was now felt that all must act in concert, or a further advance into the enemy's country might be attended with a severe set-back.
During the days spent at Tien-Tsin came news from Pekin which was both cheering and alarming. It was to the effect that so far all of the ministers but the German were safe. Several of the legations had been burnt down, and the various foreigners in Pekin had retreated to the English compound. They were being bombarded almost daily by the Chinese; and, whereas the Boxers had started the crusade against them, they were now being besieged by the government troops as well. They hoped to hold out until rehef came, but both rations and ammunition were alarmingly low.
This news stirred each of the foreign nations as they had never been stirred before. "Pekin must be relieved at any cost," was what every one said. "Our ministers and our people must be saved." Then the preparations for the advance were hurried more than ever.
One afternoon, when all was quiet, Gilbert obtained leave of absence for a few hours, and lost no time in hurrying to that section of the foreign
