt his -escape may defeat all. The four sailors are -in another part of the yamen and except for -cruel treatment are safe for the present. The -general is grateful to you for revealing this -plot against his own life, but his real intention -is to give your captain information as to -what will happen if he attempts to run by the -forts. There is, however, a channel, known to -only the Chinese, leading behind and close to -the long narrow island on the opposite side of -the river. This island is now covered with -tall reed grass which will conceal the hulls of -the gunboats from the rays of the search-lights -of the fort. Here is a sketch plan of -this channel. If your commander will start -at night and use the channel I suggest, it -may be that he can take his entire fleet past -the forts undiscovered. I dare not take this -message myself, for my movements are -closely watched. I fear even now Ta-Ling -may have discovered our purpose.”</p> - -<p>“Can we depend upon this information?” -Sydney whispered to Phil, as Emmons and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span> -the general rose to their feet. “Might it not -be a trick to blow the gunboats up by mines -in this narrow channel?”</p> - -<p>Phil put the question to Emmons, but the -latter assured them of the honesty of the general.</p> - -<p>“The general believes he is serving his -country in giving this information,” he added; -“he knows his people will suffer through the -viceroy’s treachery. If the fleet can pass -without being discovered, he cannot be held -guilty of disobeying the order of the viceroy. -So you see it is important that this message -should reach your captain in time to prevent -him from carrying out his threat of running -the batteries.”</p> - -<p>Reluctantly the midshipmen agreed to leave -Langdon and the four sailors behind and -make the attempt to escape in order to carry -the information of the secret channel to -Commander Hughes. Each felt that in -doing so they might be sacrificing their -friend to the revenge of Ta-Ling when he -had discovered the absence of the midshipmen, -but the good of the cause demanded it -be so.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span>In but a few moments the jailer led the -lads back to their distasteful prison.</p> - -<p>Passing a great tub of clear water, both -lads looked longingly at it and then at their -soiled hands. To their delight the Chinaman -smiled and motioned that they might indulge -in a bath.</p> - -<p>Delightedly the lads stripped their unclean -clothes from their bodies and bathed in the -soothing water. Forgetful of their surroundings, -with the complacent jailer sitting close -by an amused spectator, they talked gayly of -their hoped-for deliverance. Then the bright -smiles on their faces were suddenly frozen -by the sound of a voice which they had -learned to dread.</p> - -<p>“You seem very cheerful for men who are -soon to be executed,” Ta-Ling said in his -perfect English. “What has put my good -friends in such excellent spirits?”</p> - -<p>Both midshipmen were speechless with astonishment. -How long had this eavesdropper -been listening? Had he discovered the intrigue -of the Tartar general? These were the -questions that passed through their minds. -They waited in cruel suspense for the next<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span> -words of their enemy to answer these fateful -questions.</p> - -<p>Ta-Ling turned upon the trembling jailer, -berating him soundly, punctuating his words -with kicks and blows which the cringing man -received without a sign of resentment.</p> - -<p>“I have told him that if I saw you laughing -again,” he cried angrily, “he would -have his head chopped off. Your treatment -here has been too kind.”</p> - -<p>Then as an afterthought the mandarin -picked up Phil’s uniform blouse from the -ground at his feet and searched through the -pockets carefully. Phil was terrified; the -plan of the yamen was in his trousers pocket -on the ground at the Chinaman’s feet. If he -searched through his trousers, all hope of -escape would be ended.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XII<br /> - - -<small>A DARING PLAN</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ta-Ling</span> threw down the coat impatiently -and glanced disdainfully at the other articles -of apparel. He then took up Phil’s muddy -trousers gingerly as if fearful of soiling his -esthetic hands. The lad’s heart was in his -throat while he watched the Chinaman guardedly, -striving to appear unconcerned, and -cudgeling his brain for something to say in -order to turn the man’s attention from a search -of the guilty garment.</p> - -<p>“Why are you so bitter against my people?” -Phil asked hoarsely. “Were you not educated -in America?”</p> - -<p>Ta-Ling dropped the tattered garment, -glancing up quickly, a scowl on his yellow -face.</p> - -<p>“Why am I bitter against you?” he answered. -“I despise everything American. -Was I not put in a pen in San Francisco -along with such cattle as coolies from Japan,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span> -Corea and my own country? Your stupid -officials claimed not to be able to distinguish -between us. I heard one say ‘All Chinks -look alike to me.’ After the first experience, -when I was washed and my clothes fumigated -as if I had been a pauper immigrant, I got -letters from college friends, but armed even -with these I suffered indignities at the hands of -these ignorant officials. When I left America -with my graduation diploma in my pocket I -took oath to my father’s spirit that I would -consecrate my life to making foreigners respect -the persons of the high class Chinese, and in -starting this crusade I saw it was first necessary -to drive all foreigners out of our sacred -country.”</p> - -<p>Both midshipmen were astonished at the -earnestness in Ta-Ling’s voice. If the situation -had been reversed, would they have -acted differently? Had not this man ample -reason to hate all foreigners?</p> - -<p>“Even if some of our stupidly ignorant -and irresponsible officials could not distinguish -between ranks in your society,” Phil -urged, “why should you revenge yourself -against us? We are innocent of all blame.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span> -We came into your city under the sacred -protection of a flag of truce, and in committing -a crime against us you will only confirm -foreigners in their belief that a Chinaman -is not worthy of considerate treatment. -Your cause will not be benefited, and your -people will suffer; the allied fleet will avenge -our deaths as was done in Peking.”</p> - -<p>“What do I care how many of these low-caste -dogs die?” Ta-Ling retorted scornfully; -“there are over four hundred million of such -animals. Your deaths will force the foreign -governments to wage war on China, and once -this war is begun, our people will rise up -from one end of the empire to the other -to drive the foreigner from the soil of -China.”</p> - -<p>“But the missionaries, who have at heart -only the enlightenment of your people,” -Phil urged, catching his clothes stealthily -from the ground at Ta-Ling’s feet.</p> - -<p>“They, of all the foreigners who come to -China,” the Chinaman returned somewhat -shamefacedly, “are working unselfishly, but -they must suffer with the others; all foreigners -must go for China’s good.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span>“I tell you these things,” he ended, turning -to leave the midshipmen with their jailer, -“because your death-warrants have already -been signed by the viceroy. At the first hostile -shot fired by the allies your heads will -pay the forfeit and we shall attack the mission, -guarded now by your sailors, and kill -every foreigner within.”</p> - -<p>As Ta-Ling left them, the jailer seized the -lads roughly and dragged them toward their -cell. As the door closed behind them Phil -shuddered at the demoniacal laughs of derision -from their fellow prisoners.</p> - -<p>“Our cause has a bitter enemy in Ta-Ling,” -Phil whispered, after the lads had been sitting -on their hard wooden bench for several -minutes and the noise from their prison -mates had subsided; “but I believe he’ll fail. -When Commander Hughes commences to -throw his shells into the city, he’ll be one of -the first, with all his vain show of patriotism, -to cry enough and seek safety.”</p> - -<p>Sydney did not reply; his thoughts were -upon the coming night, when the two midshipmen -were to make their dash for freedom.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span>After a few minutes he confided his fears -to his friend.</p> - -<p>“If Ta-Ling finds that we have talked with -the Tartar general we’re as good as dead men,” -he said in an awed whisper.</p> - -<p>This terrible thought sent a shiver through -Phil.</p> - -<p>“Did you notice the look on the jailer’s -face when Ta-Ling was talking to him?” -he continued in an anxious voice; “it was -one of cringing fear. If Ta-Ling even suspects -that we had been out of our cell and -questions that man he will tell all. The jailer -probably is keen enough to know that Hang-Ki -and Ta-Ling are enemies, and of the two -he fears the latter most.”</p> - -<p>“Well, the die is cast,” Phil answered, -smiling with a great effort; “there’s no use -crying over it. We are either going to escape -to-night or we are going to have our heads -chopped off out there in the courtyard. Nothing -that we can do can alter our fate, so we -might just as well look cheerful, even though -we don’t feel that way,” and suiting his actions -to his words he began to whistle the -class march.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span>Sydney sat mournfully listening, while the -Chinese criminals crowded around them, -jabbering noisily.</p> - -<p>The hours dragged wearily along. As the -light through the barred door became dimmer, -foretelling the end of the tedious day, -the midshipmen’s hopes rose; so far Ta-Ling -could not have learned of their visit to his -enemy.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were taken out into the -courtyard as usual for their evening meal -and after the meagre fare had been eaten -with great effort by the anxious and impatient -lads, the jailer removed their irons and -washed carefully the aching sore on Sydney’s -wrist.</p> - -<p>Phil was delighted to see that the man had -recovered from his fear of a few hours ago, -and that he lingered a much longer time -than seemed necessary, for Sydney’s wrist had -been securely bound with Phil’s handkerchief -and appeared to be healing, auguring well for -the success of the coming night.</p> - -<p>It was quite dark when the jailer had -finished his solicitous attentions, and replaced -the irons on their feet and hands. Motioning<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span> -the midshipmen to follow him, he led them -along the stone flagging of the courtyard, cautioning -silence by raising his hand and shaking -his head jerkily. Loaded down as they -were with heavy chains, to move quietly was -not an easy task, and was one calculated to -fatigue the lads to an alarming extent after their -two days of cruel torture in these steel bonds.</p> - -<p>After traversing nearly half the length of -the courtyard, the jailer suddenly threw open -a door, and forcefully pushed them through -it into darkness. The door closed quietly behind -his retreating figure.</p> - -<p>Their hearts beating fast, Phil and Sydney -strained their ears to catch the first sound of -alarm. Heavy footfalls approaching on the -stone pavement soon told them the reason of -the jailer’s haste and his sudden departure.</p> - -<p>Holding their breath tightly, they heard -the newcomer stop hesitatingly before the -door of their cell, then after a second he -moved farther along, and finally the opening -and shutting of a door told them he had -entered a room near or even next to the one -in which the two midshipmen had been so -suddenly thrust.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span>Sounds of a low-pitched voice came distinctly -to their ears through the frail partition; -the lads listened eagerly. Then the bold -tones of Langdon’s voice sounded distinctly.</p> - -<p>“For a man who was educated among -white men,” he was saying in a scornful voice, -“you seem to have a queer idea of our honesty. -If you liberate all, I’ll take the letter to our -captain, but I shall not tell him I believe the -viceroy will play fair, for I don’t believe he -will. I don’t trust him, nor you. Send the -letter by one of your own people, and see -what answer he’ll send back. The threat that -at the first gun fired by the allies our heads -will be chopped off will not affect his plans. -What are two midshipmen, four sailors, and -a pilot to a country like ours?”</p> - -<p>“Commander Ignacio and two of the allied -gunboats have accepted the viceroy’s word -and are back at their old anchorage,” Ta-Ling’s -voice urged. “That shows the viceroy’s -good faith.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t talk to me of that traitor,” Langdon -exclaimed; “he isn’t white anyway; his skin -is as yellow as yours.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span>“Then you refuse your life?” Ta-Ling’s -voice asked.</p> - -<p>“You Chinese are a soft-brained lot,” -Langdon said, ignoring the question; “your -intrigue is as plain as children’s play. Men -like Ignacio might be fooled. I don’t know -what promises you’ve made to him. Probably -offered to give his countrymen the railroad -concession to Peking, which your viceroy has -cheated the Americans out of by his underhand -dealings; but you ought to know after -four years at an American college that we are -not that kind. Commander Hughes is in -this river to see that Americans are left unmolested, -in accordance with the treaties -made between the two countries.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you know that when I was in -your America I personally investigated nearly -a score of murders of Chinese in what you -call the West. Each case was as brutal and -flagrant as any that has occurred in China,” -Ta-Ling’s voice broke in triumphantly. -“How then can you boast of the honesty of -your people?—for in not a single instance -were the murderers punished.”</p> - -<p>“That’s because you Chinese are a weak<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span> -race, and haven’t the back-bone to stand up -for your rights,” Langdon replied, “while -we are men enough to insist on fair treatment -for our citizens abroad. That’s where you are -lacking in national character.”</p> - -<p>A rattle of chains and harsh cries of rage -and pain followed the sally of Langdon, -causing the listeners to hold themselves rigid -with suppressed excitement.</p> - -<p>“That beast!” Phil whispered. “I wish -I had let him drown.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go to your midshipmen friends,” Ta-Ling -said sullenly. “I believe they are -frightened enough to be bought by the price -you refuse. Remember, I’ve given you the last -chance you’ll get.”</p> - -<p>Langdon was apparently too angry to speak. -The lads could hear distinctly his heavy -breathing, caused by some torture administered -by this cruel Chinaman.</p> - -<p>“You’re trying to hedge, is that it?” the -thick voice of the pilot was heard to say; “or -do you count upon catching the gunboats unawares -as they steam by the forts flying flags -of truce?”</p> - -<p>The Chinaman administered a vicious kick<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span> -in answer, and the lads held their breath in -almost a panic as they heard the door of -Langdon’s cell close and Ta-Ling’s footsteps -die slowly away down the courtyard.</p> - -<p>“It’s all up with us,” Sydney breathed -hopelessly. “He’ll soon find we are not in -our prison, and then——” he ended with a -shiver as his thoughts dwelt upon the terrible -death by decapitation.</p> - -<p>A loud clank made the overwrought midshipmen -start terrified; then Phil fairly -gasped with surprise and joy; his arm manacles -had fallen to the ground.</p> - -<p>In the darkness he quickly reached out -and grasped Sydney’s hand, fingering nervously -the cruel iron bracelets. The metal -rings were clamped but unlocked, and he -readily removed the irons from his companion’s -hands. In but a moment more they -both stood free of their retaining bonds.</p> - -<p>“Ta-Ling and the jailer,” Phil whispered -as a sound of approaching footsteps became -audible. “If they enter here we must overpower -them. It’s our one chance now.”</p> - -<p>Sydney moved closer to Phil, taking his -hand in silence, and pressing it in sign<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span> -of his readiness to follow his friend’s -lead.</p> - -<p>“They must make no outcry,” Phil continued. -“I’ll take the one nearest me.”</p> - -<p>The Chinamen stopped at the cell door, -and the voice of Ta-Ling was raised angrily, -storming in Chinese at the jailer, apparently -for daring to remove the prisoners from their -former cell.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen retreated until their backs -touched the wall of the narrow cell, having -replaced their hand irons to appear to be still -in chains.</p> - -<p>A dim light shone into their cell as the -door swung loudly open, and the scowling -face of Ta-Ling appeared, with the jailer behind -him, timidly holding up an oil lantern.</p> - -<p>“So you didn’t like to be kept with the -rest of the cattle?” Ta-Ling’s cruel voice began. -Then he stopped suddenly, and threw -up his head with a wicked laugh. “You’ve -heard Langdon’s answer, then?” he continued, -signing to the terrified and trembling -jailer to put down the lantern on the solitary -wooden bench. The man entered the cell to -obey, leaving the door open.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span>Phil saw the time had come for action. -He sought Sydney’s eye, then stealthily -moved his foot, quietly throwing the door off -its balance, allowing it to swing slowly closed. -He had purposely moved so that Ta-Ling in -addressing him must turn his back upon -Sydney and the jailer. Burning with excitement -he watched Sydney grasp his hand -irons firmly. The great bulk of the jailer -loomed almost grotesquely in the light of the -flickering lantern. Fearing that Ta-Ling -might be attracted by the eagerness which he -was powerless to hide, Phil lowered his gaze, -but out of the tail of his eye he was conscious -that the iron flashed in the lamplight -as the click of the shutting door -caused the interpreter to glance toward it suspiciously.</p> - -<p>Then a rattle of chain and a dull sound behind -him made Ta-Ling swing suddenly -around. Phil’s opportunity had arrived. -With fingers itching for this cruel Chinaman’s -throat he sprang upon him, smothering -the cry that was ready to give the alarm -to the yamen guard, and bore him heavily to -the ground. In the flickering light he saw<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span> -the man’s face turn livid, then purple, while -his muscles relaxed. Glancing up, he saw -Sydney removing a great bunch of keys from -the prostrate body of the jailer.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIII<br /> - - -<small>HOPES OF ESCAPE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ta-Ling</span> had ceased to struggle; his eyes -protruded in ghastly fashion, while through -his open mouth his tongue showed blue and -swollen. Phil was terrified at the sight, believing -he had killed the Chinaman, but upon -opening his coat he felt his heart beating -faintly.</p> - -<p>With a sigh of great relief he rose to his -feet and, taking the lantern in his hand, he -scanned his prostrate victim.</p> - -<p>“You must put on his clothes and release -Langdon,” Sydney whispered, holding the -keys out toward Phil.</p> - -<p>Without a word, but with fingers trembling -with excitement, the lad stooped down, stripping -the robes from the inanimate form; the -baggy trousers, the silken hose and satin -shoes and the long flowing robe with the -mandarin square of the scholar embroidered -in gold on its front.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span>Discarding his naval uniform he hastily -put on his enemy’s garments. When completely -clothed he turned to Sydney, who -gasped with astonishment at the altered appearance -of his friend. The hat with its horsetail -plume and pink button concealed his -long front hair which in a Chinaman is always -missing, being shaved close to his scalp.</p> - -<p>Sydney immediately followed his comrade’s -example and was soon arrayed in the costume -of the Chinese jailer.</p> - -<p>Phil pointed to their discarded irons and -in a few moments they had snapped feet and -hand manacles over the helpless limbs of Ta-Ling. -Then they both turned impatiently -toward the door. Phil hesitated for an instant.</p> - -<p>“They may come to before we can make -our escape,” he said. “We must gag them.”</p> - -<p>Stripping their prisoners of their undergarments, -these as gags were tied firmly over their -mouths.</p> - -<p>“I hope he doesn’t smother,” Phil whispered -in some alarm; “he seems to be hardly -breathing.”</p> - -<p>“We can’t take any chances now,” Sydney<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span> -returned calmly; “it’s their life or ours. If -we are caught now nothing can save us.”</p> - -<p>To make more sure of their prisoners, the -arms of each were bound to their sides, so -that upon regaining consciousness they could -not work their gags off their mouths and give -the alarm to the yamen.</p> - -<p>“I hope they’ll be found before they starve -to death,” Phil said anxiously. “I fear the -jailer will feel that we are ungrateful for his -aid. I don’t dare liberate him; he may in fear -betray us into the hands of the guard.”</p> - -<p>“They’ll surely be found in the morning,” -Sydney assured him. “Our friends the -prisoners will clamor when their breakfast -doesn’t appear, and then a search will be made -for him and for us too. If we are not found -before,” he ended grimly.</p> - -<p>“What’s this!” Phil exclaimed, drawing -from the inside pocket of his Chinese coat a -number of papers and examining them in the -light of the lantern. “A telegram!” he cried, -“and addressed to Commander Hughes!”</p> - -<p>Both lads gazed at the sealed envelope as if -they would like to bore through the outer -covering and read the message within.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span>“Dare we open it?” Phil asked. “If it is -in the ordinary cipher I know the key word. -It may be something important, and as -well for us to know the contents if we lose the -telegram. And here is a letter addressed to -the captain,” he continued excitedly. “This -is surely the one which Ta-Ling tempted -Langdon to take. But come,” he added -hastily, “we must not allow him to be a -minute longer in his chains.”</p> - -<p>Taking the keys from Sydney’s hand, he -opened the cell door and led the way to the -door of Langdon’s prison. There was no -sound in the enclosure except an occasional -shrill cry from the prisoners at the far corner. -As they waited in the silent courtyard to -make sure all was well before entering, Langdon’s -heavy breathing came distinctly to their -ears.</p> - -<p>After a few seconds Phil selected the right -key and the next moment the door swung -open, while the lad whispered softly:</p> - -<p>“Langdon!”</p> - -<p>But there was no answer; then the dim -light shed its fitful rays about the dungeon -and the lad gave a smothered cry of concern,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span> -for the sight which met his gaze was indeed -appalling: Langdon, bound tightly, was triced -up to a beam overhead by his feet and the -iron ring about his neck, and he was by -degrees strangling to death.</p> - -<p>The anxious lads quickly cut the ropes and -lowered the insensible man to the floor. Then -removing the irons they worked over him -anxiously while the time passed on winged -feet. Finally the pilot opened his eyes and -stared at the lads with angry, sullen eyes, -making a futile attempt to speak.</p> - -<p>“You miserable coward,” he finally managed -to say in a thick whisper. “I hope some -day you’ll be treated as you’ve treated me.”</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were at first so taken -aback that they were silent. Then the -comical part of the tragedy appealed to them -and in that instant Langdon recognized his -rescuers.</p> - -<p>“We’ve got him now in almost the same -condition that you were in,” Phil whispered.</p> - -<p>The pilot gazed in wonder at the midshipmen. -Raising a trembling hand he passed it -over his eyes uncertainly, as if he would -sweep away the delusion.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span>“What does it mean?” he asked weakly.</p> - -<p>“It means that we are for the time free,” -Phil answered; “but come, we must start. If -we delay Ta-Ling may be missed and a search -for him would spoil all. Can you walk?” -he asked solicitously.</p> - -<p>“In a minute,” the pilot replied. “Help -me to my feet. I’d have been gone in a half -hour more,” he added, feeling his sore and -swollen throat.</p> - -<p>The lads helped him to his feet and he -stood unsteadily, leaning his great weight on -their shoulders.</p> - -<p>“It was partly our fault,” Sydney said -apologetically; “he no doubt intended coming -back and lowering you; but we couldn’t -allow him to leave our cell.”</p> - -<p>After a few minutes more to permit Langdon -to regain his strength and give the blood -a chance to circulate into his cramped limbs, -Phil made the motion to follow, and all three -noiselessly filed out into the courtyard and -entered the cell where the Chinamen were -lying.</p> - -<p>The interpreter’s breathing showed that he -would soon regain his senses. Langdon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span> -glared triumphantly down upon the villain -who would gladly kill all the foreigners -within the Chinese Empire.</p> - -<p>“He’s not half gagged,” he exclaimed in a -hoarse whisper. Then he untied the gag -which the lads had made and jammed the -mandarin’s mouth full of his own clothing, -binding it in with a tight bandage. After -rearranging the jailer’s gag, he arose and -gloated over the fallen favorite of the viceroy.</p> - -<p>Phil had torn open the telegram and in the -dim light scanned it anxiously. Then he -drew from his pocket a pencil and in silence -wrote the key word above the words of the -message. Sydney regarded him in a fever of -excitement. Finally Phil’s pencil was still -and he looked up with a white, anxious face.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to destroy it, but I don’t dare,” -he said. Then he read in a voice trembling -with emotion:</p> - -<p>“Department condemns your actions in -entering To-Yan Lake and attacking Chinese -soldiers. Proceed immediately back to Ku-Ling -and offer ample apology to viceroy. -Consider yourself relieved of your command.”