had
just done business with him; and that, in consequence, the Russian
commander, who is a pleasant old fellow, risen from the ranks, had
said that he could have a private view of the Palace if he swore on
his honour that he would not divulge the excursion to any one. He
must, also, not take anything. He did not tell me all at first. It
came out bit by bit, after I had been sounded on a number of points.
Then he asked me if I would like to come, and if I, too, would swear.

Of course, I duly swore!

Eventually we started on our long ride; for it was necessary for us to
go right round the Imperial city, skirting the pink walls so as not to
become involved in other people's territory, or to be noticed too
much. That was one of the preliminary precautions, K---- said. All the
way round, that ride was a beautiful illustration of the way the
International Concert (written with capital letters) is now working.
At absolutely every entrance into the Imperial city there were troops
of one nationality or another: American, British, French, German,
Japanese, and others--all looking jealously at every passer-by, and
holding so tight to their precious gates, that it appeared as if all
the world was conspiring to wrest them from their grasp. They thought,
perhaps, that this Palace is the magic wand which touches all China
and can produce any results; that both in the immediate and dim future
the obtaining of a good foothold here will mean an immense amount to
their respective countries. What fatuous, immense foolishness! For a
moment, as I looked at these guards, I had the insane desire to charge
suddenly forward and call upon the French, in the name of their dear
Ally, Czar Nicholas, to hand me their gate, or else take the
consequences; to do the same to the others; to mix them up and confuse
them; to tell them that a new war had been declared; that they would
soon have to fight for their lives against formidable foes--to tell
them mad things and to add to the rumours which already fill the air.
These troops, which had been hurled on Peking in frantic haste, had
only come because it was a matter of jealousy--that was now clear to
me. They themselves did not know why they had come, or with whom they
were fighting, or why they were fighting. They knew nothing and cared
less. And yet it does not much matter. It is not really they who are
to blame, nor even their officers. I know full well how instructions
are issued and how little t