e
the one seen by Marco Polo in the palace enclosure of Kublai Khan, being
from three hundred to four hundred feet in height, their sides covered
with forest-trees of all kinds, through whose foliage the yellow-tiled
palace roofs appeared. In the midst of these hills lay a large lake,
containing two or three islands, on which were picturesque buildings,
the islands being reached by quaint and beautiful stone bridges.

On one side of the lake ran the favorite walk of the emperor and his
court, winding in and out for more than two miles among grottos and
flower-gardens, roofed in by flowering creepers. Where palaces touched
the water's edge the walk was carried past on light but beautiful stone
terraces built over the lake. Grandeur was added to the general beauty
of the scene by the high mountains of Tartary which rose in the rear.

The work of looting was followed by a sale of the spoil under the walls
of Peking, the auction continuing for three days, during which a large
quantity of valuable plunder was disposed of. Many of the French
officers had acquired considerable fortunes, and numbers of their men
were nearly as well supplied. For several days intoxication and disorder
prevailed, while the disposition to plunder was extended from the palace
to the neighboring villages.

Meanwhile the preparations for an assault on Peking had gone forward.
The Anting gate was the point selected, the Chinese being given until
the 12th for a peaceful surrender. As noon of that day drew near, the
gunners stood by their pieces, a storming party excitedly awaited the
order to charge as soon as a breach had been made, and General Napier,
watch in hand, timed the slow minutes. Five minutes to twelve arrived.
The general was almost on the point of giving the order, the gunners
were growing eager and excited, when Colonel Stephenson came galloping
hastily up with the news that the gate had been surrendered. In a few
minutes more it was thrown open, a party of British marched in and took
possession, and the French followed with beating drums and flying flags,
forcing the natives back as they advanced.

That afternoon several prisoners were restored to the allies. They
proved to have been inhumanly treated and were in a condition of
fearful emaciation, while the bodies of several who had died were also
given up, among them that of Mr. Bowlby, correspondent of the London
_Times_. This spectacle aroused the greatest indignation in the Briti