</p> - -<p>If a shell had exploded in their midst the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span> -eager listeners could not have been more surprised.</p> - -<p>“Burn it up,” Langdon exclaimed indignantly. -“That’s the way things are run -from a distance of ten thousand miles.” -Then his glance encountered the wide-open -eyes of Ta-Ling and he snorted with rage as -he roughly jerked the bound Chinaman to his -feet.</p> - -<p>“Did you hear it?” he cried.</p> - -<p>The mandarin’s eyes burned balefully as -he nodded his head in assent. Langdon released -the Chinaman, and but for Phil’s steadying -hand he would have fallen to the floor. -Then the pilot raised the long braided cue of -the interpreter and with a swift cut of his -jack-knife severed it close up to the Chinaman’s -head; the next second, holding it out to -Phil, he cried gleefully:</p> - -<p>“Put this on under your cap; it’s all you -need to complete your costume.</p> - -<p>“You won’t be so keen to show yourself in -public hereafter,” he continued spitefully to -the mandarin.</p> - -<p>Ta-Ling was beside himself with rage, but -he could only grow red and utter inarticulate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span> -sounds, while Langdon sat on the wooden -bench laughing scornfully at the disgraced -official.</p> - -<p>“If he doesn’t commit suicide in twenty-four -hours, it’s because he’s chicken-hearted.” -Langdon laughed in a low tone, mainly for -the Chinaman’s ear. The pilot knew he held -the secret of the cablegram. Apparently he -had guessed at the contents and was going to -send it together with the letter for the American -captain. If the viceroy knew the stand -that was being taken by the American government, -every missionary in the valley of the -Yangtse would be unsafe. The mandarin -officials in the towns of the provinces were as -yet guarding the foreigners against attack until -they could be sure of the outcome at Ku-Ling. -Once the viceroy had humbled the foreign -pride then the rabble would be free to -indulge its aroused hatred.</p> - -<p>Phil cut short the pilot’s mirth by taking -him by the arm and leading him silently to -the door. Once outside the cell the lad -showed him the sketch plan of the yamen -with the path they must take to reach the -room where clothes would be found.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span>“If we only knew where the sailors are,” -Sydney whispered.</p> - -<p>Phil shook his head. It might only defeat -them, and the sailors would be no better off.</p> - -<p>Langdon for the first time realized that he -was not in the plot and would have asked many -questions, but Phil and Sydney grasped him -firmly on each side as if he were their prisoner -and marched openly down the stone -pavement of the courtyard. The place indicated -on the sketch was easily found and Phil, -leaving his companions, pushed the door -quietly open. The room was lighted by a -single swinging lamp, while in one corner sat -a Chinaman reckoning laboriously on his -abacus, a counting device used by the Oriental -races; the click of the small wooden balls -as he moved them along their wires sounded -distinctly in the quiet of the room.</p> - -<p>As Phil closed the door softly behind him -the Chinaman glanced up casually, speaking -a few words in his guttural tongue. The lad -made no reply, but glanced about hastily to -make sure those near could not discover what -was about to happen. His heart was beating -fast. He saw a door beyond the victim which<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span> -he knew must lead directly into the viceroy’s -own apartments; voices, almost inaudible, -came to his ears from the rooms on the other -side of that slender partition. He saw that -he must work quickly and silently. Any -moment the door might open and he would -be discovered, for his disguise would be useless -under the direct gaze of a Chinese mandarin. -The treasurer had seen him but indistinctly -and had taken for granted that he was -Ta-Ling.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_190.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>HE MEASURED THE STRENGTH<br /> -OF HIS ANTAGONIST</i></p> - -<p>Moving silently to the side of the absorbed -Chinaman, Phil stood for the fraction of a -second looking down on his work. His eyes -sought out the curve of the neck in its -enveloping robe while he measured the -strength of his antagonist. Raising his hands -in readiness, he poised them aloft ready to grasp -the slender neck within his muscular fingers.</p> - -<p>As if by premonition of the danger threatening -him, the Chinaman dropped his hands -from the abacus and glanced swiftly up into -Phil’s face. The next second the midshipman’s -hands had encircled his neck and the -terrified outcry which the lad saw in his -frightened eyes was stifled.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span>“Hurry, Langdon!” Phil whispered over -his shoulder, as the pilot noiselessly entered to -dress himself in one of the many robes hanging -about the room.</p> - -<p>While Phil slowly reduced the treasurer to -a harmless state, the pilot made a hasty -change, and as the lads had done, rolled his -own clothes in a bundle, concealing them under -his flowing robe.</p> - -<p>With articles of clothing the Americans -silently bound and gagged the treasurer and -laid his body away, hidden from the view of -the casual observer entering the room; then -the three proceeded to carry out the last and -most trying stage of their perilous adventure.</p> - -<p>Phil leading, they arrived in sight of the -outer gate. So far no guards had been met, but -now with sinking heart Phil saw a large -crowd gathered on the outside of the open -gateway. Soldiers, their muskets in hand, -stood stolidly on guard, while others sat on -the ground, chattering volubly. Was this -but the usual crowd always seen at the gates -of a Chinese yamen—the poor awaiting -crumbs from the rich man’s table? Overhead -several oil lanterns shed their meagre<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span> -light upon the assemblage. The score or -more of Chinese would surely penetrate their -disguise! He saw Langdon raise his hand -with its flowing sleeve to his face, and quickly -imitated the movement, nudging Sydney to -do likewise.</p> - -<p>A hoarse cry rang out from the guard at -the gate as they approached, which sent chills -of terror down the lad’s spine. His first inclination -was to turn and flee back into the -yamen and he stopped so abruptly that Sydney -trod on his heels. What were the men -at the gate calling to each other?</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIV<br /> - - -<small>THE ESCAPE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">For</span> the moment the midshipmen were sure -that they had been discovered. Then Langdon’s -low voice reassured them:</p> - -<p>“Come, it’s all right. They take us for -mandarins, and are calling the guard to ‘attention.’ -Keep your sleeves over your faces -and don’t look up as we pass.”</p> - -<p>Again the Americans were in motion toward -the lighted gateway. With hearts beating -high, in a terrible suspense, their feet mechanically -carried them slowly toward the -spot where they would be under the fire of a -scrutiny of scores of people whose nationality -the Americans were endeavoring to counterfeit. -Would not the Chinese see through -their flimsy disguise? As the escaping men -passed the first guard, he raised his rifle -smartly to the “present” in salute, but the -quick motion struck terror to Phil’s heart,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span> -making him jump aside involuntarily as if he -were dodging an expected blow. Shamefacedly -the lad recovered himself by a great -effort. In a moment more the gateway was -passed and the Americans found themselves -on the edge of the inquisitive crowd.</p> - -<p>Langdon raised his hand, and immediately -three chairs were brought by coolies from the -edge of the narrow street and placed obediently -on the ground before them. Phil -longed to be within the shadow of the chair -canopies. How could these Chinamen be so -easily deceived! As he fairly dived into the -friendly darkness of the nearest chair he cast -a swift, uneasy glance at the crowd. The -reason of their immunity was plain. The eyes -of the crowd were directed upon the ground -for fear in the presence of their all-powerful -rulers.</p> - -<p>Langdon gave a brief order in Chinese. -With high hopes for success Phil felt his -chair borne upward to the muscular shoulders -of the coolie carriers and then with loud -shouts of warning to the crowd to make way, -they started off in a long, swinging walk. Phil -drew his curtains tightly shut and lay back<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span> -with a great sigh of relief in his cushioned -seat.</p> - -<p>They were out of the yamen at last, but the -city gate must yet be passed. If their absence -were discovered while they were yet within -the walled city their recapture was assured.</p> - -<p>Although the coolies traveled at a lively -pace, it seemed to the anxious Americans that -they were but crawling through the deserted -streets; the Chinese on account of the lateness -of the hour were all within their hovel-like -houses. An occasional soldier, clanking a -chain loudly to frighten away demons, and -calling out in his harsh language that all was -well, brought a sudden shock to Phil’s high-strung -nerves.</p> - -<p>At last the gate of the city was reached and -the chairs stopped. Through his bamboo -screen Phil saw that the guards were hesitating -about opening the gate. Once a gate -was closed an order from the viceroy alone -could open it between the setting and rising of -the sun.</p> - -<p>An officer came forward, peering inside the -protecting hoods. Phil believed that all was -lost as he felt, even in the gloom of his chair,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span> -the scrutinizing gaze upon him. The officer -spoke a few words, and the lad realized by -the rising inflection in the man’s voice that -he was asking a question. The midshipman -nodded and raising his hand pointed -haughtily to the gate.</p> - -<p>Then to his joy the officer withdrew his -head as if satisfied and gave an order in a -loud voice. Immediately the gate swung -open and with a rattle of rusty chain the -drawbridge was lowered.</p> - -<p>Quickly the Americans were carried through -the gate and across the moat. They had left the -terrors of the walled city and were now upon -the neutral ground of the foreign concession. -As they passed over the wide streets, in great -contrast to the ill-kept, narrow ones of the -Chinese city, the pungent odors of the docks -struck pleasantly upon their nostrils.</p> - -<p>Phil’s chair was still in the lead, and the -Chinese carriers, as if acting under instructions, -trudged steadily onward to the “Bund,” -the street paralleling the water front. Finally -the coolies halted, putting the chairs down for -the occupants to alight. Phil disentangled -himself from the enshrouding curtains and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span> -stood on the broad street, joyfully inhaling the -fresh air of the river, while Langdon waved -the coolies to be gone.</p> - -<p>Once alone the Americans were at liberty -to talk. Phil told in as few words as possible -of their visit to Emmons and the Tartar -general.</p> - -<p>“Where is Emmons?” Langdon exclaimed -irritably. “We’re in as much danger as ever -here. The foreigners have all fled. The -concession is deserted, and doubtless the streets -are full of robbers who would very cheerfully -pitch us into the river for the sake of a few -Mexican dollars.”</p> - -<p>Phil was about to disclaim any knowledge -of the whereabouts of the half-breed, when -Sydney’s exclamation of surprise drew his -attention to three small gunboats anchored -in the river but a short distance away, and the -bright lights of a steam launch approaching -the jetty from one of their dark hulls.</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart was filled with joy. Here at -last was safety!</p> - -<p>The three men hastened gladly to the landing -at which the launch had arrived, while -Phil stepped forward to accost an officer who<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span> -had hastily left the launch and was approaching -up the ladder from the landing float -below.</p> - -<p>“You are late,” the newcomer said irritably. -“I’ve been watching the landing for over an -hour.”</p> - -<p>Phil was about to reply, but something -which he could not explain held his tongue, -for he recognized instantly the voice of -Ignacio.</p> - -<p>“Where are your chairs?” Commander Ignacio -continued; “you can hardly expect me to -walk through the dirty streets of your ill-smelling -city, even for the pleasure of seeing that -young braggart tortured in true Chinese fashion. -You see I am not entirely confident of -you and your viceroy, so I have brought along -a few companions;” he pointed toward the float, -where eight or ten sailors had disembarked -from the launch, rifles in hand.</p> - -<p>Phil’s tongue clove to the top of his mouth -at the suddenness of their dilemma. What -should he do? Ignacio had said too much -now to cover his tracks, and his sailors would -undoubtedly obey his orders, even to killing -three innocent Americans in cold blood.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span>“Come, what are we waiting for?” the -foreigner added, grasping Phil’s arm, and -turning him away from the river. “I don’t -want to lose all my sleep; it’s nearly ten o’clock -now.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s companions stood by speechless. -Even Langdon with all his sang froid was at -a loss what to do. To reveal their true character -to their enemy would mean that at the -least he would take them forcibly back to the -viceroy. Phil at the Naval Academy had -been declared a fine mimic and in the class -minstrel shows he had to the delight of the -brigade caricatured and impersonated each of -the officers on duty at the school. Could he -impersonate Ta-Ling? Was it possible to -imitate his voice and the peculiar pronunciation -of the English words? It was their only -hope. Even if he failed, they could be no -worse off.</p> - -<p>By a great effort he stilled the rapid heartbeats -and brought his trembling voice under -control.</p> - -<p>“I was detained by his Excellency the -viceroy,” he began in a voice that startled -even himself and made Langdon and Sydney<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span> -fairly jump with surprise and glance hastily -around for the owner of that despised voice; -“but if you are now ready we can start. The -chairs are up the street only a short distance.”</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio voiced his willingness -and the two men in the lead, followed by -Sydney and the pilot, retraced their steps -toward the gate of the walled city.</p> - -<p>“Send your men back to the ship,” Phil, -stopping suddenly, said in the voice of Ta-Ling. -“You know me well enough to know -that I have no wish to harm you.”</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio hesitated. Doubtless -he felt safer with a few trusty sailors between -himself and the treacherous Chinese.</p> - -<p>“Did you send my telegrams?” he asked -quickly; “and have any come from Washington -for that American pig?”</p> - -<p>“Yours were sent,” Phil answered promptly, -“but the American captain has received -none.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it will come, I’m sure, and then -after he is disgraced, I shall be chosen as the -leader of the allies,” the foreign captain said -boastfully; “but you must keep your part of -the contract and hold your people in check<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span> -until I can get the credit of quelling the disturbance. -Say a month before you kill these -flat-chested missionaries.”</p> - -<p>“That was our agreement,” Phil replied; -“now show that you have confidence in me -and send your men aboard.”</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio reluctantly left Phil’s -side and walked back to the landing float to -give his orders.</p> - -<p>“Don’t open your mouths!” Phil whispered -in a tense voice. “When his men are -once out of sight I’ll lead him to where he -thinks the chairs are waiting. When I raise -my hand, jump on him like a ton of brick. -The chairs we got were waiting for Ta-Ling and -they may now be waiting for him near here, so -we must be quiet about it. I noticed the coolies -were surprised when Langdon motioned them -to go.”</p> - -<p>Phil had barely finished his instructions -before Commander Ignacio rejoined him.</p> - -<p>“I’ve sent them back,” he said in a voice -that showed plainly his dislike at so doing, -“and ordered the launch to return and wait -for me. Have you the viceroy’s promise for -the railroad concession?” he ended covetously;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span> -“it means fifty thousand<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Mexican to -you when the deed is signed.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s all fixed,” Phil replied, now -laughing inwardly at the success of his strategy, -as he saw the steam launch with the -sailors leave the float and head back to their -ship.</p> - -<p>“Remember your promise to make way -with those three Americans. Their government -will do nothing except demand satisfaction,” -the foreigner urged earnestly. “That -means a little money squeezed from the -viceroy’s hoarded savings and half a dozen cut-throats -beheaded in the presence of the -American representatives.”</p> - -<p>“But you only asked that one of them be -executed,” Phil returned, aghast at his joke -on such a gruesome topic.</p> - -<p>“Well, I might have said only one,” -Ignacio made answer; “he is the darker of -the two midshipmen; the one that dared rebuke -me at the council before the viceroy; -but the others know too much to go free.”</p> - -<p>By this time the party had left the docks -and were walking slowly up the street leading<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span> -to the city gate. The street was in darkness. -The few lanterns had not been lighted -since the exodus of the foreigners, and as -they passed the large buildings, it was -plainly seen that the foreign concession had -been given over to pillage; the steps and -pavement in front were littered with articles -which could not easily be carried away by -the avaricious Chinamen.</p> - -<p>“Have you a revolver?” Phil asked. “I -am not armed, and sometimes these robbers -are dangerous if they think they can get -money.”</p> - -<p>Phil wanted to know if Ignacio was armed. -He feared that in the struggle which was -soon to come a pistol might be accidentally -discharged, which would not only arouse the -Chinese guards at the gate scarcely a few -hundred yards away, but might bring a party -of sailors from Commander Ignacio’s ship.</p> - -<p>“Yes, two; one in each pocket,” the foreigner -answered, shoving his hands in the -pockets of his naval tunic. “I always carry -them, and I can shoot through my coat from -the hip and hit every time.”</p> - -<p>“Good,” Phil thought; “they’ll come in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span> -very handy for us before the night is -over.”</p> - -<p>They were nearing a part of the street -which to the lad seemed the very place to -carry out his design to render harmless the -companion walking so confidently beside him.</p> - -<p>“Our chairs should be near here,” he said, -leading the way down a narrow alley behind -a great white building, the English Bank, -which Phil recognized as the scene of his first -encounter with Commander Ignacio. What -spot could be more fitting for this last encounter? -Then he continued: “What makes -you think a telegram will come from Washington -disgracing the American captain?”</p> - -<p>“The telegram you sent me this morning -was from my friend, the naval attaché in -Washington; he says it is already published -in the American paper,” Commander Ignacio -answered. “Everything is printed in the -newspapers in America, you know. They do -not understand there the military value of -secrecy, which is the fundamental basis of -diplomacy.”</p> - -<p>Phil ground his teeth in rage and mortification. -He could have struck the man down<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span> -for talking of his country and countrymen -so slurringly. Yet he could only acknowledge -that the man was but repeating what had -often been said in Europe.</p> - -<p>“Where are the chairs?” Commander -Ignacio asked in some alarm, as they reached -the end of the alley and it was apparent that -the square, court-like space was empty. Phil -appeared to search the deeper shadows with -his eyes, at the same time making the guttural -call which he had heard used by Chinamen -calling to them a chair and coolies. Ignacio -still had one hand in his pocket and Phil felt -sure his nervous finger was on a trigger. The -lad racked his brain to devise some scheme to -get him off his guard. Even now his suspicions -might have been aroused.</p> - -<p>Langdon and Sydney were close behind -their victim, doubtless watching eagerly for -the sign from Phil. Ignacio stood close to a -door, his right hand, which was no doubt encircling -the butt of a revolver, nearest the knob.</p> - -<p>“Try that door,” Phil said in as careless -tones as he could command. “It’s rather -damp outside and they might have gone inside -to sleep.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span>It apparently did not occur to the foreigner -that the great bulky chairs would not be taken -inside, and if the coolies were there the chairs -would have been plainly in evidence in the -court, for he unguardedly took his right hand -from his pocket and raised it to the doorknob.</p> - -<p>Phil waited not a second, but raised his -hand quickly above his head. He saw the -bodies of Sydney and Langdon hurl themselves -upon the unguarded victim. Then the -door flew open inward and his heart stopped -beating with terror and dismay, while the -silence was broken by the loud report of a -pistol shot, accompanied by the most unearthly -yells he had ever heard.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XV<br /> - - -<small>AN ENEMY SILENCED</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Langdon</span> and Sydney had so forcibly driven -their enemy to the ground that one of the -revolvers, which was cocked, had gone off, the -noise of the discharge reverberating through -the bare building in a most startling way. -Intent upon their work, the pilot had seized -the wrists of the foreign captain in an iron -grip, while Sydney quickly disarmed him.</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart stopped beating at the sight -which presented itself as the door swung wide -open. By the light of three or four dripping -candles, he saw a dozen Chinamen seated -about the floor of the room.</p> - -<p>As the lad forced his way boldly into the -midst of the startled Chinamen, holding before -him a revolver taken from Sydney’s hand in -passing, the surprised Orientals threw themselves -face downward upon the floor, whining -piteously for mercy.</p> - -<p>Leaving the disarmed foreigner to Sydney,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span> -Langdon quickly joined the other midshipman, -surrounded as he was by the cringing -and terror-stricken natives.</p> - -<p>“Canton Chinamen,” he whispered; “these -must be Emmons’ launch crews; but what are -they doing here?”</p> - -<p>Langdon raised his voice, addressing the -terrified men. At the sound of their own -tongue a Chinaman raised himself tremblingly -from the floor, his fear giving place to joy as -he recognized the familiar voice of the pilot, -whom he had so frequently seen piloting ships -on the great river.</p> - -<p>After a few minutes’ conversation with the -native Langdon turned to Phil, drawing the -lad out of ear-shot of their helpless enemy lying -upon the floor with Sydney’s muscular weight -upon his chest.</p> - -<p>“It looks bad for us!” he exclaimed. -“This man, Nam-Sing, is one of Emmons’ -head men, and these men are his crew. A -mob this afternoon looted the foreign concession -and destroyed all of Emmons’ launches, -butchering the Canton Chinese crews in cold -blood. The foreign gunboats, he says, looked -on and would not interfere. Emmons, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span> -thinks, was killed. These men took refuge -in the secret vaults of the bank, known by -Nam-Sing because he was for some years -employed here. Believing that all was quiet, -they were trying to muster up courage to -escape down the river.”</p> - -<p>Phil could have wept with disappointment. -On the threshold of safety, they found their -escape cut off. His mind sought for a way to -overcome the difficulties. Ignacio’s launch -was at the landing. Why could they not -overpower the crew and escape in it? But he -soon saw that this plan would be worse than -foolhardy. They could not expect to pass -the alert gunboat, and once alongside, the -strategy would be discovered. But what else -could be done? A junk was out of the -question, for the wind was contrary, blowing -up the river, and before they could hope to -pass the forts, daylight would reveal them -and the Chinese guns would soon make them -return and surrender or else they would be -sunk. The longer the Americans remained -on shore the smaller were the chances for -escape; it was but a matter of time before -their absence from the yamen would be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span> -known. While the lad pondered wildly on a -method of escape he saw the Chinaman Nam-Sing -attract Langdon’s attention and then -fairly explode in a volley of excited words.</p> - -<p>“He says that one of the launches is not so -badly damaged,” the pilot whispered to Phil. -“It’s a steam launch, but under the stern-boards -is a small gasoline engine, and he -thinks the mob did not destroy that, for it is -hidden from view.”</p> - -<p>“Come on!” Phil exclaimed eagerly. -Then he cast an uncertain look at the captive -whom Sydney had bound hand and foot, -securing a gag in his mouth and muffling his -ears so that he could hear only the loudest -tones.</p> - -<p>“We must leave him behind,” Langdon insisted -immediately, interpreting the glance. -“He must take his chances.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t dare leave him there,” Phil exclaimed. -“He might be killed by the -Chinese. No, the consequences would be too -serious.”</p> - -<p>“Then what are we to do?” the pilot asked -impatiently. “He would as soon stick a -knife in you if you were in his power.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span>“I know,” Phil declared stoutly, “but I -am going to get him on board his own ship.”