ting the telegraph office, post office and other places, and
while we do not believe that the foreigners will be molested,
nevertheless it is impossible to tell just what to expect. It is
certain, however, that the Consul will order all of us to Foochow if
news of the situation reaches there. Owing to the uncertainty, I think
you had better come in to Yen-ping so as to be ready for any
eventuality.

After talking the situation over with Dr. Trimble and Mr. Bankhardt, we
all agreed that the wisest thing is for you to come in immediately. I
am sending four burden-bearers for it will be out of the question to
find any tomorrow, if trouble occurs tonight. The city gates are closed
so you will have to climb up the ladder over the wall behind our
compound. Best wishes.

HARRY.

P.S.--Later: It is again reported that Northern soldiers are to arrive
tonight. If they do and trouble occurs your only chance is to get to
Yen-ping today.

H.C.

The camp immediately was thrown into confusion for Da-Ming, the cook, and
the burden-bearers were jabbering excitedly at the top of their voices.
The servants began to pack the loads at once and meanwhile we ate a roast
chicken faster than good table manners would permit--in fact, we took it in
our fingers. We were both delighted at the prospect of some excitement and
talked almost as fast as the Chinese.

In just one hour from the time Harry's letter had been received, we were
on the way to Yen-ping. It was the hottest part of the day, and we were
dripping with perspiration when we left the cool darkness of the ravine and
struck across the open valley, which lay shimmering in a furnace-like heat.
At the first rest house on the top of the long hill we waited nearly an
hour for our bearers who were struggling under the heavy loads.

Three miles farther on a poor woman tottered past us on her peglike feet
leaning on the arm of a man. A short distance more and we came to the
second rest house. We had been there but a few moments when three panting
women, steadying themselves with long staves and barely able to walk on
feet not more than four inches long, came up the hill. With them were
several men bearing household goods in large bundles and huge red boxes.

The exhausted women sank upon the benches and fanned themselves while the
perspiration ran down their flushed faces. They looked so utterly miserable
that we told