knows must inevitably occur. Sometimes, too,
there is even a little crackle of musketry in some remote corner,
which remains quite unexplained. A secret traffic in eggs and
ammunition is still going on with renegade soldiery from Tung
Fu-hsiang's camp; but no longer can these things be purchased openly,
for a Chinese commander has beheaded several men for this treachery,
and threatens to resume fighting if his soldiers are tampered with.

But there is another piece of curious news. A spy has come in and
offered to report the movements of the European army of relief, which
he alleges has already left Tientsin and is pushing back dense bodies
of Chinese troops. This offer has been accepted, and the man has been
given a sackful of dollars from Prince Su's treasure-rooms. He is to
report every day, and to be paid as richly as he cares if he gives us
the truth. Some people say he can only be a liar, who will trim his
sails to whatever breezes he meets. But the Japanese, who have
arranged with him, are not so sceptical; they think that something of
importance may be learned.

Down near the Water-Gate, which runs under the Tartar Wall, the
miserable natives imprisoned by our warfare are in a terrible state of
starvation. Their bones are cracking through their skin; their eyes
have an insane look; yet nothing is being done for them. They are
afraid to attempt escape even in this quiet, as the Water-Gate is
watched on the outside night and day by Chinese sharpshooters. It is
the last gap leading to the outer world which is still left open.
Tortured by the sight of these starving wretches, who moan and mutter
night and day, the posts near by shoot down dogs and cows and drag
them there. They say everything is devoured raw with cannibal-like
cries....

The position is therefore unchanged. We have had a week's quiet, and
some letters from the Tsung-li Yamen, which assures us of their
distinguished consideration, yet we are just as isolated and as uneasy
as we were before. This solitude is becoming killing.

XVIII

THE UNREST GROWS AND DIPLOMACY CONTINUES

27th July, 1900.

* * * * *

It is not so peaceful as it was. Trumpet calls have been blaring
outside; troops have been seen moving in big bodies with great banners
in their van; the Imperial world of Peking is in great tumult; the
soldier-spy alleges new storms must be brewing.

In spite of this, however, the Tsung-li Yamen messe