</p> - -<p>“But how on earth can you?” Langdon -exclaimed in disgust at Phil’s leniency. If -the pilot could have had his way he would -have wrung his neck then and there, which -punishment the foreigner doubtless deserved.</p> - -<p>Phil did not reply immediately. A bold -plan had flashed through his mind, and he -was rapidly revolving it in his thoughts to -discover if it was feasible.</p> - -<p>“Tell the Chinese to carry the prisoner,” -he said finally, his mind fully made up to attempt -the one scheme which seemed to give -the foreign commander a chance for his life. -If he left him in the foreign concession his -life would not be worth a copper cash when -the robbers from the city came back to complete -their ghoulish work.</p> - -<p>Langdon trusted Phil’s judgment too -thoroughly to demur, so he quietly gave -Nam-Sing his orders, and then the three -Americans started, cautiously leading the -way down the alley and out upon the street -running toward the river.</p> - -<p>Reaching the “Bund,” Nam-Sing pointed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span> -out the direction of the launch, which appeared -to be their last chance for safety. -Passing the waiting launch of Commander -Ignacio, Phil glanced uneasily at the sailors; -but they appeared to give them but passing -notice.</p> - -<p>The midshipman saw Nam-Sing step aboard -a black launch some hundred yards down the -“Bund” from where their prisoner’s launch -was lying. Phil directed that the bound -foreigner be laid on the deck forward, then -he watched impatiently the crew of the -launch, under the guidance of the Chinese -leading man, go to work with the usual -Oriental industry. The lad saw at a glance -that the engine and boiler were beyond patching; -the machinery was a mass of twisted -steel, while the boiler tubes were bent and -wrenched from their sockets.</p> - -<p>Quickly uncoupling the useless engine from -the propeller shaft, Nam-Sing directed the -removal of the boards covering from view the -small compact gas engine. With familiarity -he tested out the spark circuit and examined -the gear wheels, making sure all was right. -After a delay of not more than ten minutes,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span> -although it seemed much more to the ever-increasing -anxiety of the Americans, the -Chinaman seized the crank lever, exerting his -power to start the engine. The machine -wheezed and sputtered. Again and again -came the wheezing cough and when Phil was -about to give up hope, it coughed volubly, -then the smooth chug of the rapidly rotating -engine struck joyfully on his ears.</p> - -<p>Langdon took his place at the wheel, while -Phil motioned that all lines be cast off from -the shore, and presently the launch moved -slowly away from the dock out into the swift -current of the river.</p> - -<p>“Head her for the starboard gangway of -the ‘Albaque,’” Phil ordered in a calm voice, -although his pulses were throbbing wildly.</p> - -<p>Langdon fairly jumped with surprise.</p> - -<p>“Why, man alive! What are you doing?” -he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>In the gloom Phil almost smiled as he -realized how odd his plan, without explanation, -must seem to his companions.</p> - -<p>He spoke quietly, his manner calm, but -decided.</p> - -<p>“We shall find a small boat in the water<span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span> -made fast to the lower swinging boom forward -of the gangway. When we get alongside, -I’ll go on board and give a message from -their captain. While I’m on board you and -Sydney move the launch ahead sufficiently to -be able to drop the prisoner over the bow -into the boat. Do it carefully and make -no noise. He is securely bound and will -lie there until the morning. By that time -we shall, I hope, be safely out of his -reach.”</p> - -<p>Langdon and Sydney could hardly control -an expression of their enthusiasm at the conception -of such a daring plan. Its very -recklessness with Phil’s knack of mimicry -would carry it safely through.</p> - -<p>A gruff hail in a foreign tongue came -startlingly from the black hull of the gunboat, -which the launch was slowly approaching.</p> - -<p>Phil waited a second for breath and then -in the voice of the Chinese interpreter called -across the water:</p> - -<p>“On the service of the viceroy.”</p> - -<p>As the launch stopped at the gangway of -the war-ship Phil boldly ascended the ladder<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span> -to the deck. There he found an officer awaiting -him.</p> - -<p>“Commander Ignacio has sent me for a -copy of the letter written by him yesterday -to the viceroy. This letter has been lost in -transit and he wishes to give his Excellency -the copy.”</p> - -<p>Phil pronounced his words slowly, making -his accent even broader than that used by the -real Ta-Ling.</p> - -<p>“Will you wait?” the officer asked politely. -“Commander Ignacio keeps his own papers. -I shall endeavor to find it.”</p> - -<p>Phil bowed his willingness, and the foreign -officer beckoning the quartermaster to follow -with his lantern, the two disappeared within -the cabin.</p> - -<p>The disguised midshipman saw the launch -crawl slowly ahead, and a moment afterward -his straining ear caught the indistinct sound -of a body being lowered into the whale-boat -tied at the boom of the gunboat. Then as -the launch drifted almost imperceptibly back -to its place at the ladder, the gleam of the -lantern told him that the ship’s officers were -returning.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span>“Here is a package of letters marked for -the viceroy,” the officer said as he emerged -from the cabin; “but have you no written -message from my captain?”</p> - -<p>Phil feared he had gone too far. He -would like to hold the proofs of Commander -Ignacio’s perfidy, but not at the risk of -detection.</p> - -<p>“No, your captain gave me no letter,” he -answered carelessly; “he supposed that Ta-Ling, -the viceroy’s secretary, was well enough -known; I am Ta-Ling, the viceroy’s secretary; -but if you do not wish to trust me I shall return -and get a letter from him. It will, however, displease -both your commander and the viceroy.”</p> - -<p>The officer gave Phil a searching look, but -apparently seeing nothing suspicious in his -appearance, handed him the package.</p> - -<p>Phil was about to descend the ladder, when -the officer, as if wishing to make amends for -doubting the honesty of the Chinaman, -stopped him by a motion of the hand.</p> - -<p>“There’s a Chinaman on board who came -over in a sanpan, shortly after our captain -left the ship. He had escaped from a mob -ashore and asked our protection.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span>Phil held himself well in hand, fearing by -undue interest he would jeopardize his cause.</p> - -<p>“Would you care to see him?” the officer -continued.</p> - -<p>The midshipman nodded indifferently.</p> - -<p>“I must hurry,” he said; “my viceroy becomes -very impatient if he is kept waiting.”</p> - -<p>An order was given to a sailor standing -near and Phil saw the man go rapidly forward. -The lad’s hopes ran high. Was it -Emmons?</p> - -<p>A moment afterward Emmons was brought -aft by the sailor messenger. The lantern -was raised above the sailor’s head, shedding its -light on the startled face of the half-breed. -Phil regarded him with well-feigned loathing.</p> - -<p>“This man is an enemy of the viceroy,” -Phil declared, in well simulated anger. “His -escape would be a very serious matter. I can -take him with me now if you will agree to -trust him in my hands.”</p> - -<p>The officer did not exactly relish the turn -of affairs. If he had made a mistake in delivering -his captain’s letters and then the -fugitive into the wrong hands, he knew he -would suffer severely.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span>“I dare not do that,” he said. “By my -government’s regulations asylum must be -given to all asking protection. To-morrow -after my captain returns he will, if he sees fit, -deliver him to the viceroy. I shall lock him -up for safety and you can be sure he will not -escape.”</p> - -<p>“But I have been searching for this man,” -Phil declared, his voice now really earnest. -He must get Emmons from his perilous -position. “It is all-important that he be -taken to the viceroy to-night. I can assure -you that if your captain were here he would -deliver him up to Ta-Ling.”</p> - -<p>All suspicion had disappeared from the -officer’s mind upon hearing this earnest appeal. -After all, he was but a Chinaman, and he -knew his captain was very friendly with the -viceroy and his powerful secretary Ta-Ling.</p> - -<p>“All right,” he said. “I will take your -word that in delivering the man to you I -shall be acting as my captain would wish.”</p> - -<p>“He should be bound,” Phil said almost -gleefully. “Can you get me a rope?”</p> - -<p>The officer, leaving Phil’s side, crossed the -deck to a chest; opening it, he searched<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span> -through its contents. The midshipman, -greatly fearing an outbreak from Emmons, -stepped cautiously to his side and whispered -for him to make no outcry.</p> - -<p>“I knew you immediately,” Emmons -breathed.</p> - -<p>At the sound of muttering voices, the officer -looked up quickly; the light of the lantern -on his face told Phil that his suspicions had -been aroused. Quicker than thought the -midshipman drew back his fist, then he shot -it forward, striking with force the startled -half-breed squarely under the chin. Emmons -lay where he fell, moaning audibly, while Phil -quietly explained his act to the officer.</p> - -<p>“He had the temerity to revile me,” he -said; “but give me the rope. We should be -on our way back to the city.”</p> - -<p>Emmons was quickly bound, hand and foot; -then Phil bowed ceremoniously and, lifting the -stunned man on his broad shoulders, walked -steadily down the ladder and into the launch, -where he deposited the body with a great show -of force for the benefit of those above. A few -seconds later the launch had left the war-ship -and was headed down the river as if she<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span> -would again land in her berth at the -dock.</p> - -<p>As soon as the gunboat had disappeared in -the darkness, Phil and Sydney cut the ropes -binding the prisoner and raised him to a seat -on the deck house. He was but stunned by -the blow and presently opened his eyes, gazing -about him in bewilderment.</p> - -<p>“What happened?” Emmons asked, recognizing -in the thin light of a screened lantern -Phil’s anxious face bending over him. The lad -quickly explained the reason for his apparently -unfriendly act.</p> - -<p>Emmons, with a genuine show of deep -gratitude, thanked the midshipman for his -unlooked-for deliverance; then he plied the -lads with eager questions, and Phil gave him -the unvarnished history of the night’s experiences; -of the triumph over Ta-Ling, and -then the ruse they had played upon Commander -Ignacio and the officer on board the -“Albaque.”</p> - -<p>“I have, I think, papers which will reveal -all that villain’s secrets,” he ended, patting -the papers in the pocket of his long Chinese -robe. “And the plan of the secret channel—I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span> -have that safe here also,” he added. “We -owe a great deal to you.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Emmons, “but it has cost me -all that I have accumulated in ten years of -business. I got warning this afternoon from -the Tartar general that an order had been -signed by the viceroy for my execution. I -succeeded in hiding in an abandoned house in -the foreign concession while the soldiers of -Ta-Ling searched for me. After dark I tried -to find Nam-Sing and the launch which I was -holding in readiness to aid your escape, but -when I reached the docks I found all my -launches deserted, and their machinery -wrecked. Knowing that I could not remain -another day ashore without capture, I secured -a sanpan and sculled to the nearest gunboat, -believing I was then safe; but it seems -that I had put myself in the hands of an -enemy.”</p> - -<p>“The blood of every foreigner killed should -be laid to Ignacio’s account,” Phil declared -angrily; “but we have now the means of exposing -his treachery.</p> - -<p>“Tell us about the mission,” he exclaimed -anxiously. “Is it yet unharmed?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span>“It is still under the general’s protection,” -Emmons replied, “and he will not permit an -attack. I have expected every day to hear -that the soldiers had been removed. Ta-Ling’s -outlaws are encamped within a mile of -the soldiers, apparently waiting an order -from their leader.”</p> - -<p>“How many are there of these rebels?” -Sydney asked in alarm.</p> - -<p>“I have not seen them, but my men tell me -there are thousands,” Emmons answered.</p> - -<p>“There must be some reason for the delay,” -Emmons declared. “Have you read the -viceroy’s letter to your captain?” he asked -quickly. “Maybe there we shall find the -cause of it.”</p> - -<p>With trembling fingers Phil drew the letter -from his pocket and without hesitation broke -the formidable looking seal of the viceroy. -The writing was in English and the penmanship -seemed strangely familiar.</p> - -<p>“It’s the same writing as that in the letter -I picked up in the bank!” he exclaimed in -surprise, then in the lantern’s dim light his -eager eyes traveled rapidly over the words before -him.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span>Sydney and Emmons waited impatiently -until Phil began to read excitedly:</p> - -<p>“His Excellency, Chang-Li-Hun, is deeply -grieved at the lawless actions of the foreign -gunboats, which have banded together under -the leadership of the American commander to -defy the authority of the laws of China. -Commander Ignacio and two of his brother -commanders have accepted his Excellency’s -leniency and after voluntarily offering their -apology have anchored at Ku-Ling. To show -that China has kept faith, his Excellency has -caused a strong guard of his soldiers to encamp -on the hills near the American mission.</p> - -<p>“If by ten o’clock to-morrow morning the -foreign gunboats will steam to Ku-Ling flying -white flags of truce, the viceroy will still give -them clemency. The viceroy has held the -hostages to show his displeasure at the foreigners -for entering To-Yan Lake, waters -forbidden them by the government of China.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency will be powerless to protect -either the hostages or the mission if a -single hostile shot is fired. Enclosed is a -telegram for the American commander.”</p> - -<p>“If this letter and the telegram had gone to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span> -Commander Hughes,” Phil exclaimed as he -folded the letter and returned it in his pocket, -“Ta-Ling and Ignacio would have won. -Without the strong personality of our captain -the allies would have weakened and accepted -the terms offered.”</p> - -<p>“Now when Ta-Ling is liberated,” Sydney -cried alarmingly, “the soldiers will be removed -and the rebels allowed to attack the -mission.” Then he stopped suddenly, while -a lump rose in his throat. “Does Ta-Ling -suspect the secret of the channel is ours?” -he asked fearfully.</p> - -<p>Emmons shook his head thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>“The chart was procured by Hang-Ki from -the viceroy’s papers through bribing a lesser -official,” he answered. “Ta-Ling may have -discovered its absence and suspected that I -would carry it to your captain. That would -explain his sudden desire to have me captured -and executed.”</p> - -<p>“To-night is the turning-point in this -intrigue,” Phil exclaimed, while his heart -beat faster at the thought. “We must use -this channel to-night, and after we have run -the forts and anchored in safety above Ku-Ling,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span> -we must start at once to the rescue of -those in the mission. I hope Lieutenant -Wilson can withstand the assault until aid -arrives.</p> - -<p>“Our poor sailors in the yamen,” he added -sorrowfully, “I fear are no better than dead -men.”</p> - -<p>“You are right,” Emmons declared in no -uncertain voice. “To-morrow Ta-Ling will -cause the high reed grass on the island to be -set on fire. It is dry and will burn like -tinder. Then the island will offer no protection, -the search-light on the fort will disclose -the presence of the gunboats and the secret -channel is well within the range of the fort -guns.”</p> - -<p>While the midshipmen were absorbed in -their conversation with the half-breed, the -launch, under the skilful guidance of the -pilot, steamed rapidly down the swift current -of the river. The junks moored at the docks -flashed by unheeded. The high frowning -cliffs, on top of which were the gun emplacements, -appeared dimly from the darkness -ahead. Then the launch’s bow was turned -sharply to port, steering across the river, to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span> -put as great a distance as possible between it -and the menacing batteries.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen and Emmons had now -joined Langdon at his post at the wheel.</p> - -<p>“To-night Hang-Ki has relieved many of -the lookouts in the forts,” Emmons whispered, -“and if we can keep close under the shadow -of the island we may pass undiscovered.”</p> - -<p>Phil was in a fever of anxiety. He glanced -fearfully at the frowning forts, looming oppressively -close in the darkness to starboard. -The island on the other side of which was the -secret channel slowly took shape, and as the -launch approached became ever more distinct. -Now he imagined he could see the tops of the -high reeds, tall enough to conceal the hull of -a gunboat, waving menacingly in the fitful -breeze, and in the stillness, broken only by -the muffled chug of the gas engine, he could -now hear the dry rustle telling him only too -plainly that this rank vegetation was ripe for -Ta-Ling’s torch.</p> - -<p>The night was dark and cloudy, and the -deeper gloom of the island toward which -Langdon was steering would make it almost -impossible to locate the small launch.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span>Even under the trying circumstances, expecting -momentarily to hear the loud discharge -of hostile cannon, Phil’s mind dwelt -anxiously on the possibilities before the coming -day. Fully realizing that the lives of -those in the mission depended upon the -ability of the allies to pass the forts before -morning, would they find the fleet prepared -to start immediately? Without mishaps two -hours must elapse before the launch could -reach Lien-Chow, and then scarcely five -hours of the night would remain.</p> - -<p>With all lights save that at the compass -carefully screened, the launch sped quietly -onward. The forts had faded slowly into the -darkness as the island shore had been approached. -Langdon spun his wheel from -side to side seeking the deepest channel, -while a Chinaman with a long bamboo pole -measured the depth of the water continuously, -calling out in a sing-song whisper his soundings.</p> - -<p>“Go on this side of the island,” Phil -ordered, hastily measuring with his eye the -distance by the chart. “Time’s precious. -We must run the risk.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span>“Aye, aye,” the pilot answered quickly, -bringing the bow of the launch smartly about -to parallel the island shore. “They can’t hit -us anyway,” he added contemptuously.</p> - -<p>Minute after minute dragged by. The -Americans were on the point of congratulating -themselves upon having passed the forts -in safety, when a flash of flame sprang from -the darkness of the hill forts and the screech -of a shell sounded menacingly in their ears.</p> - -<p>With the anxiety of one who is being fired -upon without the opportunity to return the -fire, those on the launch stuck manfully at -their posts. Sydney’s blood raced rapidly -through his veins, and his hopes seemed on -the point of being cast to the very depths of -despair.</p> - -<p>Flash followed flash on the fortifications -and the reverberations of the heavy artillery -shook the valley. It seemed to the midshipmen -that hundreds of guns must be hurling -tons of steel at their small inoffensive black -launch as it bravely steamed down the river.</p> - -<p>With intense excitement and fearful dread -as to the outcome, all gazed fascinated upon -the myriads of flashes of flame from the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span> -forts. The moans and screeches of the shells -were loud in their ears while the steel bolts -lashed the water to foam about them.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a bright shaft of light bored -through the night and then swung spasmodically -over the water. Fearfully the midshipmen -watched the search-light ray in its attempt -to concentrate upon the rapidly moving -launch. When once they were held in its -beam, they would furnish as clear a target for -their enemy’s guns as if it were day.</p> - -<p>As Phil watched, fascinated, the wavering -light, it stopped uncertainly short of the -launch but truly in line, then the light raised -suddenly and the lad was fairly blinded by -the bright flash as it clung tenaciously to the -discovered hull. The fort guns now renewed -their vociferous cannonade and the screech of -shells was sufficient to unnerve the stoutest -heart.</p> - -<p>“One hit and we’ll be counted out,” Phil -exclaimed wildly, clutching Sydney in his -excitement, as he dodged involuntarily the -hot breath of the speeding projectiles.</p> - -<p>“Take that sounding pole!” Langdon -shouted hoarsely, as the terrified Chinaman<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span> -dropped it on deck and dived for safety below -decks.</p> - -<p>Sydney quickly grasped the pole as it clattered -from the man’s hand, and plunged it -over the side. It struck bottom, showing the -water had suddenly become dangerously shallow.</p> - -<p>“Keep her off,” he cried loudly, above the -roar of the hissing shells.</p> - -<p>Blinded by the bright glare of the search-light, -Langdon had nearly run the launch -ashore on the island, but by quick action, he -now threw the bow out into the river. A -low grating sound made Phil’s heart stop -beating, but the next second the launch -darted clear of the treacherous shoal. Then -to the joy of the anxious men the search-light -beam died suddenly away.</p> - -<p>The fire from the forts immediately slackened, -and in a few seconds had ceased altogether. -An occasional boom and the screech -of a passing shell, however, showed the Americans -that the enemy was waiting impatiently -to begin its fusillade as soon as the now extinguished -search-light could again pick up -the helpless target.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span>A startled cry from Emmons drew the -Americans’ attention. Looking anxiously in -the direction indicated by the half-breed, -Phil saw the white and colored lights of a -steamer standing up the river, in the middle -of the main channel. Those in the forts -seemed also to have made the discovery. -The entire crest of the hill forts burst into -sudden flame and the distant screech of shell -told the lad that this time the launch was -not the target.</p> - -<p>“What can it be?” he exclaimed in a fever -of excitement. “The allies know better than -to carry lights. It must be a stranger.”</p> - -<p>Then as he gazed spellbound upon the -spectacle before him, the search-light of the -fort once more cut its narrow path of flame -through the inky blackness. It swept -spasmodically over the intruder and then to -the Americans’ delighted eyes was revealed -the outline of a monitor, the light of the -search-light beam reflected brightly from her -glistening, pointed hull.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Monterey’!” Phil cried, joyfully hugging -Sydney. “And Jack O’Neil is on board -her.” But a second later his joy was changed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span> -to apprehension. Would the monitor appreciate -the situation and be prepared to return -this fire? A fear took possession of his -thoughts that the sailors, not knowing of the -existence of hostilities, might have been -standing unprotected upon the deck and before -they could have sought the shelter of -armor many might have already been killed -by the shells of the enemy.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVI<br /> - - -<small>REËNFORCEMENTS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">All</span> eyes were now intent on the American -war-ship. The guns in the forts had become -silent, as if startled at the sudden appearance -of an enemy worthy of their metal. The -monitor, apparently unconscious of the danger -into which it had run, steamed proudly -onward. The search-light of the fort lighted -up every detail of the formidable vessel; the -heavy turret guns were lowered, pointing inoffensively -away from the inquisitive search-light.</p> - -<p>“They won’t dare fire again at her!” Sydney -exclaimed. “See, she has shown her -colors!”</p> - -<p>As the midshipman spoke a large American -flag rose proudly aloft to the truck of the -“Monterey,” where it fluttered defiantly, as if -to say: “Now if you fire, knowing who I am, -you declare war on the country which I represent.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span>Then the Chinese threw down the gauntlet; -a flash of flame darted from the dark fort, -licking the heels of a great shell, and a high -splash of foam sprang up in the glare of the -search-light not more than a half hundred -yards from the bow of the silent monitor.</p> - -<p>Again, like huge fireflies on a summer -night, the hill forts flashed fire, while still -the monitor steamed boldly onward, closer -and closer to the hostile guns.</p> - -<p>“Why doesn’t she return it?” Sydney exclaimed -excitedly. “A few shots from her -guns will startle the soldiers in those forts.”</p> - -<p>As the lads watched the one-sided contest, -two shafts of light darted from the monitor; -the search-light from the fort from its size -and greater illuminating power concealed the -commencement of the war-ship’s less powerful -lights, but upon the forts two round white -spots traveled slowly along, and where they -rested the midshipmen could see distinctly -the gun emplacements and the great gun -tubes protruding from the protecting rock -and earth.</p> - -<p>In a terrible suspense those on the launch -held their breath, while the heavy turrets,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span> -plainly visible in the light from the forts, -swung around slowly; then the gun muzzles -were raised and pointed steadily at the two -white spots, the end of the search-light rays. -After a terrible suspense, two great tongues -of flame leaped far out over the river and a -dull boom shook the air.</p> - -<p>“Fine shots!” Phil exclaimed joyfully as -he saw the earth on two of the emplacements -rise in the air as if a magazine had exploded -underneath it.</p> - -<p>Again the monitor spoke angrily with her -great twelve-inch guns, and again within the -illumination the eager watchers saw masses -of earth fly high in the air as the half ton -shells exploded on the very parapets of the -Chinese forts.</p> - -<p>“She’s turning!” Sydney exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Sure enough, the “Monterey” was swinging -her bow away from the enemy. Not understanding -the meaning of this treatment, the -war-ship was circling to return down the -river, out of range of the formidable forts.</p> - -<p>The search-light of the fort held steadily -upon the retreating war-ship, but those of the -“Monterey” had been extinguished. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span> -fort guns, for the time silenced by the straight -shooting of their enemy, now reopened with -renewed energy. But the monitor, as if unconscious -of the rain of shell about her, -turned in silence, her flag waving proudly at -the mast-head, and started down river.</p> - -<p>“Head over for her!” Phil ordered.</p> - -<p>With relief and satisfaction, the Americans -saw that now after the monitor had turned, -the Chinese gunners were shooting wildly. -All the shots were falling aimlessly short of -the retreating war-ship. But still the search-light -ray clung tenaciously, as if it feared the -monitor once out of the vision of its bright -eye would take wings and fly away.</p> - -<p>Suddenly from the monitor’s after turret -belched forth a single flash. Those on the -launch watched in excited admiration to see -the burst of flame on the ramparts of the -fort, but instead, high above the guns, above -even the search-light mounted at the very top -of the hill, a jet of flame, a living ball of fire, -cleft the darkness; a second later and the -monitor had faded from sight.</p> - -<p>“Shrapnel,” Phil exclaimed intensely, as -the sound of the explosion reached his ears;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span> -“that search-light is out of business for the -present.” Then he realized that the launch -and the “Monterey” were rapidly approaching -each other on converging courses.</p> - -<p>“Light the side lights,” he cried to -Emmons, at his side, spellbound and silent. -“We can’t take the risk of having her shoot -at us. She might hit us.”</p> - -<p>Emmons obeyed the order by giving a few -harsh commands to his reassured Chinese -boatmen and soon the red and green lights -were burning on the launch’s sides. The -forts were now silent, their target having -dissolved into the night, but Langdon had -taken her bearing and the launch’s bow was -held in the direction which he knew would -bring them close to the monitor.</p> - -<p>After many long minutes of anxious search -a dark smudge appeared almost directly in -the path of the launch. Then suddenly a -flash sprang from the dark smudge, and a -shell shrieked across the bow of the approaching -boat.</p> - -<p>“Stop her!” Phil cried in alarm, while he -ran quickly forward. Standing at the bow -of the launch, he cleared his voice and raised<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span> -his hands to his mouth, ready to answer the -hail from the war-ship.</p> - -<p>“Boat ahoy!” came distinctly across the -water. “Stop where you are, or we’ll sink -you.”</p> - -<p>“Aye, aye, sir,” Phil hailed back. “We’re -friends—American naval officers.”</p> - -<p>“All right, don’t come any closer and -we’ll send a boat,” came the answer in clear, -decided tones.</p> - -<p>Those on the launch noted the creak of -blocks as a boat shot down from its davits -into the water, and a few minutes afterward -they heard the regular dip of the oars and -their rhythmical thud in their sockets. -Then a long, slim whale-boat, propelled by -six stalwart sailors, shot out of the gloom -and came quietly alongside the motionless -launch.</p> - -<p>An officer scrambled nimbly on board.</p> - -<p>“What’s the meaning of this?” he exclaimed -in astonishment. For in the ray of the -solitary lantern held in the hands of a -Chinese boatman, he saw that he was in the -presence of Chinamen. He stopped precipitously, -sliding his hand cautiously to his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span> -revolver holster while he eyed suspiciously -the men before him.</p> - -<p>Phil was about to answer the officer’s -question, never realizing the cause of the -speaker’s abrupt silence, when his eye caught -sight of a familiar face peering in over the -launch’s rail. Forgetful of all else, the lad -hastened excitedly forward. Reaching down -he grasped the owner of the face in a strong -grip.</p> - -<p>“O’Neil!” he exclaimed delightedly. “Well, -if this isn’t luck!”</p> - -<p>While Sydney in his turn shook hands -warmly with their old friend the boatswain’s -mate, who had served with them through many -a difficult position during a South American -revolution, when they were together on the -battle-ship “Connecticut,” Phil explained the -situation to the mystified officer.</p> - -<p>The lad for the moment had not fully appreciated -the dumbfounded astonishment of -the naval man, Lieutenant Washburn of the -“Monterey,” upon finding himself among -Chinamen, after he had heard the answer -from the “Monterey’s” hail that American -naval officers were on board the launch.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span>“We’ve just escaped from prison,” Phil explained, -“and your ship arrived in time to -save us from those guns. Their shots were -beginning to come pretty near, I can tell you.”</p> - -<p>“Escaped from prison,” Lieutenant Washburn -exclaimed, still mystified. “Where -then is the ‘Phœnix’? She hasn’t been -sunk, I hope,” he added hastily in sudden -alarm.</p> - -<p>Phil quickly set his mind at rest on that -point. “She’s at Lien-Chow, in the To-Yan -Lake, and we are on our way there now.</p> - -<p>“Commander Hughes will be mighty relieved -to see the ‘Monterey’!” he exclaimed -joyfully. “With her the forts have no perils—she -can run by whenever she wishes.”</p> - -<p>“I am sorry for him,” Lieutenant Washburn -answered, his voice betraying a note of -bitterness, “for I am a great admirer of your -captain. He’s the kind of man we need in -command of our ships. There’s a rumor -afloat that he’s in disgrace and will be put -under arrest. I hope it’s not true, but the -rumor was persistent in the fleet when we -left. If it’s true I suppose our captain has -the order.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span>Phil pretended to be greatly surprised and -unconsciously raised his hand to make sure -the telegram was safe in his pocket.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Monadnock’ is on her way up the -river. She’s slower than we are, and as our -captain is senior he pressed ahead.</p> - -<p>“Nice surprise they gave us,” he added -laughingly, pointing to the now quiet forts. -“We thought they were only having target -practice and supposed of course they’d -stop to let us pass. But when they opened -on us, although our captain had sounded -to ‘general quarters’ as a precaution, you -could have knocked us all down with a -feather.”</p> - -<p>“I am happy to say their target practice -upon us was not good,” Phil returned in high -humor; “but if you’ll excuse me, I’ll shed -these gay clothes. Mine are pretty seedy -after three days in a Chinese prison, but I’d -appear to better advantage when we go aboard -the ‘Monterey.’”</p> - -<p>The war-ship, by signal-lights, informed her -lieutenant that she was about to anchor, -directing the launch to follow and then come -alongside.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span>Before the rattle of chain announced that -the anchor was holding the steel fortress -stationary against the swift current, the midshipmen -recited to Lieutenant Washburn the -story of their adventures. O’Neil listened -eagerly, grunting with glee when they told of -the triumph over Ta-Ling and Commander -Ignacio.</p> - -<p>After a short delay the launch was steered -alongside the anchored war-ship, and the -Americans, now in their own clothes, quickly -scrambled over the low side.</p> - -<p>Commander Barnes, the monitor’s captain, -ranking junior to Commander Hughes, immediately -summoned the midshipmen and -Langdon to his cabin.</p> - -<p>Phil as spokesman gave the surprised captain -a detailed account of the happenings -since the attempt to blow in the gates of the -American mission. Commander Barnes’ eyes -opened wider and wider in astonishment as -the lad proceeded.</p> - -<p>“It’s all very terrible,” he exclaimed after -Phil had finished. “The admiral knows -nothing of this. Why has not Hughes wired -the situation?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span>“He has sent telegrams,” Phil declared, -“but the viceroy will not forward them.”</p> - -<p>“That’s strange,” the captain said in a -low voice. “The admiral led me to suppose -that I would be in command of the three -ships, and that Hughes would be relieved of -his command. Yet I have no orders to that -effect.”</p> - -<p>Phil trembled with joy at overhearing these -words, not intended for his ears. The “Monterey” -brought no orders. He held the only -order in his pocket, and the fatal telegram -would remain there until Commander Hughes -had won his fight and relieved the situation.</p> - -<p>But time was pressing. The fleet must run -the batteries to-night. The arrival of the -monitors would make the passage of the secret -channel even more secure by hotly engaging -the forts if necessary. In order to make success -sure the midshipman knew that they -should proceed at once upon the remainder of -their journey.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVII<br /> - - -<small>ABOARD THE “PHŒNIX”</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Commander Barnes</span> consulted his watch -and then called for his orderly. The ring of -the bell had scarcely sounded before a marine -stood obediently before him.</p> - -<p>“It’s eleven now,” the captain mused, then, -turning to the orderly:</p> - -<p>“My compliments to the executive officer. -Tell him to secure and pipe down. We shall -remain here for the present.”</p> - -<p>Forgetting in his anxiety the vast gulf in -rank between them, Phil raised his hand impatiently.</p> - -<p>“Captain!” he exclaimed, intensely in -earnest. “We must go to Commander -Hughes immediately. The mission must -be relieved to-night. It is probably now surrounded -by the outlaws. To-morrow the difficulties -will increase. The secret channel may -be impossible, besides there are four American<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span> -sailors in prison in the yamen. By to-morrow -they will have been executed.”</p> - -<p>Over Commander Barnes’ face flitted for a -second the suspicion of a frown, while the -orderly waited with indecision in his manner.</p> - -<p>“By the morning we shall have two monitors,” -the captain answered; “I think we can -rely on their guns to escort the fleet past the -forts without harm. However, you may go -on your launch and give your news to Commander -Hughes. I have orders forbidding -me to enter To-Yan Lake.</p> - -<p>“I do not see how the allied fleet can possibly -embark its sailors and be here before -daylight,” he added, after a few moments’ -thought, “so I see no reason to keep my officers -and men up all night in waiting.”</p> - -<p>“Commander Hughes will be here inside -of three hours,” Phil urgently exclaimed. -“I am sure, sir, that he will not lose a moment. -He does not wish to risk fighting the -forts. If he can bring Ku-Ling under his -guns without a fight, he will win his point -and save the foreigners.</p> - -<p>“If I may suggest, sir,” the midshipman -added in a respectful voice, “it would be best<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span> -to keep all ready to get under way. It is but -ten miles to the allied fleet. We shall be -there in an hour and in two more the gunboats -will be here on their way to enter this -secret channel.”</p> - -<p>Commander Barnes smiled indulgently at -the lad’s earnestness as he waved a dismissal -to the orderly.</p> - -<p>“Tell the executive officer,” he said, “to be -ready to get under way in three hours and -notify the officer of the deck to keep a sharp -lookout for the ‘Monadnock.’ Signal her -when sighted to anchor near us.</p> - -<p>“Your captain has a convincing advocate -in you, Mr. Perry,” he continued, after the -orderly had departed with his message. “I -shall wait his coming and be ready to join him.”</p> - -<p>Phil was elated with the success of his appeal, -and in a short time he had gathered his -party together ready to again embark in Emmons’ -launch.</p> - -<p>Before leaving the captain’s cabin the midshipmen -had asked that boatswain’s mate -O’Neil be allowed to go, to steer the launch, -which request Commander Barnes readily -granted.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span>“The telegram is the only order relieving -our captain of his command,” Phil exclaimed -to Sydney while the launch sped toward the -distant lights of the allied fleet. “What -would happen if I gave him the cable?” he -asked quickly.</p> - -<p>“He would have but to obey it,” Sydney -answered. “It’s a direct order from -the navy department. Commander Barnes -as senior officer of the American ships -would be bound to send a flag of truce and -offer his apologies for Commander Hughes’ -actions.”</p> - -<p>“And that would mean a victory for the -viceroy and Ta-Ling!” Phil exclaimed. “If -I lose my commission for it that telegram is -going to remain secret until the allied fleet -have exacted an humble apology and restitution -from those guilty of wishing to murder -innocent foreigners.”</p> - -<p>In the light of a solitary lantern Phil -opened the envelope and glanced excitedly -over their enemy’s correspondence with the -viceroy. It was in English and written in a -clear and legible hand.</p> - -<p>Paper after paper was read in silence by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span> -the two midshipmen, revealing the most bare-faced -treachery.</p> - -<p>“Do you remember that day at the bank?” -Phil exclaimed suddenly after he had finished -reading a letter which he held open before -him, his face in the thin light betraying -intense wrath and indignation. “I have -wondered so often over that incident. I have -never until now been able to discover why -Ignacio was so angry at me for picking up -his letter from the ground. Do you remember -how he snatched it from my hand? -I thought he would strike me. Well, that innocent -sheet of paper was a letter from Ta-Ling. -If I could have held it another minute -much of our trouble would never have occurred. -This is Ignacio’s answer:</p> - -<p>“‘I will do all in my power to thwart the -aim of these Americans. I despise them as -much as you do. I have just drawn on the -company which I represent for the sum you -named, and it will be deposited in the bank -at Shanghai. When you have obtained the -viceroy’s signature, giving my company the -railroad rights from here to Peking, I shall -at once transfer this sum to your credit.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span>“‘Your letter was picked up from the bank -floor, where I had carelessly dropped it, by a -young American officer. I do not think he -had enough knowledge or time to divine its -meaning.’”</p> - -<p>The two midshipmen looked sheepishly at -each other for a second and then both laughed.</p> - -<p>“We are innocents, aren’t we, Phil?” Sydney -laughed. “Now it’s all clear. Ignacio -attempted to throw the allies into a panic at -Lien-Chow. He worked himself into being -selected as the senior officer for the flag of -truce, and he concealed his eagerness so -cleverly that we thought he was afraid. -Then he played his game beautifully before -the viceroy. But by to-morrow morning -Ignacio’s dreams will be smashed. Ku-Ling -will awake to find the fleet at anchor with its -guns trained on the viceroy’s palace.”</p> - -<p>“What’s this new mischief you’re hatching?” -inquired Langdon, approaching the -midshipmen, after having conned the launch -over the treacherous shoals at the entrance to -the lake. “We’ll be at the fleet in a short -time now,” he added, pointing to the lights -fast appearing ahead.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span>Phil arose, throwing a swift glance at the -lights of the gunboats, growing ever brighter -as the launch sped swiftly onward. Then he -returned to his seat on the deck house and -told the pilot of the discovery.</p> - -<p>“Why did you never tell me of this meeting -with Ignacio in the bank?” Langdon -asked, in a hurt voice. “I might have put -two and two together and saved us a great -deal of trouble.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! pipe down, Joe Langdon!” Phil -exclaimed, in good humor. “You wouldn’t -have found it out any sooner than we did. -It’s all plain enough now after you know.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t help worrying about our four -sailors,” Sydney said sadly, and immediately -the mirth died on Phil’s face. “After Ta-Ling -is released, he will be mad enough to have them -summarily executed.”</p> - -<p>His companions made no reply. Each -felt that the chances for the four captive -Americans were small.</p> - -<p>While the launch was approaching the line -of anchored ships, Phil left his two companions -and stood close beside O’Neil, while the -sailor steered for the lights which had been<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span> -pointed out to him as being on board the -“Phœnix.”</p> - -<p>The lads were delighted to have this fine -American sailor-man again with them. Phil -recounted again all the exciting adventures -through which they had just passed and -O’Neil in his turn told of the monotonous life -on board a monitor in Manila Bay.</p> - -<p>“It’s worse than going to sea in a submarine, -Mr. Perry,” the sailor exclaimed. “She’s so -low in the water and rolls so quickly that we -was awash all the way up the China coast. -We couldn’t use them big guns at sea; one -second they are pointing in the water and the -next they are looking at the moon; but here -in the river it’s different. We can cut our -name on those forts if they’ll give us a chance.</p> - -<p>“That captain of yours, Mr. Perry, is a fire-eater. -There ain’t nothing he is afraid of. -I am glad,” he added, lowering his voice, -although there was no one but a Chinese -crew man within ear-shot, “to hear you tell -me that our skipper ain’t going to lead this -expedition. He’s all right when he gets good -and mad, like he did when the fort fired at -him to-night, but he ain’t got the initiative.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span> -Now, ‘Bucko’ Hughes, that’s his name on -the foc’s’le, is different; he always likes to -hit first.” Then he continued in a moralizing -tone while he spun his wheel to steer the course -to bring the ship’s lights on a proper bearing:</p> - -<p>“The longer I live, Mr. Perry, the more I -believe that’s the best tactics for a fighting man. -If you hit first and hit hard enough maybe -the other fellow’ll drop his fists and say he’s -had enough.”</p> - -<p>Phil slapped the sailor on the back in sign -of agreement with his views, while O’Neil -brought the “Phœnix’s” lights, now close -aboard, broad on his beam in order to round -to for a landing at the gangway, and in -answer to a hoarse challenge from the gunboat, -he sang out in his clear voice:</p> - -<p>“Aye! Aye!”</p> - -<p>“We’re still midshipmen,” Phil corrected; -“you should have answered ‘No! No!’”<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span>“That’s all right, sir,” the sailor returned -with a grin. “It ain’t who you are; it’s the -news you bring. If I’d said, ‘No! No!’ -they might not have waked ‘Bucko,’ and I -know he’d want to see you as soon as you -put foot on board.”</p> - -<p>A few minutes later Phil led the way up -the gangway ladder and soon found himself -in the enthusiastic embrace of the officer of -the deck. Although it was after twelve -o’clock many of the officers were awake and a -glance about the ship told the midshipman -that careful preparations were being made to -protect the vital parts of the gunboat from -the shells of the enemy.</p> - -<p>They were told that Commander Hughes -was in the cabin and as yet in ignorance of -the return of the hostages.</p> - -<p>“I sent down word just now by the -orderly,” the officer of the deck said with a -smile, “that some commissioned officers were -coming alongside in a launch, so I suppose -he’s awake, for it’s not often that we receive -callers this time of night.”</p> - -<p>The three Americans and Emmons went -hastily to the captain’s cabin, where they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span> -found the orderly awaiting them, while Commander -Hughes was seated at his desk. Phil -was shocked at the change in his captain’s -face. His buoyant expression had been displaced -by a haggard look and as he turned -his eyes toward the door, the lad noticed, with -a twinge of pity, that their expression was -one of worry, while the dark circles below -them told only too plainly the story of sleepless -nights.</p> - -<p>It was not until Phil had advanced almost -to his side that Commander Hughes realized -who his visitors were. Then the mask -dropped from his face and he sprang eagerly -to his feet with a glad cry.</p> - -<p>“I was just thinking,” he exclaimed joyfully -as he embraced one after another of the -men returning to him as if from the grave, -“that for a glimpse of you safe on board here -again I’d give ten years of my life.”</p> - -<p>After the first joyful shock of meeting was -over Commander Hughes made the midshipmen -and their companions be seated, and -each in turn told the thrilling details of his -experiences since leaving Lien-Chow with -the flag of truce. The story of Commander<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span> -Ignacio’s duplicity, much to the lads’ surprise, -brought forth but little comment.</p> - -<p>“I have suspected him,” their captain -answered, almost sadly, “since his return -without you.”</p> - -<p>When the part in their ventures taken by -Emmons was told him, Commander Hughes -arose from his chair and, much to the embarrassment -of the half-breed, took his hand in -both of his, thanking him eloquently for his -self-sacrificing acts. Then Phil’s heart leaped -with delight as his captain cast from him all -signs of sentiment; the old fire had returned -to his eyes.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were so intent upon their -own experiences that the mention of the arrival -of the monitors came only at the end of -their narrative.</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes could hardly believe -his ears.</p> - -<p>“The monitors are actually here!” he exclaimed, -doubting the welcome news. It was -too good to be true.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_256.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>“THE MONITORS ARE ACTUALLY<br /> -HERE!”</i></p> - -<p>“The ‘Monterey’ is at anchor at the -entrance of the lake,” Phil assured him.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span> -“The ‘Monadnock’ should have arrived by -now. Commander Barnes has kept up steam -awaiting your arrival. I told him you would -go up the river to-night,” he added hastily.</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes’ joy showed plainly in -his strong face.</p> - -<p>“How glad I should be that I have not -yielded to the persistent counsels of the other -captains!” he cried. “No one knows what -these last few days of suspense and uncertainty -have been. When Ignacio left us it -required the combined effort of Buresford and -myself to prevent the rest from following like -a flock of sheep. I had wrung a reluctant -promise from those remaining to attempt to -run the batteries to-morrow night unless the -viceroy agreed to our demands. My letter to -him sent by one of the renegades has not been -answered.”</p> - -<p>Phil gasped. The viceroy’s answer was -in the pocket of his blouse, but he must not -deliver it. To do so would betray the fact of -a telegram.</p> - -<p>“But now,” the captain continued, “we cannot -wait for his answer. The lives of those -in the mission depend upon immediate action -on our part. I feel sure that the news of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span> -arrival of the monitors and this chart of a -safe channel will bolster up our allies’ waning -courage.</p> - -<p>“I fear for the sailors in the yamen,” he -added, a note of grave anxiety in his voice; -“but if a hair of their heads is injured I shall -not rest until those guilty of the outrage are -punished. The viceroy himself shall not -escape the penalty of this crime.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVIII<br /> - - -<small>THE START FOR KU-LING</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> midshipmen, after leaving the captain’s -cabin, hastened to their rooms to bathe and -don fresh clothes. Phil eyed his bunk longingly; -he had not had a comfortable sleep for -many nights, but he withstood the temptation -and soon found the duty of helping to -prepare the ship for battle far more interesting.</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes had signaled at once -for the gunboat captains, and each had left -the “Phœnix,” enthusiastic at the lucky turn -affairs had taken, and cordially willing to -coöperate.</p> - -<p>“I am in doubt,” Commander Hughes confided -to Phil on the quarter-deck, where the -lad had been directing the work of the men -of his division, “what to do with our non-combatants. -Each gunboat is carrying a -dozen or more of their own nationality,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span> -former residents of the foreign concession at -Ku-Ling. These gunboats will offer no protection -to the women and children if we are -discovered and fired upon by the forts. One -large shell might even, if it hit in a vital spot, -sink this vessel.”</p> - -<p>“Why not put all on board the monitors?” -Phil suggested; “they would be perfectly safe -there behind armor.”</p> - -<p>“A good idea,” the captain replied gladly. -“I shall signal at once to have the refugees -ready to disembark.</p> - -<p>“How many can Emmons’ launch carry?” -he questioned.</p> - -<p>“It’s a good-sized boat, sir,” Phil replied. -“I should say certainly fifty persons.”</p> - -<p>“That’s very well,” the former said. Then -Phil, recognizing a change of tone in his -superior’s voice, drew himself to attention as -the captain added slowly:</p> - -<p>“We shall be ready to get under way at -one o’clock at the latest. You will follow in -the launch and when the ‘Phœnix,’ which of -course will lead the column, reaches the monitors, -you will begin at once to transfer all -refugees from the gunboats, dividing them<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span> -equally between the two monitors. I shall -write out immediately orders for the commanding -officers of the ‘Monterey’ and ‘Monadnock,’ -which I shall hand you for delivery -before you shove off. They will be unable to -follow us through the secret channel, as their -draft is too great, so I have directed that they -remain beyond the range of fire of the forts, -unless by chance we are menaced by the -enemy’s guns.</p> - -<p>“I sincerely hope,” he continued in a less -official voice, “that nothing happens to either -of the monitors with such precious freight. -Do you know, Mr. Perry,” he added feelingly, -“out in these countries where lives are so -cheap, we Americans would sacrifice a whole -shipload of men for the single life of a mother -or a child.”</p> - -<p>Phil inclined his head in mute token of -agreement to his captain’s humane sentiment. -Then suddenly a thought seemed to strike -the latter, and he drew the lad farther away -from the sailors engaged in making a protecting -screen of hammocks about the after-gun -positions, for greater safety against the -possibility of infantry fire from the island,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span> -close to which the channel was shown to -lead.</p> - -<p>“What is your theory, Mr. Perry,” he asked -earnestly, “of the actions of Commander Ignacio? -Is it merely a hostile dislike for me -and our countrymen, or does it come from a -deeper and more subtle reason?”</p> - -<p>Phil hesitated; could he give his honest -views, or more correctly speaking, his knowledge -of the reasons for Ignacio’s actions, without -endangering the asking of a question -from his captain, to answer which he might -have to descend to subterfuge and even deceit? -The fatal telegram lay snugly in his -pocket; he could almost imagine that Commander -Hughes’ piercing eyes could read, -through the cloth of his blouse, the words -which seemed engraved in bold letters on the -lad’s brain. Phil had purposely cautioned -his companions to say nothing of the captured -letters which had passed between Ignacio -and the viceroy’s secretary, for fear that the -many allusions to the hope of accomplishing -the disgrace of the American leader might -awaken suspicion. These letters, the boy had -decided, could not be of benefit now to Commander<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span> -Hughes, but would be of vital importance -in justifying the suppression of the -cablegram taken from the person of Ta-Ling.</p> - -<p>“I think, sir,” Phil answered after several -moments of silence, “that Commander Ignacio’s -motive lies much deeper than personal -enmity. There must surely be some important -objective toward which he has been striving. -Possibly,” he hinted vaguely in an endeavor -to have his captain broach the real reason, of -which the lad knew only too well, “he believes -that he can secure better commercial -benefits for his own countrymen and to the hurt -of American interests. They say that the viceroy -has been openly antagonistic for months -to all American investments in his provinces.”</p> - -<p>“How stupid of me!” Commander Hughes -exclaimed. “The railroad to Peking and -through the interior provinces! I have been -so much engrossed with my own troubles that -I have not given the motive of this hostile -action the attention which it deserves. I -heard in Shanghai before we sailed that the -American corporation having the railroad -concession rights was having great trouble -in getting permission to break ground, and a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span> -great mass of material is lying idle in steamers -awaiting permission of the viceroy to land. Of -course, that must be at the bottom of all this!</p> - -<p>“It is this commercial rivalry which will -forever keep the Chinese from looking upon -foreigners as desirable residents of their -country,” he continued thoughtfully. “We -are ever at each other’s throats in our commercial -dealings. There are grave consequences -to be feared in the opening of this -vast and rich territory, and if we are not -strictly honest in our dealings with each other, -the consequences may well warrant the building -of a great navy.”</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes, as he finished speaking, -gazed out over the water to the anchored -ships of the allied fleet and then, nodding a -dismissal to the midshipmen, he walked toward -the companion ladder leading to his -cabin.</p> - -<p>“The signal is two white lights when -ready,” he said to the officer of the deck. -“Notify me when all the ships have shown -the signal, and keep the launch ready for -Mr. Perry.” Then to Phil, as he descended the -companionway, “Langdon must of course stay<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span> -with us. We shall need him to help us over -the shoals at the entrance to the lake.”</p> - -<p>Phil saluted and then glanced at the clock -on the cabin bulkhead. He saw its hands -pointed to twenty minutes of one. In but a -few hours all would be decided. Either -Commander Hughes would win and his act -of suppressing the cablegram be condoned, or -else the gunboats would be utterly defeated, -maybe destroyed by the fire of the forts and -his hated enemy Ignacio raised to power as -the leader of the dissenters. The possibilities -were so terrifying that he looked about him -for some object upon which to concentrate his -mind. He wished to keep himself from -brooding on the future of the night’s venture. -Gazing out into the darkness, he could see -black smoke and sparks belching from the -smoke-stacks of the “Phœnix’s” consorts. -The shrill whistles of the boatswain’s mates -and the creaking of tackles came distinctly -across the still water, showing their hurried -preparations to be ready.</p> - -<p>He saw that two white lights burned at the -yard-arm of his own ship; she then was ready -to lead the fleet on its perilous undertaking;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span> -to run by, well inside of the range of the forts’ -guns, with but a screen of high grass to protect -the unarmored ships from the heavy -shells of their enemy. While the lad watched -silently, his pulses beating fast, the signal of -readiness flashed out from gunboat after gunboat, -until the entire fleet had mutely informed -the “Phœnix” that it was ready and -eager to follow the lead of its intrepid commander.</p> - -<p>A moment later he heard a step at his side, -and the captain’s voice saying:</p> - -<p>“Here are the orders for the monitors. -You understand what you are to do. I shall -give you further orders later.”</p> - -<p>Phil took the two envelopes and put them -carefully in his pocket; then seeing his captain’s -hand still extended, he grasped it -warmly.</p> - -<p>“We little realize how much depends upon -our success to-night,” Commander Hughes -said in an earnest voice. Then casting from -him the air of depression, he added lightly, -“Our star is still in the ascendent. We shall -not consider failure.”</p> - -<p>Phil gazed almost worshipfully at his captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span> -as the latter left him, going forward -toward the gunboat’s bridge to make the signal -which would launch the fleet upon its -perilous mission; then he was conscious that -Sydney stood by him and the officer of the -deck appeared anxious to have the big launch -shove off. Together the lads descended the -ladder, followed by Emmons as an interpreter -for the Chinese crew men, for Langdon had -been detailed to remain to pilot the fleet.</p> - -<p>Quietly the fleet got under way, forming in -column of vessels with the American gunboat -leading. Then as if by signal, commencing -with the leader, each of the gunboats dissolved -into the night. To the lads it appeared -as if a cloak had been thrown over each vessel.</p> - -<p>“Their lights are all screened!” Sydney exclaimed. -“Look! you can barely see the vessel -following the ‘Phœnix.’”</p> - -<p>Phil allowed his eyes to travel over the -scene where a moment before many lights -pierced the darkness; now all that was visible -was the shadowy form of the American vessel -scarce a hundred yards away and a dark -smudge of the next following; all others had -vanished from view.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span>In the long, tedious hour necessary to arrive -at the anchored monitors, the midshipmen -stood by O’Neil and Emmons at the launch’s -wheel. Their pulses beat high in semi-dread -at what the night would bring forth. They -had seen enough of the marksmanship of the -forts to know that their gunners were not to -be despised. The island, behind which the -gunboats were to find refuge in passing the -forts, was low, but being covered with a dense -growth of giant reeds, would conceal all but -the lofty spars of the vessels, which for -greater security had been lowered to the decks.</p> - -<p>“Is there any doubt of the existence of this -channel?” Sydney questioned Emmons, a -sudden fear of treachery coming into his -mind, for if it were not there the gunboats -endeavoring to find its entrance would ground -upon the shifting shoals of the river and -when day dawned be under fire at close -range of the enemy’s guns.</p> - -<p>“I have navigated my launches on the -river for six years,” Emmons replied, “and -never until the Tartar general gave me this -chart did I suspect that the channel existed. -There is a legend among the Chinese sailors<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span> -that it was used by war junks a half century -ago in escaping from British men-of-war.”</p> - -<p>After arriving at the anchorage of the -monitors, for the “Monadnock” now lay -near her consort, Phil directed the launch -be steered alongside the farthest gunboat. -Refugees, men, women and children, carrying -in their hands but the necessary clothes -for one night, quickly embarked and were -carried expeditiously to the monitors, where -Phil gave Commander Hughes’ verbal instructions -and the written orders.</p> - -<p>This duty completed, the launch once more -drew up alongside of the “Phœnix’s” gangway -ladder.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry!” called a voice from the -bridge, which Phil recognized as that of his -captain. “Remain in the launch and start -ahead of us. If you find less water than our -draft, signal us at once.”</p> - -<p>Phil acknowledged the order and gave the -word to proceed. He had taken the precaution -to make a rough sketch of the chart; -now laying the sheet of paper on the deck -house under the ray of a bull’s-eye lantern he -judged the course to steer. O’Neil swung the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span> -launch’s bow in the compass direction, while -the Chinese leadsman stood ready to test the -depth of water with his bamboo pole.</p> - -<p>Silently they sped onward; the low island -across the river slowly took shape and the lad -directed the boatswain’s mate to steer for the -end of the black line barely discernible above -the water.</p> - -<p>“We are now within the arc of fire of the -forts,” Phil whispered to Sydney; “from here -to the island the gunboats will be unprotected -if discovered by the sentries at the guns. -However, it’s long range, and fortunately the -night is dark.”</p> - -<p>Silently and regularly the leadsman thrust -downward his pole until twelve feet, three -feet greater than the maximum draft of the -gunboats, was buried beneath the surface.</p> - -<p>All on board the launch were silently anxious. -The deep channel of the river had been -left behind and, under the train of the fort -guns, they were traveling over water that on -the charts issued by the home government -showed barely enough water to float a row-boat, -and yet the leadsman untiringly -plunged his bamboo to a distance of twelve<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span> -feet without touching the sandy bottom. -Hope rose in Phil’s heart.</p> - -<p>“Emmons’ chart is true!” Sydney exclaimed -in a low, joyful voice. “See, we’re -nearly abreast of the point. In a few minutes -more the island will be between us and the -guns.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s eyes traveled excitedly over the -scene; the forts, some thousands of yards -away, were enshrouded in darkness; the -island appeared ever more distinct, the deep -shadow of its high vegetation rising ghastly -from the water.</p> - -<p>“Round the point close,” Phil directed -O’Neil, “and keep in to the shore-line.”</p> - -<p>Boldly the launch neared the dark land, -now so near at hand that it seemed possible -in the darkness to reach out and touch the -long, overhanging reeds. The dry rustle of -the wind among the rank growth seemed in -the silence almost as loud as the footsteps of -an army marching.</p> - -<p>So far all seemed to be progressing happily -for the allies. The channel was an established -fact and the midshipmen saw with relief that -once behind the island the gunboats could<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span> -not be seen by the soldiers in the forts. The -island was narrow, but so long that when the -vessels emerged from its protection above the -city of Ku-Ling, they would be in the dead -angle of the heavy batteries and well beyond -the range of the lighter guns.</p> - -<p>The launch chugged steadily onward, the -intention being to discover if possible any -shoaling of the water in the channel, but the -leadsman’s bamboo pole betrayed no change.</p> - -<p>“What’s that ahead, sir?” O’Neil exclaimed -suddenly; “It’s a launch, I’m -sure.”</p> - -<p>The lads strained their eyes in the direction -indicated, but could see nothing; then a light -shot into the air, followed by a shower of -sparks and a bright flame, and again all was -darkness.</p> - -<p>“What does it mean?” Phil gasped in sudden -alarm. “It’s a launch, that’s sure. She’s -carrying no lights, and the flame from her -smoke-stack shows she has seen us and is making -haste to escape.”</p> - -<p>“She’s going faster than we are, too,” -O’Neil exclaimed, his keen eyes detecting -what the midshipmen had failed to see.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span>“Do you smell smoke?” Sydney questioned -anxiously.</p> - -<p>A moment later there was no longer doubt -of the presence of smoke; a light breeze from -the direction of the island carried the pungent -odor of burning brush down the wind to the -nostrils of the surprised Americans.</p> - -<p>“There’s a fire on the island!” O’Neil suddenly -exclaimed.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIX<br /> - - -<small>THE SECRET CHANNEL</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> the Americans had departed, leaving -Ta-Ling tightly bound and gagged on the cell -floor, the Chinaman remained quietly bemoaning -his cruel destiny. He knew from -the silence throughout the yamen that it -would be futile for him to waste his strength -in useless struggling at the bonds that bound -him. His Oriental mind counseled self-destruction. -There was no alternative to wipe -out the dishonor of being defeated and humiliated -by his despised enemies. The loss of his -sacred cue was a bitter misfortune. How -could he appear before his brother mandarins -with this necessary appendage missing? The -more he revolved the situation over in his -mind, the calmer he became. His Western -teaching, with its more worldly and less -devious ways of thought, came to his aid, -driving away all ideas of self-destruction, and -he resolved that he would fight according to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span> -the methods taught by his new learning so -long as life remained him.</p> - -<p>It seemed to the helpless man that many -hours must have passed while he remained -motionless on the damp earth. He had during -this time thought over and over again of -all that had been said by the Americans. -While he lay to all appearances insensible, he -had heard the wording of the cipher message -to the American commander. He had been -upon the point of sending the cablegrams to -the American ship, but now they were in the -hands of the midshipmen and he had heard -them say that they would not give them to -their captain. So much of the plan of his ally, -Commander Ignacio, was a failure.</p> - -<p>The missing chart which he felt sure had -been taken by Emmons caused him the greatest -anxiety. He had intended to block this -channel with sunken stone-laden junks, but -with the usual roundabout methods of the -Chinese he had found the mandarin in charge -of such work could not load the junks for -some days, so he had passed it by, believing -that the presence of such a channel would remain -a secret. Hang-Ki, the Tartar general,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span> -could be the only one of those in the secrets -of the yamen who would dare thwart him. -Ta-Ling’s veins swelled with suppressed anger -as he blamed his ill-luck for not having succeeded -in his attempt on the general’s life. -This man he felt sure was also in the daring -plot which had liberated the Americans and -placed him, second only in power to the -viceroy, in chains, helpless, while his carefully-laid -scheme of forever ridding China of the -foreign leeches was falling like a house of -cards about his head.</p> - -<p>While his mind grappled with the intricate -intrigues, there came a dull boom of heavy -cannon, shaking violently the yamen. Again -and again the earth was shaken and the deep -tones of discharges of great guns reverberated -through the vast building.</p> - -<p>What did it mean? Had the Americans -then succeeded in escaping and were the fort -guns firing upon them? How could they escape -by water when every launch had been -wrecked by his trusted soldiers?</p> - -<p>The yamen now was no longer silent. Ta-Ling -could hear shrill cries and the hurried -march of feet. Men were running wildly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span> -here and there, an unknown fear in their -hearts. The Chinaman’s hopes rose; the -viceroy would send for him to know the -cause of the firing and he must before long -be discovered. He tugged desperately but -fruitlessly at his bonds, but Langdon had -done his work well.</p> - -<p>Exhausted and breathless, he at length -resigned himself to fate. Then he heard his -own name cried by the viceroy’s crier, resounding -loudly throughout the yamen. -After what seemed an eternity, the door of -his cell was thrown open and several guards -entered the dark prison.</p> - -<p>“Here they are,” he heard a soldier exclaim, -and then he felt himself grasped -roughly and carried out into the courtyard.</p> - -<p>The next moment a light was thrust in his -face and then the guards recoiled in mortal -fear as they beheld the features of the Chinese -tyrant.</p> - -<p>“We beg a million pardons, Excellency,” -the leader cried, cringing before the terrible -eye of the viceroy’s secretary, while his companions -prostrated themselves before him.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span>Ta-Ling made a sign to remove his gag, his -joy at deliverance fighting with his outraged -dignity at being so roughly handled.</p> - -<p>“Take off these irons, you dogs,” he hissed -when he could speak; “the keys are on the -floor of the cell.”</p> - -<p>The keys were quickly brought from where -Ta-Ling had seen them thrown by the midshipmen, -and soon he was free.</p> - -<p>“Meet me at the yamen gate,” he ordered -huskily, kicking a kneeling figure savagely -to punctuate his words; and then he hastened -to his quarters to replace the clothes of which -his former captives had deprived him.</p> - -<p>Upon the threshold of his room he encountered -the frail figure of the aged mandarin, -his features stamped with fear.</p> - -<p>“You traitor,” he cried in a weak trembling -voice, as he caught sight of the disheveled -Ta-Ling; “so this is the end of your -vain boasting. The foreign dogs are coming -to destroy me.”</p> - -<p>The secretary used all of his powers of -persuasion to reassure his master. He told -the viceroy hurriedly of the escape of the -Americans and the loss of the chart, but protested<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span> -that there was no immediate danger -from the guns of the fleet.</p> - -<p>Leading the trembling old man back to his -own room, he called loudly for the treasurer, -appreciating that in order to make true his -words to his master not a second must be -wasted.</p> - -<p>Receiving no answer to his call, he retraced -his steps to his room, and there he was not -surprised to find the bound body of his friend -in the dark corner where Phil had thrown him.</p> - -<p>After setting the man free, he gave him -hasty instructions and sent him to keep the -viceroy company, while he feverishly threw -on the garments of a mandarin before joining -his awaiting soldiers. Hastily writing an -order he took it to the viceroy for signature, -then calling a waiting messenger he directed -it be taken at once to the Tartar general at -the forts.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later Ta-Ling, preceded by his -guards, pressed through the frightened throngs -of Chinese in the narrow street outside of the -yamen. The gun fire had now ceased and the -terrified natives were slowly slinking back to -their hovels.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span>Passing unhindered through the city gate, -the secretary led the way directly to the jetty. -Here he was to have met his ally, Commander -Ignacio, earlier in the evening, but much to -his surprise and satisfaction, as he reached -the landing, he saw a steam launch waiting.</p> - -<p>“Can you take me to the ‘Albaque’?” he -questioned the coxswain eagerly.</p> - -<p>The sailor glanced up in surprise. Where -was his captain? He had seen him, as he -supposed, with this Chinaman.</p> - -<p>“I am waiting for the captain,” he replied, -a shade of suspicion in his voice. “Wasn’t -he with you?”</p> - -<p>It was Ta-Ling’s turn to be surprised.</p> - -<p>“With me!” he exclaimed. “I was to have -met him hours ago.”</p> - -<p>The coxswain shook his head, mystified. -Had he not seen his captain go away with this -man? Then he suddenly thought of the -crowd of Chinese who had boarded a launch -below him and had then gone alongside of his -ship. His captain surely could not have been -among those men. He gave it up. It was -too deep for his understanding, for that launch -had then gone down the river shortly before<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span> -the fight between the forts and a strange war-ship.</p> - -<p>“All right; get in,” he said finally.</p> - -<p>In several minutes Ta-Ling was greeted -warmly by the officer of the deck of the -“Albaque.” The latter was glad to see the -Chinaman again. The quartermaster of the -gunboat had persisted that the launch of the -Chinaman had not landed, but had gone -down the river, and the young officer had -commenced to fear that he had been duped -into giving up both the captain’s correspondence -and the Chinese refugee.</p> - -<p>“May I see your captain?” Ta-Ling asked -anxiously. “It’s of the utmost importance.”</p> - -<p>“My captain has not returned!” the officer -exclaimed, alarm in his voice.</p> - -<p>“Where is he? quick, man! Everything -depends upon my finding him at once,” Ta-Ling -cried in vexation.</p> - -<p>“He was with you; the launch was waiting -for him,” the officer returned, catching his -breath, his heart in his throat.</p> - -<p>“I haven’t seen him since this morning,” -the Chinaman declared impatiently. “Does -no one know of his whereabouts?”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span>The officer was rooted to the spot from -fright. His throat was parched with fear -and his tongue unruly.</p> - -<p>“You were here to-night asking for the -papers of the captain,” he managed to gasp, -his worst fears realized.</p> - -<p>“You’re dreaming, man,” Ta-Ling retorted -almost angrily. “Come, explain! What do -you mean?”</p> - -<p>The officer related to the anxious Chinaman -how some one whom he could have taken -oath was he had come on board from a launch -and he had given him the copies of his -captain’s letters to the viceroy, and also a -Chinese refugee who had escaped on board -from the shore.</p> - -<p>Ta-Ling groaned in anguish as the full -significance of this news dawned upon him. -The Americans evidently had Emmons—and -his chart. But had they escaped? That was -surely the cause of the firing.</p> - -<p>“What was the firing?” Ta-Ling asked -hurriedly.</p> - -<p>“An American monitor and the forts,” the -officer replied in a shaky voice.</p> - -<p>“What have I done?” he added questioningly,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span> -much terrified over the results of his -indiscretion.</p> - -<p>“You’ve given your captain’s letters to his -enemy, for one thing,” the Chinaman answered -in his cruel voice, “and besides you -have liberated a man——”</p> - -<p>A shrill cry from the steam launch, which -had, while waiting for the Chinaman, hauled -out to the lower boom to lie more securely in -the tideway, cut short Ta-Ling’s words and -drew the two men to the rail.</p> - -<p>“There’s a man tied hand and foot in this -boat,” called out the coxswain in alarm. -“It’s the captain!” he exclaimed with many -imprecations upon those who had perpetrated -the deed.</p> - -<p>“Cut him loose, quick!” the officer cried -excitedly.</p> - -<p>Eager hands quickly cut the tight cords, -and Commander Ignacio soon stood on his -quarter-deck.</p> - -<p>“An hour ago I would have throttled you -if you’d stood here before me,” were his first -words, spoken hoarsely and with difficulty to -the Chinaman, “but I see it all now. We’ve -been unmercifully duped.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_284.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>“THERE IS STILL A CHANCE”</i></p> - -<p> </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span>With many bitter recriminations the whole -plot and its disastrous success was discussed. -Commander Ignacio could barely control his -rage against the young officer who had innocently -betrayed him.</p> - -<p>“Come, we must act at once!” Ta-Ling -finally exclaimed. “There is still a chance.”</p> - -<p>The foreign captain’s face brightened as -he questioned eagerly the excited secretary.</p> - -<p>“The channel will be useless to the fleet if -we can burn off the reed grass,” Ta-Ling -explained quickly. “The land itself is low -and will not hide the gunboats from the forts. -But we must be quick. That fire-eating -American will start immediately he receives -the information of this channel.”</p> - -<p>“Come to my cabin,” Ignacio ordered in -a low voice, glancing suspiciously at his -abashed lieutenant.</p> - -<p>“If I understand you,” he continued as the -door closed behind them, “you ask me to aid -you in burning the vegetation on this island.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly!” Ta-Ling cried impatiently. -“Isn’t it to your interest that this American -does not succeed?”</p> - -<p>“Softly,” cautioned the foreign captain;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span> -“we don’t want our talk to be common property,” -indicating by a motion of his hand -the hatchway leading to the sleeping quarters -of his officers; “some one may be awake down -there.”</p> - -<p>Ignacio pondered for a few seconds. To go -in his own launch and set fire to this island -would betray his part in the intrigue with -the viceroy. His sailors could not be depended -upon to keep such a secret.</p> - -<p>“I see no alternative but to decline,” he -continued decidedly. “You must do this act -yourself; my men could not be trusted with -such a secret.”</p> - -<p>“I will furnish the men,” Ta-Ling cried, -beside himself with impatience. “You must -furnish me a launch with some one to run it; -but hurry, man,” he urged excitedly. “The -grass must be burned off before the fleet -arrives at the island, or else we are defeated.”</p> - -<p>Commander Ignacio immediately awoke to -action. The thought of the lieutenant who -had innocently betrayed him came happily to -his mind; he could run the engine and the -sailors could remain on board ship. The -secret would be safe with this officer. No<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span> -one could connect him with the act of burning -the island.</p> - -<p>The lieutenant was called and was eager to -regain his captain’s favor. Ten minutes later -the launch from the “Albaque,” manned by -the Chinese soldiers, with Commander Ignacio -himself at the helm, had quietly left the -gunboat.</p> - -<p>Reaching the northern point of the island, -a landing was made and a Chinaman landed, -armed with instructions from the viceroy’s -secretary to set fire to the grass in as many -places as possible and to return in time to be -picked up on the launch’s return.</p> - -<p>The launch then steamed down stream, -stopping at several points to land the soldiers.</p> - -<p>As yet, all was well. The launch had run -the complete length of the long island, landing -the incendiary soldiers; the south end of -the island was only a few hundred yards -ahead. Ta-Ling directed the foreign captain -to steer once more to the steep shore. There -were no more soldiers remaining; the ten men -had all been landed and ten fires were by -now burning fiercely in as many places on -the long island. Stepping ashore, he was soon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span> -lost in the high grass towering over twenty -feet above him. Lighting a fire-brand, hastily -made of dry reeds, he carefully applied it, as -he walked along, to the dying vegetation. -Now in an hour the island would be a blazing -furnace. For the rest of the night the channels -would be lighted as bright as day. Even -the monitors would not dare to attempt to -pass the forts until the following night, and -by that time he would have fully revenged -himself on the Americans and escaped to the -interior. He smiled cruelly as his thoughts -dwelt upon his cunning ruse upon the viceroy; -the mandarin, in his excited fear, had -signed the order to Hang-Ki to withdraw his -soldiers from the mission to protect the forts. -Now the bloodthirsty rabble, armed and organized -by him (Ta-Ling), could with impunity -hurl themselves upon the mission.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XX<br /> - - -<small>RUNNING THE BATTERIES</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> midshipmen gazed fearfully toward the -island. What could it mean? Had the grass -on the island been fired, and if so, would the -fire reach dangerous proportions before the -fleet had safely passed its shelter? What was -the meaning of the launch ahead of their -own?</p> - -<p>Suddenly from a point on the far end of -the island a single flame of fire shot in the -air; the breeze caught it, helping it forward -on its career of destruction. Quickly at intermediate -points fires appeared to spring to life -out of the very ground. Then, as if to complete -the picture of failure in Phil’s mind, a -heavy reverberation shook the dry air and -the noise of a screeching shell came to his -ears.</p> - -<p>“It’s the end,” gasped Phil as the search-light -from the fort appeared suddenly, as if<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span> -the monstrous guns had been awakened from -a sound sleep and opened this one bright, -piercing eye.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen were spellbound with fear -as they saw the beam of light sweep slowly -along the island, penetrating the thick grass. -For an instant, as the bright ray swept by, the -launch ahead stood out in bold outline.</p> - -<p>“Ignacio’s launch!” Sydney exclaimed, -aghast. Then the enemy dissolved into the -night. The light moved over their own -launch and then step by step approached -the southern end of the island where, the -lads knew, was the column of advancing -gunboats.</p> - -<p>An exclamation of relief escaped Phil as -he saw the beam of light stop and then sweep -back along the island. As yet, the gunboats -were undiscovered.</p> - -<p>A terrible anxiety filled the lad’s mind. -By now Commander Hughes would know -the meaning of the numerous fires. Would -he turn back, believing the attempt to run -the forts would be a useless sacrifice? Here -was a situation from which there could be no -protection. The channel ran close to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span> -island; the grass was dry and burned like a -prairie fire. After the great bonfire had once -gained its head no living thing could remain -in the channel. In a half hour the fire would -have devoured the protecting screen and the -gunboats would be in the direct view of the -fort guns.</p> - -<p>After the first alarm gun the forts had -become silent, but the lads watched the -search-light swing back toward the allied -fleet. Then Phil’s heart seemed to stop -beating, then beat faster for joy as the hull -of the “Phœnix” appeared, standing out -ghastly in the glow of the conflagration, -steaming boldly onward; the white surge -under the bow showed the effort Commander -Hughes was making to take his fleet as soon -as possible through the waters of the dangerous -channel. Then the lads saw the terrible -light sweep along the length of the following -column; deliberately it moved, revealing one -after another of the unprotected gunboats.</p> - -<p>Then the sound of the fire so close at hand -was drowned by a sullen roar as the guns of -the forts hurled their great shells toward the -daring gunboats, hastening forward silently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span> -to put the flames of the burning island between -them and this irresistible menace.</p> - -<p>“If they can get behind the fire before it -gets too hot they’ll be safe,” Phil cried clutching -Sydney’s arm in his excitement. “They -can’t see through the fire; even the search-light -will be useless.”</p> - -<p>“How many guns have you?” O’Neil asked -suddenly. The boatswain’s mate had in -silence steered after the launch ahead, urging -Emmons time and again to encourage his -men to speed the gasoline engine up to its -limit. “We can’t be no use to them gunboats,” -he added in explanation; “our job is -to catch the fellows that set this here island -on fire.”</p> - -<p>Phil withdrew his attention with difficulty -from the terrible one-sided battle raging -astern of them, to answer the sailor’s question.</p> - -<p>“There are two stacks<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> and a thousand -rounds of ammunition. Can we catch -them?” he questioned eagerly.</p> - -<p>“If we can’t, we can stop ’em with twelve -rifles,” O’Neil replied grimly.</p> - -<p>“I don’t dare fire on the launch,” Phil<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span> -cried. “If we can overhaul them, that’s another -matter.”</p> - -<p>The spectacle now revealed to those on the -launch was awe inspiring. The forts had -developed into a blaze of fire, while all about -the advancing gunboats shells struck incessantly. -The sides of the small vessels -had burst into flame as they fired their small -guns at the distant enemy. The high vegetation -on the island near them burned with -ever-increasing rapidity, the flames mounting -high in the air and lighting the surroundings -as bright as dawn.</p> - -<p>The “Phœnix” now had entered the -channel, and with her battery silent cut -swiftly through the brightly lighted water. -The air was shaken by the noise of shell and -the shock of explosions.</p> - -<p>The flame of fire from the burning island -formed a fiery veil, through which the eye -could not penetrate, but by the increased roar -of explosions and discharges, the lads felt -confident that the monitors were now engaging -the forts.</p> - -<p>Another and even greater danger suddenly -confronted the allies. The breeze, which had<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span> -been light, now had increased and was blowing -the suffocating smoke toward the channel. -In a short while as the fire gained headway -the channel would be enshrouded in thick -smoke through which it would be well-nigh -impossible to see. If by a fatal chance a gunboat -mistook the channel it would remain -hard and fast aground and in the morning -would be destroyed by the forts.</p> - -<p>The “Phœnix” was now close aboard, a -wave under her forefoot showing her burst -of speed. The air every minute became -hotter and more stifling and those on the -launch without protection would soon suffer -from the scorching heat of the flames.</p> - -<p>A line whistled over the launch, while -Commander Hughes’ cool voice directed:</p> - -<p>“Make it fast, and keep under our lee. -We’ll protect you from the heat.”</p> - -<p>Quickly the tow-line was secured in the -bow of the launch and those on board the -smaller vessel were almost thrown from their -feet as the launch was dragged forward by the -tautening of the tow-rope.</p> - -<p>Thicker and thicker, and more stifling, became -the smoke. The Americans wet their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span> -handkerchiefs, putting them over their mouths -to enable them to breathe.</p> - -<p>Phil wondered how the following gunboats -were faring. The screech of shell was no -longer heard near them, but the reverberations -of discharges still smote upon their ears.</p> - -<p>Then after what seemed hours of anxious -waiting they emerged into the clear night. -Filling their lungs with the pure air the lads -gazed about them. The island, a mass of -soaring flame, was behind them, and far away -on the port quarter they could see the stirring -spectacle of the monitors hotly engaging the -forts. The city of Ku-Ling had been passed; -the lights of the three anchored gunboats were -indistinctly visible in the darkness.</p> - -<p>“Where’s the launch?” Sydney exclaimed, -gazing searchingly about him.</p> - -<p>“She’s back to the ‘Albaque’ by this -time,” Phil replied disappointedly. “If we -could have only caught them red handed. -That means that Ta-Ling and Ignacio have -both been set free, for only they would set fire -to the island.”</p> - -<p>Inside of ten minutes, Captain Hughes’ -voice hailed them:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span>“Let go the line. We are going to anchor.”</p> - -<p>The line was quickly cast off and a -moment later, the lads were on the deck of -the gunboat, warmly congratulating their -captain upon his well-earned success.</p> - -<p>“Signal the monitors to join us and be -ready to land their sailors,” the captain -ordered the signal officer, then turning to -Langdon, “We must take the chance from this -side. Perhaps we shall find the bridge intact.”</p> - -<p>The allied gunboats one after another -dropped their anchors near the “Phœnix.” -As they passed the American vessel the crews -manned the rails with lusty cheers, which the -“Phœnix’s” crew returned with a will.</p> - -<p>“Here they come,” Sydney exclaimed in -admiration as the two victorious and unharmed -monitors steamed swiftly toward their -flagship and anchored one on each quarter.</p> - -<p>“This is to be only an American expedition,” -Commander Hughes declared to the -eager midshipmen. “Four hundred men all -told from the three ships.”</p> - -<p>Quietly and without confusion the American -war-ships lowered their boats and embarked -their sailors. And inside of twenty<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span> -minutes after anchoring the strong force had -started for the shore to push forward to the -relief of the mission.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney remained with Commander -Hughes, who had elected to lead the -force in person.</p> - -<p>As the boats grounded upon the sandy -shore the sailors noiselessly fell in ranks -under their officers. The American captain, -with Langdon as guide, took the lead, followed -closely by the two midshipmen with O’Neil -and a dozen men. The main force came along -a hundred yards behind them.</p> - -<p>As yet all was silent. The forts had ceased -their fire, and no sound came from the -direction of the mission.</p> - -<p>The force moved at a lively pace over the -rough ground. The sailors had been -cautioned to move noiselessly, and all loose -metal had been carefully muffled; everything -depended upon the possibility of surprise, or -else upon gaining admittance to the compound -of the mission before the enemy had -gathered to the attack.</p> - -<p>Phil marched by Langdon’s side; his blood -warmed for adventure, and he hoped that this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span> -time he would be able to see and enjoy the -fighting. During the few minutes in the attack -on Lien-Chow, he had been so much occupied -in forcing Commander Ignacio to -charge the enemy that he had failed to take -note of all save the sound of the bullets as -they had whistled past him. He rejoiced in -the coolness and tact shown on all occasions -by his friend Langdon; his duty was not to -fight, yet he was ever eager to risk his life -wherever Commander Hughes suggested.</p> - -<p>The Americans moved steadily onward, -Langdon time and again leaving the narrow -road to circle a small hamlet with its shading -willow trees in an endeavor to avoid the discovering -bark of the always-present Chinese -dog. Fortunately the countryside was deserted; -there were no travelers on the road to -flee and give warning of the approaching band -of hostiles.</p> - -<p>As the distance to the mission diminished, -the sailors grasped their rifles more firmly, ever -expecting to hear the discharges and see the -flashes of the guns of an ambushing enemy.</p> - -<p>While the expedition was ascending a small -hill covered with the graves of centuries of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span> -China’s dead, Langdon turned quietly to his -captain and pointed to an indistinct mass -coming in sight beyond the ridge ahead of -them.</p> - -<p>“The mission,” he whispered; then he -stopped in his tracks, while those behind -pressed forward eagerly to know the cause. -The metallic bark of a Colt gun rang out -distantly on the quiet evening air, accompanied -by the duller rattle of musketry. -The mission was already being attacked.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXI<br /> - - -<small>TO THE RESCUE OF THE MISSION</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> ominous sound of strife sent shivers up -and down Phil’s spine; the mission was surrounded -by a force far in excess of the handful -guarding the helpless ones inside its wall; but -the droning sound of the Colt gun was reassuring; -it showed that Lieutenant Wilson had -been on the alert, and he knew that officer -well enough to believe that he would sacrifice -himself and every man with him before the -women and children were allowed to fall into -the hands of the cruel Chinese mob.</p> - -<p>These thoughts flashed through Phil’s mind -while the sailors quickened their pace in -obedience to Commander Hughes’ orders.</p> - -<p>Reaching the crest of the hill, Phil gazed -with his companions through the darkness -down upon the valley between the mission -hill and the one on which they were standing.</p> - -<p>“Don’t deploy yet,” Langdon cautioned in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span> -a whisper to the American commander, who, -he observed, was on the point of forming -for the attack; “we must cross the bridge -over that irrigation ditch in the middle of the -valley; you can see the shadow of willows -along it from here. Once across that, all will -be clear ground between us and the mission.”</p> - -<p>They pressed forward until the pilot raised -his hand warningly and Commander Hughes -signaled a halt. Langdon, motioning Phil to -accompany him, left the column and advanced -cautiously along the road toward the bridge, -concealed from their view by a group of -willow trees. Reaching the bridge, the pilot -examined carefully the bamboo structure, -then he gingerly placed his heavy foot on the -wooden planking, testing it with his great -weight of over two hundred pounds. Motioning -Phil to remain where he was, he then -walked cautiously across the bridge to test the -fastenings on the other side of the deep ditch. -The midshipmen saw his huge bulk dissolve -in the darkness, but in a few moments he -returned and his discovery was calculated to -bring despair to the stoutest heart. They -quickly joined the main body, waiting impatiently<span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span> -to push forward to the rescue of -their comrades.</p> - -<p>“Many of the lashings are cut on the far -side, sir,” Langdon exclaimed in a low, excited -voice; “one or two men at a time can probably -cross in safety, but no more. There is no -other bridge for five miles, and that may be -in a similar condition.”</p> - -<p>Here indeed was an effective stop to the -eager sailors in sight of the battle between -their comrades and the bloodthirsty enemy. -The volume of musketry fire directed upon -the mission had increased alarmingly, and at -frequent intervals came the roar of artillery.</p> - -<p>“Breaching the wall or shelling the gate,” -Phil whispered in an awed voice as his eyes -caught the flash of a heavy explosion at the -base of the wall. His gaze, accustomed to -the darkness, traveled over the ground across -the ditch; it was strewn with high mounds, -graves of forgotten Chinamen, and the lad -saw that the natural protection offered excellent -cover for the sailors when once across -the shaky bridge structure; but, and a great -fear rose in his mind, it would also aid the -enemy in its endeavor to prevent the rescuers<span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span> -from crossing the nearly destroyed structure. -Were those mounds even now concealing a -large force of Chinese soldiers, who, when the -unwary foreigners had rushed upon the tottering -bridge, and many had fallen to the bottom -of the deep culvert fifty feet below, would open -fire upon their demoralized comrades, cut off -from further attempts to succor those inside -the mission compound?</p> - -<p>The sailors advanced in silence to the edge -of the ditch, and then Commander Hughes, -grasping Langdon’s arm, stepped boldly upon -the treacherous planking, whispering to the -midshipman hurriedly:</p> - -<p>“Stay on this side and send the men over -two at a time.”</p> - -<p>As soon as the midshipman saw that his -captain and the pilot were safely on the other -side, he and Sydney silently selected two -sailors to follow; then in turn two more to -cross the intervening space. Slowly those on -the wrong side of the bridge decreased; Phil -could see that Commander Hughes had deployed -his men to protect the bridge in case -of a sudden attack, while he and Langdon at -the far side of the bridge were receiving and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span> -instructing the men after they had crossed -the swaying structure. Then without warning, -a flash of flame shot out into the night -from the direction of the Chinese graves, and -the screech of hostile bullets sounded loudly -about the foreigners. Phil, from his position, -saw the figures beyond the bridge seek refuge -behind a high mound, and then the reverberation -of the sailors’ rifles told him that Commander -Hughes was returning the fire in the -hopes of protecting from the hot fire of the -enemy those still to cross the ditch.</p> - -<p>The bridge was already swept by a hail of -lead; a groan from a man at his side told -him that unless they crossed quickly, there -would be but few remaining at all to cross -the tottering bamboo. He sent five men at a -time, watching fearfully until he saw them -disappear in the gloom; then six followed; -the bridge stood the weight, but swayed and -seemed on the point of falling. There were -now but four remaining, Sydney and two -men, one of whom lay sorely wounded on the -ground at his feet.</p> - -<p>“Go, Syd!” the lad exclaimed to his -brother midshipman. The lad shook his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[304]</span> -head, forcing the remaining sailor before -him; then by mutual consent he and Phil -lifted tenderly the wounded man.</p> - -<p>Carefully they picked their way across the -bullet-swept, swaying structure. With their -burden, they reached the middle in safety; -Phil shuddered as his eyes took one fleeting -glance at the fall below him. Amid the noise -of strife, the tearing of the thongs, holding the -bridge on the far side, gave the two officers -no warning, and not until the floor tilted to -an unnerving angle did they see that they -must hasten if they would not be precipitated -to the bottom of the ditch. The wounded -man was a dead weight on their hands; Phil, -when he had felt the bridge sinking under -him, ran his hand nervously over the face -of the wounded sailor; the drooping jaw -told him that he had passed beyond mortal -aid.</p> - -<p>“He’s dead; save yourself!” he cried loudly -to his companion as he let fall his burden and -sprang forward.</p> - -<p>By almost superhuman effort, side by side, -the whistle of the enemy’s bullets in their -ears, they threw themselves at the rising earth<span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[305]</span> -as their platform with increasing speed sank -beneath them.</p> - -<p>Clutching at the crumbling earth, digging -their fingers deep into the rank grass, while -the bridge behind them fell with a great -crash into the stagnant and noisome water -fifty feet below, the two lads drew themselves -up, breathless but safe.</p> - -<p>Phil quickly found Commander Hughes, -who had sought cover behind a mound -and was waiting until his men became -steadied before giving the order to advance.</p> - -<p>Langdon threw his great arms about the -lads as they reached the protecting earth -mound, while the captain’s voice struck encouragingly -upon their ears.</p> - -<p>“Splendid!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“He was dead, sir,” Phil said sorrowfully. -“We couldn’t have saved his body and ourselves -too.”</p> - -<p>Silence lasted for several minutes, each reverencing -the visit of death.</p> - -<p>“We must win now!” Commander Hughes -exclaimed grimly. “And we must repair that -bridge before we can return. But come; we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[306]</span> -must leave our cover and drive these Chinamen -from our path.”</p> - -<p>Suiting his action to his words, he blew a -shrill blast from his whistle, the signal on -the skirmish line for “attention.”</p> - -<p>“Forward,” he commanded in a voice that -sounded loudly above the din of musketry.</p> - -<p>The sailors sprang forward with enthusiasm; -the long wait under the fire of an unseen -enemy had bottled up their energy. Each -sailor’s foremost desire was to come to close -quarters with the treacherous Chinamen. -The long, slender line moved upward toward -the mission crest; the men taking cover as -they found it, and shooting when their keen -eyes discerned a shadowy form skulking -away before their advance into the darker -shadows.</p> - -<p>The sharp rattle of the Colt guns told the -advancing men that the mission was stubbornly -resisting.</p> - -<p>Phil moved incessantly along the advancing -skirmish line, carrying orders from his -captain to the flank companies; the alarming -song of the bullets ever in his ears.</p> - -<p>“Press forward, keeping the guide on the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[307]</span> -center!” had been Commander Hughes’ -simple instructions, and faithfully were they -being carried out by the determined men. -The mission loomed through the darkness -scarce five hundred yards distant; the tongues -of flame from its wall answered by cries of -rage and defiance from the enemy’s position -inspired the rescuing sailors to renewed exertions -to reach the protecting compound. -The Chinese who had opened fire upon the -Americans during the passage across the ill-fated -bridge had stolen away toward the -shadowy flanks; between the advancing -sailors and their objective there were now no -answering shots. Then suddenly the battery -which had been hurling shell at the stone -wall of the mission turned its fierce attention -upon the unprotected rescuers.</p> - -<p>“Seek cover!” Commander Hughes ordered; -and the men huddled together in -groups, thankful for the homes of the dead, -which furnished such perfect protection from -the well-directed fire of grape and canister -from the Chinese artillery, now giving its -undivided attention to the approaching reënforcements.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[308]</span>Commander Hughes saw that a new danger -confronted the success of his undertaking; -those in the mission as yet could not know -of the close proximity of their friends, and -might they not in their vigorous defense turn -the muzzles of their Colt guns against them? -The thought was fearful to contemplate.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry,” he ordered in a strained voice, -“those guns,” pointing to the hill on the -right from which long tongues of flame darted -momentarily, “must be silenced. We dare -not advance further under their murderous -fire. Take a hundred men and flank them.”</p> - -<p>Phil gasped at the suddenness of the order, -thanking his captain in his heart for his confidence -in his ability to do what seemed to -the lad impossible.</p> - -<p>“Langdon will show you the way,” Commander -Hughes ordered quickly; “don’t expose -your men to our own fire. I shall endeavor -to get word to the mission. Mr. Monroe -will remain with me.”</p> - -<p>As silently as possible Phil selected those -to go with him, among them being his old -friend O’Neil, leading them on a run back toward -the ditch which had been crossed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[309]</span> -scarcely a quarter of an hour before; then he -gathered the men about him to explain the -dangerous work for which they had been -chosen.</p> - -<p>“We shall get on the flank of the artillery, -and when the order is given to advance we -must gain a position from which we can -charge directly upon the battery. The lives -of all depend upon our success.”</p> - -<p>The men in silence accepted the conditions, -and in another minute Langdon was leading -the small band along the deep ditch in the -shadow of the bordering trees. After traversing -a few hundred yards the pilot paused -at a road crossing the one they were on.</p> - -<p>“This is the road we took the other night,” -Langdon whispered; “we shall follow it for -a short distance and then we shall be on the -flank and a little in rear of the Chinese -position.”</p> - -<p>The command moved cautiously forward -until the pilot stopped and the midshipman -knew that the position desired had been -reached. Deploying his men quietly, he -bade them advance silently toward the -pandemonium of the Chinese attackers ahead<span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[310]</span> -of them. While he moved forward up the -gentle rise of the land he could see distinctly -the bright flashes from the enemy’s guns, but -his own men were as yet undiscovered and protected -by the intervening crest of the low hill -up which they were doggedly marching. He -glanced fearfully to his left to see how Commander -Hughes and his men were faring; -that part of the battle-ground was in darkness; -the Chinese seemed now too much -absorbed in their desire to destroy the mission -to give thought to the handful of sailors -known to have crossed the bridge before it -collapsed into the ditch below.</p> - -<p>Steadily the flanking party advanced toward -the coveted position over the uneven -ground, the men casting apprehensive glances -to left and right, their rifles held ready for -instant conflict.</p> - -<p>While Phil’s attention was absorbed by the -stirring sight ahead of him, against which he -would in but a few minutes launch his hundred -men in what seemed a forlorn hope, to -take and silence the formidable battery now -exerting itself to the utmost to breach the -wall of the compound, a terrifying danger<span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[311]</span> -loomed before him. The sailors in the compound -were delivering a murderous fire from -their Colt guns, directed at the troublesome -artillery, but many of the bullets were falling -alarmingly close to the flanking force. The -midshipman realized that he must go no -farther; with the battery scarce three hundred -yards in his front and his men as yet -undiscovered he must call a halt and remain -without that awful zone of fire until their -friends on the mission wall had been apprised -of his intentions by Commander -Hughes.</p> - -<p>The word was passed quietly by word of -mouth along the line, and the sailors, keyed -to the highest pitch of excitement, threw -themselves face downward on the ground, -while less than a hundred yards ahead of -them a storm of bullets swept every inch of -the soil.</p> - -<p>“It looks black,” Langdon breathed in the -grass close to Phil’s ear as they both were -racked by ominous foreboding while watching -the sweep of the devastating stream of bullets; -“they haven’t got word to the mission yet -that we are here; if those guns are pointed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[312]</span> -ten degrees further this way, it will be all up -with us. See,” he added pointing in the -direction of the active artillery, “those guns -are behind intrenchments, for otherwise the -Chinese could not have stood such a murderous -fire for a minute. It’s withering,” he -gasped with a shudder, while the singing of -bullets redoubled, seeming to be slowly drawing -their deadly zone nearer to encompass the -crouching sailors.</p> - -<p>Phil cast his anxious eyes often on the dark -slope of the mission hill where he had left the -main force under Commander Hughes, but the -night was too dark for him to discover what -was going forward. There was nothing for -him to do save wait with what patience he -could muster. To rush ahead could mean -but annihilation at the hands of his own -guns. He must not open fire upon the -battery, so close that the smell of burning -powder was rank in his nostrils; to do so -might draw the fire of the Colt guns, for how -could the mission know that help was so near -at hand?</p> - -<p>After what seemed an eternity to the anxious -men, the fire of the Colt guns suddenly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">[313]</span> -ceased, while from the Chinese position, believing -no doubt that their enemy was weakening, -a great volume of musketry fire added -its roar to that of the big guns. Phil felt -the moment had come; the cessation of the -rhythmical discharges of the Colt guns must -be the result of communication between Commander -Hughes and those defending the compound. -He glanced anxiously through the -night toward the hidden enemy, while he was -at that moment framing the words which -would send his hundred men in a mad dash -against an intrenched foe, counting their -numbers by the thousands.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">[314]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXII<br /> - - -<small>THE LAST CHARGE</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">With</span> the order to charge trembling on his -lips, Phil hesitated. What did the silence -of the mission tell him? Had Commander -Hughes succeeded in gaining an entrance, -and had the mission ceased its fire by his -order to allow the midshipman’s party to -flank the battery so intent upon breaching -the wall through which the savage horde -would surge into the enclosure, butchering -every Christian found there?</p> - -<p>He turned to O’Neil, lying quietly beside -him in the high grass. Through many adventures -the lad had become thoroughly convinced -of the sailor’s good and calm judgment. -He turned to him now, a grave fear in his -mind that precious moments were slipping -away, yet if he made a mistake and that -withering fire should again be loosened, all -would indeed be lost.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">[315]</span>“Are they waiting to allow us to advance?” -he whispered, half rising to his feet.</p> - -<p>“Wait,” O’Neil cautioned; “if they know -we’re here they’ll signal. See!” he added, -his eyes fixed upon the mission.</p> - -<p>Even as he spoke, a bright light flamed -suddenly above the wall, its appearance -awakening the enemy to renewed action.</p> - -<p>Each of the hundred sailors turned his eyes -expectantly toward the mission. The light -burned brightly and then flickered regularly -and evenly for a few seconds, again burning -steadily.</p> - -<p>“You’re right; signal!” Phil exclaimed, -straining his eyes to read the message which -he knew would be spelled out by that flashing -light.</p> - -<p>Slowly, painfully the bright point of light -appeared and disappeared; all who knew the -navy code were reading, with muscles tense -and breath held tight, the encouraging words -flashing to them from across the intervening -darkness:</p> - -<p>“We are holding our fire.”</p> - -<p>There was small need to give the order to -charge; every sailor in that impatient line in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">[316]</span> -but a moment knew that those in the mission -were waiting and trusting to them for -deliverance from the murderous fire of the -Chinese artillery.</p> - -<p>The lad rose to his feet, grasping his revolver -firmly, and as one man the sailors -swept forward. Three hundred yards ahead -four pieces of modern artillery were battering -away at the concrete wall of the mission, -while dusky figures, believing their foe had -been silenced, swarmed boldly over the -grassy slopes behind and on either side -of the guns. So noiselessly did Phil’s men -advance that the enemy were even now -ignorant of the presence of a foe so near at -hand.</p> - -<p>“When we charge,” Langdon whispered -breathlessly, “order the men to yell; the -Chinese are as much afraid of noise as they -are of bullets.”</p> - -<p>Phil had always trained his men in their -drills to charge cheering. Now the time had -arrived; in the next hundred yards the men -would surely be exposed to the view and fire -of their enemy; concealment then would not -be an advantage; the Chinese should see and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">[317]</span> -hear the danger in order to have it strike terror -to their hearts.</p> - -<p>Raising his whistle to his lips, Phil blew a -shrill blast.</p> - -<p>“Open fire!” he shouted at the top of his -lungs, “and charge, men, cheering!” he -added, raising his voice in an excited shout -as he sprang forward, leading the way toward -the now startled enemy.</p> - -<p>The sailor line, an advancing sheet of flame, -charged straight for the crest of the hill in -front. The Chinese, occupied in their attack -on the mission, had never dreamed that the -small body of men believed to have crossed -the bridge would dare attack a position as -impregnable as theirs. Then out of the night, -without warning, what seemed to their superstitious -minds a thousand yelling demons -came as lightning towards them. If these -were the foreigners that had crossed the -bridge a miracle had been wrought and their -number increased a hundredfold; their -simple minds were ready to believe that the -despised foreign devils had taken wings and -flown across the unbridged ditch. An unreasonable -terror seized the surprised Orientals;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">[318]</span> -some threw down their guns and deserted -precipitously, while others showed their -military training in turning gallantly and -firing fiercely at the rapidly approaching attackers; -some even made a vain effort to turn -the artillery in the direction of the unlooked-for -attack, but the charging Americans were -amongst them before a single gun could be -moved.</p> - -<p>His revolver tightly gripped, Phil fired -blindly at the shadowy forms now but a few -yards from him; the bright flashes of his -shots revealing the terror in his victims’ faces -as they gave way before him, and then -screaming with pain and an unconquerable -fear, melted into the night. Deafeningly in -his ears rang the discharges of both the pilot’s -and O’Neil’s revolvers, unerringly mowing -down those who dared stand in their path, -while on either side he saw his men fire volley -after volley into the mass of totally demoralized -Asiatics. Without leaders to stay them, -their wild terror had put wings to their feet, -and in but a few minutes the Americans found -themselves in undisputed possession of the fortified -position held so recently by their enemy.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">[319]</span>Phil could hardly believe his eyes; he -glanced joyfully about him at the four guns -and his exultant men crowding into the -enemy’s deserted trenches. O’Neil’s cool -voice soon brought him to a realization of his -duty; his thoughts had been full of his easily-won -victory against such a formidable foe.</p> - -<p>“We must hold this hill,” the sailor exclaimed; -“if the Chinese find out how few -men we have they’ll try to retake it.”</p> - -<p>“You’re right, O’Neil,” he answered -quickly; “but I must send word to Commander -Hughes. I’ll stay here while you, -Langdon, take a dozen men and give the captain -the news; he may have some new move -in mind.”</p> - -<p>Langdon readily agreed, and after a hand-clasp -with the midshipman, the pilot led his -handful of men back toward the main American -force.</p> - -<p>After his friend had gone, Phil, with his -boatswain’s mate, looked carefully over the -situation. He saw with joy that the enemy -had left a great store of ammunition for the -artillery pieces, and that the guns were -similar to those his men used for drill on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">[320]</span> -board ship. He started his men to work with a -will and in a few minutes they had turned -the guns’ muzzles away from the mission and -directed them toward the line of the enemy’s -flight.</p> - -<p>“This is the very thing, sir,” O’Neil cried, -showing the midshipman a shell which he -recognized at once as canister; “they can’t -do much against us if we can find plenty of -that kind.”</p> - -<p>Phil immediately ordered a search, with the -result that nearly half of all the ammunition -boxes were found to contain these deadly -cartridges.</p> - -<p>Scarcely had the survey been completed -when the Americans found themselves suddenly -subjected to a heavy musketry fire -from the direction taken by the fleeing -enemy; the lad could see distinctly shadowy -forms darting here and there from behind the -mound-like graves, and each moment the -figures drew closer and seemed bolder; Phil -realized that their enemy had been rallied in -its precipitous retreat by a trusted leader and -now the reassured Chinese were advancing -intent upon recapturing the guns which they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">[321]</span> -had abandoned in their demoralized stampede. -A few of his men had already opened fire -upon the misty forms, but the lad saw at once -that the battery could not be saved by the -weak fire of less than a hundred rifles.</p> - -<p>“Cease firing!” he shouted above the increasing -din of battle. “To the guns, men; -load with canister!”</p> - -<p>Obediently the sailors dropped their rifles -and took their stations at the four guns, the -leading men, petty officers, instructing those -under them as coolly as if they were but -drilling recruits on board ship. Phil heard -the metallic rasping of the shells as they were -loaded into the breeches of the guns and the -silvery ring of the breech plugs thrown -quickly shut. The guns’ crews stood silently -ready, waiting for the word from their young -leader.</p> - -<p>Controlling his excitement, the lad delayed -the expectant word to open fire; the Chinese, -in their eagerness to discredit the bravery of -their enemy, mistook the silence to mean that -the foreigners had retreated and came boldly -on, shouting their fanatical war-songs and exposing -their numbers to the view of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">[322]</span> -Americans waiting to open upon them with -their own artillery. The sailors trained their -artillery pieces in silence, keeping the muzzles -pointed in the direction of the reckless horde -of delirious Chinamen.</p> - -<p>Then swiftly at a word from the midshipman -the four guns in unison roared out a -challenge, leaving death and destruction in -the path of the hundreds of bullets fired at -once from the bores of the guns. Again the -reverberation shook the hilltop and again -the leaden hail poured into the now disordered -ranks of the advancing fanatics. As -rapidly as if the guns’ crews were at target -practice, the four guns spoke, each time cutting -deep gaps in the enemy’s line. After a -feeble attempt to rally the disordered legions, -the Chinese leaders turned and fled, followed -by the already stampeded soldiers.</p> - -<p>Having assured himself that this time the -enemy would not be likely to return, Phil -gave the order to cease firing and then turned -his eyes expectantly toward the mission, realizing -that its inmates had seen the attack -and were doubtless anxious of the final outcome. -However, in but a few minutes the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">[323]</span> -signal-light appeared and flashed out a message -which showed the boy that his captain -had understood that he had gallantly repulsed -the sudden attack:</p> - -<p>“Am coming to join you.”</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later Commander Hughes, -with a hundred more men at his back, stood -beside Phil in the enemy’s trenches; his captain -was unstinting in his praises, while Sydney, -who had accompanied him, hugged his -chum delightedly; Langdon stood by an -amused and pleased spectator.</p> - -<p>“You’ve taught the enemy a lesson which -they will not soon forget,” the American -captain exclaimed, “and they will not be -likely to wish to try conclusions with us again -to-night, but at the same time we cannot afford -to treat the Chinese with too much scorn.”</p> - -<p>Phil quickly explained the find of canister, -and the captain, much to O’Neil’s embarrassment, -called him up before the assembled -sailors and complimented him upon his ready -resource.</p> - -<p>“It’s men like you, O’Neil,” he said warmly, -“that make an expedition of this kind possible.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">[324]</span>O’Neil even in the darkness grinned sheepishly, -as if he had been discovered doing -something for which he ought to have been -ashamed.</p> - -<p>Great was the rejoicing in the mission at -the unlooked-for deliverance, and upon Commander -Hughes’ order the relieved non-combatants -quietly packed up their most treasured -belongings, ready to be conveyed through -the enemy’s country to the protection of the -war-ships.</p> - -<p>It being found impossible to save the captured -guns, Phil, with O’Neil’s aid, deftly -dismantled the breech mechanisms and, securing -a heavy axe from the mission, rendered -quite useless the delicately fitting -parts, giving the sailors the damaged pieces -to carry to the ditch where they would be -thrown into the stagnant water at the bottom.</p> - -<p>The missionaries, with tears in their eyes, -bid farewell to their home, expecting that -after the sailors had gone, the Chinese -would return and send up in smoke that -spacious monument to their earnest labors in -China. The party was obliged to make a wide<span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">[325]</span> -detour to reach a bridge some miles from the -one crossed earlier in the night.</p> - -<p>Dawn was breaking when the commander -led his victorious men with the rescued -missionaries safely to the bank of the river, -where small boats were waiting to transport -them to the protection of the American -war-ships. As the last of the refugees disembarked -at the gangway of the “Phœnix,” -the sun peeped out from behind the distant -hills.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney longed for a few hours’ -sleep, but they well knew that if they succumbed -to this desire they might miss altogether -what they felt would be the closing -scenes in the drama.</p> - -<p>By signal, Commander Hughes at once -ordered that all non-combatants be sent on -board the gunboats, and that the monitors -hold themselves in readiness to get under way -within the hour.</p> - -<p>Phil’s hopes ran high as he and Sydney -made themselves presentable after their strenuous -night’s experience.</p> - -<p>After a hasty breakfast the lads appeared -on deck. There they found their captain before<span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">[326]</span> -them, gazing closely through his binoculars -at the distant forts.</p> - -<p>At the gangway three cutters were lying, -and the landing force of the “Phœnix,” rifles -in hand, were standing in ranks ready to -embark.</p> - -<p>“March the men into the boats, Wilson,” -Commander Hughes ordered suddenly, putting -his binoculars in their leather case. Then -as he turned to go below to his cabin, “Mr. -Perry, you and Mr. Monroe report to Mr. -Wilson.”</p> - -<p>“Where are we going?” Phil asked excitedly -as he saluted the lieutenant.</p> - -<p>“To the ‘Monterey,’” Lieutenant Wilson -answered, “but that’s as far as I know. The -captain must expect hot work; each of my -men is ordered to take two hundred rounds of -ammunition.”</p> - -<p>“We’re going to storm the walled city,” -Sydney exclaimed. “There’s no sign of submission -on either the forts or the viceroy’s -yamen. The captain means to rescue the four -sailors and carry out his threats upon Ku-Ling.”</p> - -<p>Phil’s pulses beat faster at the thought.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">[327]</span> -Now war had been declared, and his captain -believed in striking promptly before his enemy -had time to gather his forces!</p> - -<p>Quickly the sailors were embarked in the -waiting boats, and as Commander Hughes, -accompanied by Langdon, took his place in -the stern of the leading cutter, the oars were -thrust out through the rowlocks and the boats -pulled with swift strokes alongside the monitor, -anchored only a few hundred yards down -the river from the “Phœnix.”</p> - -<p>“Get under way, Barnes,” Commander -Hughes ordered as he stepped on board the -“Monterey,” “and signal the ‘Monadnock’ to -follow us. Bend on the signal to her to -‘clear ship for action’; the gunboats will -remain here out of range of the fort guns.”</p> - -<p>The stirring call of the bugles sounded -with its nerve-tingling ring throughout the -ship, repeated in a few minutes by the -“Monadnock,” and with a cheer of delight the -crews disappeared below decks to their stations -for battle.</p> - -<p>Inside of fifteen minutes all was in readiness, -and the heavy anchors were lifted from -the bottom of the river.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">[328]</span>With all the men not at gun stations behind -the thick armor of the small river battle-ships, -the “Monterey” gracefully turned -around close to the fleet of anchored gunboats. -Phil’s nerves were atingle as he heard the admiring -cheers of the allies float to them -across the water. Then the “Monterey,” -her huge turret guns loaded and ready to -open the battle, and followed closely by -her consort, steamed swiftly toward the hostile -forts.</p> - -<p>“Break the battle flags,” Commander -Hughes ordered in his calm voice, standing -on the bridge beside the captain of the -“Monterey,” while Phil, Sydney and Langdon, -in the lee of the conning-tower, gazed, -consumed with excitement, upon the forts, -toward which the two big twelve-inch guns -were pointing. Phil saw on the flagstaff -at the top of the emplacement the proud -yellow banner of China, with its monster -dragon endeavoring to swallow a red ball, -just beyond the reach of its fiery nostrils.</p> - -<p>“O’Neil is in the turret,” Sydney exclaimed -to Phil at his side. “He will fire one of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">[329]</span> -guns. I wonder if he can still shoot the way -he did at our record target practice when you -had the after turret.”</p> - -<p>“He’s as steady as a rock,” Phil replied -enthusiastically. “I’ll wager that every one -of his shots will go true. He was the best -gun-pointer on the ‘Connecticut.’”</p> - -<p>“What’s the range?” Commander Hughes -inquired, a shade of excitement creeping into -his voice.</p> - -<p>“Three thousand yards, sir,” the officer at -the range-finder called out hoarsely.</p> - -<p>“Fire one shot at the nearest gun emplacement,” -the American commander ordered the -“Monterey’s” captain, “and signal the ‘Monadnock’ -to sheer up abreast us and when -the fort replies swing around and open with -her broadside.”</p> - -<p>Phil saw the alert signalmen swiftly signal -with their small hand flags the message to -their consort, and then immediately afterward -the “Monadnock,” which had been -steaming in the “Monterey’s” wake, swung -her bow in toward the city of Ku-Ling, which -the two vessels were rapidly passing. The -high wall was thronged with Chinamen;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">[330]</span> -their curiosity having overcome their fear of -the terrible foreign war-ships.</p> - -<p>The next second a heavy roar filled the air -and the forts disappeared completely from -view in the brownish vapor from the turret -gun.</p> - -<p>Grasping the rail tightly in his excitement, -his heart beating like a trip-hammer, Phil -gazed through the quickly dissolving smoke. -The sonorous screech of the shell in his ears, -he strained his eyes to pick up the huge -projectile, travelling nearly a half a mile a -second toward the hostile fort.</p> - -<p>Grasping the binoculars from Langdon’s -hand, he raised them swiftly to his eyes. A -black dot appeared, upon which the lad -focused his attention, as if to lose it might -mean a miss. He saw the bird-like bolt rise -high above the white stone emplacements, -and knew on the instant, from his long experience -watching just such shells at the -peaceful drill of target practice, that the messenger -of destruction, filled with an explosive -that would scatter death and consternation in -its path, would go true to its aim.</p> - -<p>“Right on top of the emplacement!” he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">[331]</span> -shouted excitedly a half second before a -liquid fire flashed on the parapet of the forts, -while tons of earth and rock were scattered in -every direction.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">[332]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIII<br /> - - -<small>THE FORTS SURRENDER</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">While</span> Phil had been gazing spellbound -at the half ton shell, fired by O’Neil with -such startling effect, Sydney was watching -excitedly a small squad of Chinese soldiers -toiling painfully upward from the gun emplacements.</p> - -<p>When the roar of discharge shook the air -he had seen these small black figures throw -themselves behind the jutting rocks, and -after the missile had exploded upon the -parapets of the forts, hurling by its tremendous -force a large gun backward from its -substantial mountings, these persistent dots of -men again appeared to view, creeping steadily -upward. What did it mean? Were these -men deserting their guns?</p> - -<p>Sydney heard his captain give the order to -reload, and knew that within the minute<span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">[333]</span> -another shell would be speeding toward the -enemy. The foremost Chinaman had now -reached the foot of the great flagstaff, and the -next second, to the lad’s delight, he saw the -yellow banner flutter slowly to the ground.</p> - -<p>“They are striking their colors,” he cried -excitedly.</p> - -<p>All eyes turned in glad surprise toward the -flagstaff to the right of and above the gun -emplacements.</p> - -<p>“A white flag!” Phil gasped, a tinge of disappointment -in his voice, as he saw the banner -of submission mount the flagpole quickly. -Now all was over, and he had seen but one -shot fired.</p> - -<p>“Cease firing!” Commander Hughes -hastily ordered, fearing that the next shot -might, with the white flag displayed on the -forts, cause the Chinese to think that the -monitor had intentionally disregarded the -sanctity of the emblem, thus precipitating an -engagement with the forts which the American -officer was only too glad to avoid.</p> - -<p>The bugles sounded the retreat from firing, -and disappointed faces soon appeared from -the turrets, to gaze out upon the unwelcome<span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">[334]</span> -white flag flaunting in the light morning -breeze.</p> - -<p>“Follow us,” had been the signal to the -“Monadnock,” and the two victorious vessels, -in column, made a graceful turn and then -steamed up stream toward the renegade gunboats -anchored off Ku-Ling.</p> - -<p>“What does it mean?” Phil breathed excitedly -to Langdon.</p> - -<p>“Something has happened,” Langdon exclaimed, -shaking his head in mystery.</p> - -<p>“The viceroy’s now going to send a flag of -truce to us,” Sydney suggested; “and I hope -Ta-Ling comes with it. I’d certainly like to -see Phil hand him back the pigtail he borrowed.”</p> - -<p>Despite the seriousness of the situation all -laughed at the thought of the discomfited -Chinaman without his cue.</p> - -<p>The ships were now passing close to the -“Albaque”; the sailors of that gunboat -watched the American monitors in sullen -silence. The midshipmen looked in vain for -Commander Ignacio; he was not on deck.</p> - -<p>“She’s ready to get under way,” Phil exclaimed, -pointing to that vessel. “See! her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">[335]</span> -anchor gear is rove off and her steam launch -has been hoisted inboard.” Sure signs indeed -that the gunboat was ready to move.</p> - -<p>The “Monterey” slowly steamed by the -renegades until the gate of the city came in -view from the river; then a rattle of chain -announced that the war-ship had anchored.</p> - -<p>The “Monadnock” had by order stopped -astern and upon signal dropped her anchor, -so that in case of treachery that monitor’s -big guns could be readily trained on the -forts.</p> - -<p>“Now, Barnes,” Commander Hughes said -with energy, “call away the landing force -and set them ashore.” Then he drew Lieutenant -Wilson aside, talking earnestly with -him for some minutes.</p> - -<p>Inside of another ten minutes the midshipmen -found themselves on the jetty of the -foreign concession, while in ranks along the -water front, their rifles at the shoulder, stood -three hundred stalwart sailors from the three -American ships.</p> - -<p>Phil glanced uneasily toward the high city -wall. The gate he could not see, but he knew -it was closed and the drawbridge raised.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_336">[336]</span> -Probably the Chinamen he had seen on the -wall when the monitors steamed down the -river were now peering out through the hundreds -of loopholes, their rifles ready to defend -their city from the foreign invader, for the -lad knew that Lieutenant Wilson’s orders had -been to rescue the sailors in the yamen.</p> - -<p>“How shall we cross the moat?” he faltered -to Langdon at his side.</p> - -<p>The question remained unanswered, for the -next moment a heavy discharge rent the still -air, followed by an explosion near the city -wall. Again came the shock of firing and -Phil saw that the “Monterey’s” big guns had -been fired at the main gateway of the city.</p> - -<p>Shell after shell sped quickly toward the -gateway, scarcely five hundred yards from the -monitor’s guns.</p> - -<p>The lads gazed about them in bewilderment. -How could this aid them? Then the -firing ceased and a flag waved rapidly from -the war-ship.</p> - -<p>“Fours right,” Lieutenant Wilson cried excitedly, -hastily leading the column to the -cross street up which the monitor had fired. -Arriving there, Phil gasped with admiration<span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">[337]</span> -at the havoc wrought by the big shells. The -drawbridge was down across the moat and the -great gate of wood and iron had been literally -torn from its huge hinges and thrown bodily -fifty feet within the city.</p> - -<p>In silence the sailors were led across the -drawbridge, Phil noticing the severed chains -which had allowed the bridge to fall in place, -and then they were inside the city.</p> - -<p>No signs of life were visible, and the open -doors and windows of the houses showed -plainly that the Chinese had departed suddenly, -fearing the shells of the foreigners.</p> - -<p>“To the yamen, Langdon,” Lieutenant -Wilson cried eagerly. Then as the pilot -pointed out the direction: “Fix bayonets!” -The rasping of the three hundred bayonets as -they were adjusted on the rifles lasted for -half a minute and then Lieutenant Wilson -added sharply, “Forward, double time.”</p> - -<p>At a run the rescuing column swept along -the narrow street.</p> - -<p>Phil and Sydney eagerly raced ahead, followed -closely by the lieutenant and Langdon. -After but a few minutes the midshipmen -reached the gateway of the yamen.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_338">[338]</span>An exclamation of grave concern from -Sydney caused his companions to cast anxious -glances toward the expansive parade -grounds in front of the yamen gate. The -sight that met their eyes was indeed disconcerting. -They had expected no more than -feeble resistance, but there before them, drawn -up as if on parade, was a vast army of Chinese -soldiers.</p> - -<p>“What’s the meaning of this?” Lieutenant -Wilson asked falteringly, coming to a sudden -stop, while his men gazed in wonder at the -thousands of well-armed soldiers, apparently -in battle array, awaiting the word to begin the -fight.</p> - -<p>“It means that viceroy Chang-Li-Hun has -overshot his bolt,” Langdon returned joyfully; -“these men are of another province. Do you -see their yellow plumes? The viceroy’s -soldiers wear red.</p> - -<p>“Sent by Peking,” he added. “It means -the viceroy is to be brought to account by his -government.”</p> - -<p>While Langdon was speaking, a horseman -rode rapidly toward the Americans. Langdon -walked out quickly to meet him when he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">[339]</span> -drew rein at the edge of the roadway, -and immediately addressed him in his own -language.</p> - -<p>Then, after a few moments’ rapid talk, he -turned to the lieutenant, a broad smile on his -face.</p> - -<p>“Just as I supposed. They are here to -suppress outlaws. His general has gone to -the forts to confer with Hang-Ki. He says -the viceroy has refused to receive him.”</p> - -<p>“Tell him,” Lieutenant Wilson said hurriedly, -“that four of our sailors are held -prisoners in the yamen, and that I am going -to enter by force if they refuse to open the -gate.”</p> - -<p>“He says his men will not interfere,” the -pilot returned, after a few hurried words with -the Chinese officer. “In fact, I believe -they’d gladly help us. This viceroy is not -popular with the Manchus.”</p> - -<p>Without more ado Lieutenant Wilson -knocked loudly on the gate with the butt of -his revolver. There followed a whispered -consultation from beyond the gate and then a -small slit slid back suddenly, revealing a pair -of almond eyes, peering out suspiciously.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">[340]</span>Before Langdon could speak, the Chinese -officer had dismounted from his Tartar pony, -and held the owner of the eyes in earnest -conversation. A moment later the slit was -closed sharply, and the officer recoiled angrily, -muttering invectives at the rudeness of his -rebuff.</p> - -<p>“He says, break in the gate,” the pilot -laughed in amusement.</p> - -<p>Anticipating this move, Sydney had led a -party of men to where a telegraph pole was -lying on the ground, ready to replace a pole -apparently condemned.</p> - -<p>“It couldn’t have been handier,” he exclaimed, -as the men lifting it moved it in -position to batter in the gateway.</p> - -<p>A few forceful blows, and the American -sailors poured through the shattered gates.</p> - -<p>Another gateway barred further progress, -and this was soon sent flying to pieces and -the foreigners found themselves within the -main courtyard of the viceroy’s palace. -Never before had foreign sailors entered these -sacred precincts with hostile intent.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Perry, you and Mr. Monroe press -ahead,” Lieutenant Wilson ordered. “You<span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">[341]</span> -know something of the yamen,” he added, a -faint smile on his earnest face. “Don’t be -rash,” he warned. “I’ll be on hand if you -need aid, but it looks as if the yamen were deserted.”</p> - -<p>Quickly selecting a dozen men, among -whom was O’Neil, who had pressed forward -to the midshipmen’s side upon entering the -building, Phil led the way toward the -viceroy’s private apartments.</p> - -<p>The door through which they had entered -the night before was bolted from within, but -by the united weight of Langdon and O’Neil -it soon opened obediently. They found this -room empty, but the door to the viceroy’s bedroom -was open slightly.</p> - -<p>“Careful, Mr. Perry,” O’Neil cried, catching -the lad’s arm and drawing him back from the -open door.</p> - -<p>The boatswain’s mate was just in the nick -of time. A rifle muzzle had suddenly been -thrust through the opening and discharged, -filling the room with the noise of thunder. -Phil recoiled in terror, his face burning painfully -from the heat of the discharge, while -his ears were deafened.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">[342]</span>“Do you see, sir?” O’Neil observed huskily, -as he wrenched the rifle from the Chinaman’s -hand and clubbed him into insensibility before -he could run. “Always approach an -open door with caution and from the side.”</p> - -<p>Crowding into the viceroy’s bedchamber, -the Americans were struck dumb by the sadness -of the spectacle before them.</p> - -<p>There in the great canopied bed lay the -form of the aged viceroy; his eyes were -closed, while upon his parchment-like face -had spread the pallor of death. The room -was empty save for a single figure standing -beside the bed, a look of mortal fear in his -eyes.</p> - -<p>“Dead!” Phil whispered in awe at the -sight, while he reverently removed his cap. -The sailors stood in silence, their heads uncovered, -thrilled by the scene. Chang-Li-Hun’s -face, even in death, had not lost its -cruel expression. He lay there, silent, unconquered. -The will of Peking held no terrors -for him now.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_342.jpg" alt="" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap"><i>THE AMERICANS WERE<br /> -STRUCK DUMB</i></p> - -<p>Langdon motioned to the Chinaman at the -dead man’s bedside that no harm would come -to him, and after gaining courage, but eyeing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">[343]</span> -fearfully the insensible body of the last remaining -guard, he came slowly to the pilot’s side.</p> - -<p>“He says Ta-Ling has not returned,” -Langdon breathed in a subdued voice after a -minute’s talk with the frightened man. “He’s -the treasurer you choked in the next room,” -he continued hurriedly to Phil, “and he will -lead us to the cell where the sailors were confined.”</p> - -<p>The lad’s hopes ran high. If Ta-Ling had -not returned, it might be possible that the -men were as yet alive.</p> - -<p>As the Americans hastened after the Chinaman, -they passed Lieutenant Wilson and his -waiting sailors in the courtyard.</p> - -<p>“The viceroy is dead!” Phil exclaimed -hurriedly as he passed him.</p> - -<p>The treasurer led the way past the cell in -which the midshipmen had spent so many -horrible hours of torture, but to Phil’s alarm -it was now empty.</p> - -<p>“The prisoners are gone,” the lad faltered, -pointing to the deserted prison. “Ask him -the meaning, Langdon.”</p> - -<p>“He says he knows nothing,” the pilot -replied after stopping suddenly and questioning<span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">[344]</span> -the distracted Chinaman. “He has been -with the viceroy all night. Upon hearing of -the arrival of the troops sent by Peking, the -viceroy swallowed poison, a deadly Chinese -drug, which he always carried with him.”</p> - -<p>Moving rapidly onward the Chinaman -stopped suddenly in front of a cell door.</p> - -<p>Phil’s heart was as lead as he pushed the -door open. The cell was empty.</p> - -<p>“Ta-Ling did return,” he cried in despair.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">[345]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIV<br /> - - -<small>PHIL EXPLAINS</small></h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">O’Neil</span>, with his characteristic energy, -wasted no time upon the cell, which he had -made up his mind long since would be found -empty, but with three or four sailors at his -back had pressed forward to the end of the -narrow corridor.</p> - -<p>He heard Phil’s cry of disappointment as -he found himself on the edge of a smaller -courtyard, and was just in time to discover -a fleeing band of Chinamen disappearing -through a narrow alley at the far end.</p> - -<p>Calling loudly for the others to follow, the -boatswain’s mate ran hurriedly forward across -the stone-paved court.</p> - -<p>Reaching the entrance to the alley, the -sharp discharges of rifles from the other end -caused him to stop abruptly, but before he -could gain a place of safety, a stinging pain -in his shoulder made him cry out sharply.</p> - -<p>Then his anger overcame his training in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">[346]</span> -discretion and with his men beside him, -while the heavy footfalls of the midshipmen -advancing on a run across the courtyard told -him of the approach of reënforcements, he -boldly raced between the bordering walls of -brick and mortar now swept by the enemy’s -bullets.</p> - -<p>As he again emerged into the sunlight, he -was barely in time to see the persistent enemy -scattering like a covey of partridges through -numerous passages at the far end of a third -courtyard, while from that direction a hot -fire was directed upon him and his handful of -men.</p> - -<p>What should he do? He could advance no -further in the face of that rifle fire. Glancing -anxiously behind him, he saw the midshipmen -and their men were nowhere in view, -and yet they had been only a half hundred -paces behind when he had charged down the -alley. The sailors were returning the furious -fire of the Chinese, but O’Neil saw that the -enemy was hidden and the spatter of their -bullets against the wall behind the Americans -showed him only too plainly that even the -poor shots of the Chinese might accidentally<span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">[347]</span> -make a hit. Reluctantly he ordered a retreat -back through the arched passageway.</p> - -<p>As O’Neil and his men again reached the -second courtyard, across which he had chased -the fleeing Chinamen, he saw the midshipmen -and their party surrounding several -objects upon the ground, which had been -covered over with a large piece of canvas.</p> - -<p>“They are safe,” Sydney’s voice hailed as -he caught sight of the returning sailors. -“You ran right over them.”</p> - -<p>The prisoners were quickly freed from their -manacles, and, supported by their comrades, -the party hastened to rejoin Lieutenant Wilson.</p> - -<p>The four sailors had had a narrow escape. -Ta-Ling, determined upon revenge, had been -upon the point of beheading them when -O’Neil and his men had caused him to desist. -Then covering them hurriedly with a large -piece of canvas, he hoped to conceal their -presence until the Americans had given up -their search, when he would return and -finish his diabolical work. But the curiosity -of an American had defeated his plan; for -raising the corner of the canvas the sailor<span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">[348]</span> -had seen the blue-clad legs of a bound and -gagged shipmate.</p> - -<p>Arriving in the main courtyard, Phil’s -eye caught the bright color of a Chinese -mandarin’s clothes, their wearer standing at -Lieutenant Wilson’s side.</p> - -<p>“Hang-Ki!” he exclaimed joyfully as he -recognized the Tartar general’s erect form.</p> - -<p>The two midshipmen hastened to the -Manchu’s side and shook hands with him -warmly.</p> - -<p>Hang-Ki had been patiently waiting for -Langdon’s return to interpret his words to -the American lieutenant. Another mandarin -stood by Hang-Ki’s side, his rugged frame indicating -clearly that he also was of Tartar -blood, from which race the military leaders -of China are taken.</p> - -<p>The midshipmen waited impatiently to -hear what Hang-Ki had to tell, while Lieutenant -Wilson congratulated all hands upon -the success of the rescue, and shook hands as -all had done with the rescued men.</p> - -<p>“His Excellency says the viceroy killed -himself early this morning; the captain of -the yamen guards brought him the news, but<span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">[349]</span> -it did not arrive in time to hoist the white -flag before the monitor had fired her shell. -He says many men were hurt during the -night engagement and asks how many -Americans were killed.”</p> - -<p>“Tell him we’ve lost only one man in all -the fighting,” Lieutenant Wilson replied.</p> - -<p>Hang-Ki, after Langdon had given him -Lieutenant Wilson’s words, shook his head -as though mystified.</p> - -<p>The two generals expressed a wish to visit -the American commander, and make China’s -peace for the hostile acts of the dead viceroy.</p> - -<p>The sailors were assembled and marched -directly to the landing.</p> - -<p>As the river and the anchored ships came -into view, Phil grasped Sydney’s arm excitedly, -pointing to a white yacht lying gracefully -at anchor between the monitors and the -“Phœnix”; the latter having left the allies -at the upper anchorage and steamed down the -river while they were inside the Chinese city.</p> - -<p>“The ‘Alacrity’!” he exclaimed, “and the -admiral’s on board; there’s his flag at the -main,” pointing to a large blue flag, with two -white stars in the field. Then the joy died<span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">[350]</span> -in his face. The letter of the viceroy and the -telegram, as yet undelivered, came to his -mind.</p> - -<p>“Where’s the ‘Albaque’?” Sydney asked -suddenly, searching the river for Ignacio’s -ship.</p> - -<p>“There she goes,” Langdon cried, pointing -down stream, where a trail of smoke from a fast -disappearing steamer hung low over the muddy -water of the river.</p> - -<p>Upon reaching the “Phœnix,” there was -Commander Hughes on deck, anxiously waiting -to hear the results of the expedition. His -face was wreathed in smiles as he heard of -their unlooked-for success. Then, motioning -Langdon to follow, he led the two Chinese -officers to his cabin.</p> - -<p>Phil had not dared, with his guilt written -plainly on his face, to look his captain in the -eye while that officer showered praises upon -the two midshipmen, and he was much relieved -to be able to escape to his own room, -there to map out a course of action.</p> - -<p>“Our best plan, Syd,” Phil declared, “is to -take all these papers to the captain and make -a clean breast of it.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">[351]</span>Sydney agreed wholly with his friend’s -plan and all that remained was to muster up -courage to go to the captain. Both midshipmen -would much rather have faced a hundred -Chinese rifles than confess to their captain -that a telegram and directed to him from the -navy department had been purposely hidden.</p> - -<p>A rap on the door caused Phil’s pulses to -beat quicker and his heart rise to his mouth.</p> - -<p>“The captain would like to see Mr. Perry -and Mr. Monroe,” the orderly announced, -peering in through the curtain at the startled -lads.</p> - -<p>“Come on, Phil,” Sydney urged; “we’d -better get it over with.”</p> - -<p>In silence they walked into the cabin. -Phil’s head swam as his old friend Admiral -Taylor shook his hand and spoke solid words -of praise for his valuable services.</p> - -<p>Hang-Ki had risen to go upon the entrance -of the midshipmen, and after bowing to the -admiral and captain he stepped quickly to -Phil’s side, pressing into his hand the jade ring.</p> - -<p>“He says,” Langdon interpreted, “that he -has evidence enough without it if he is lucky -enough to capture Ta-Ling.”</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">[352]</span>“I am delighted, Hughes,” the admiral -said as Commander Hughes returned with -the midshipmen, after having escorted the -Chinese soldiers to the gangway, “at the successful -end gained by your clear-headed -policy. Washington, hearing nothing from -you and at the same time receiving news of -your doings from a foreign government, was -quite justified, in view of your known impetuosity, -in being anxious. It was current -in Shanghai that you had been relieved of -your command, yet I received no word up to -the time of sailing, two days ago.”</p> - -<p>Phil saw his opportunity had come to bare -his secret, and drawing the viceroy’s letter, -the telegram and the correspondence of -Ignacio all from his pocket, he laid them in -silence on the table between the two officers.</p> - -<p>The lads waited in a fever of dread while -the officers glanced in surprise at the papers -before them. Phil saw that the admiral held -the cipher telegram, with the translation underneath -the cipher words.</p> - -<p>“What does this mean?” the admiral cried -sternly, reading aloud the translation of the -cablegram.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">[353]</span>Phil boldly told where and when he had -found the telegram, and his reasons for not -delivering it until now.</p> - -<p>The admiral regarded the lad severely.</p> - -<p>“Knowing this was from the department -in Washington, you concealed it,” he exclaimed. -“Explain yourself, sir.”</p> - -<p>Phil swallowed hard and then pointed a -trembling finger to the other papers.</p> - -<p>“After you have read those, sir,” he said -huskily, “I shall be ready to stand guilty or -not guilty in your eyes.”</p> - -<p>Both officers eagerly read the letters from -Ignacio to the viceroy’s secretary.</p> - -<p>After the admiral had finished reading, he -regarded Phil in silence, his expression -fathomless to the anxious midshipman. -Commander Hughes’ eyes gave him no encouragement; -they were directed to his -brightly polished shoes. It was a question -between the senior midshipman and his commander-in-chief. -Technically a great breach -of naval discipline had been committed.</p> - -<p>The minutes ticked away slowly by the -cabin clock while the lad waited for the wording -of his doom.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">[354]</span>“Mr. Perry,” the admiral at length began -in his usual calm voice, “this is the second -time that you have placed me in a most embarrassing -position, but I want to say right -here,” and his eyes snapped, “if I had a -son, and he had committed this breach of -naval discipline in order to save the situation, -I would be mighty proud of him.” As he -finished he put out his hand to the surprised -but happy midshipman, who grasped it joyfully.</p> - -<p>Phil was so surprised that he could not -find voice to utter a single word. He stared -dumbly at the admiral, his tear-dimmed eyes -eloquently speaking the words he could not -utter.</p> - -<p>Commander Hughes jumped up and grasped -the midshipman by the hand, showing in his -face the keen pleasure the admiral’s decision -had given him.</p> - -<p>“This correspondence I shall keep in my -safe,” the admiral said, a twinkle in his eyes, -“in case I have trouble in explaining our -young friend’s crime. It may also serve -us in the future with this foreign Judas -Iscariot.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">[355]</span>“And now, young man,” he added, his kind -face beaming with good nature, “I think -after a few months I shall have to deprive -your captain of your services. I am going to -put in commission a number of small gunboats -for duty against the Philippine insurgents, -and I have decided to give Mr. -Perry command of one of them with Mr. -Monroe as his executive officer, and I suppose,” -he suggested with a smile, “that you -will want O’Neil as the chief boatswain’s -mate.”</p> - -<p>Phil could hardly believe his ears. Instead -of censure, here was the admiral offering him -a ship of his own.</p> - -<p>As one in a dream he thanked the admiral -and accompanied by Sydney, withdrew from -the cabin.</p> - -<p>By order of Peking Hang-Ki was made -viceroy and he at once took steps to safeguard -all foreigners throughout the provinces.</p> - -<p>The allied gunboats within the hour -anchored off Ku-Ling, and before the day -was over the foreign concession had taken up -the thread of business where it had been so -rudely interrupted. Commander Hughes detailed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">[356]</span> -a force of mechanics from the American -war-ships to repair the damaged launches -of the faithful Emmons, and before a week -had passed the launch trade was flourishing -as of old.</p> - -<p>The concession to build the railroad to -Peking was made more secure to the American -company, and before the “Phœnix” sailed -for Shanghai the lads saw the material, which -had long waited for permission to be landed, -safely stored in go-downs and the work on the -road started.</p> - -<p>Ta-Ling made good his escape, and it was -believed that he had gone to the mountains, -there to remain in hiding until another opportunity -might present itself to avenge himself -on the despised foreigner.</p> - -<p>O’Neil’s wound was found by the doctors to -be not dangerous and, with his arm in a sling -for several days, he was gazed at admiringly -by his less fortunate shipmates.</p> - -<p>Langdon received the personal thanks of -the admiral, and Commander Hughes stoutly -declares that he is as good a pilot ashore as -he is on the river.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph1">FOOTNOTES:</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> Mexican dollars.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> There is a prescribed rule for hailing a boat at night. A ship, -seeing a boat approaching, hails, “Boat ahoy!” If enlisted men -are in the boat the proper answer is “Hello!” If midshipmen -are in the boat the answer is “No! No!” if commissioned officers, -“Aye! Aye!” If a captain is in the boat the answer is the -name of his ship, and an admiral’s proper answer is “Flag”—meaning -that the boat carries an admiral’s flag.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> Twelve rifles.</p> - -</div> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - - - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or alternate spelling has been retained from the original.</p> -</div></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A UNITED STATES MIDSHIPMAN IN CHINA ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin:0.83em 0; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<span style='font-size:smaller'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</span> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> -</body> -</html> |