uick run to the rendezvous off the
Sha-la-tung shoal, about twenty miles from Pehtang. On their way, near
the entrance to the gulf, they came up with the fleet conveying the
troops intended to be disembarked near the mouth of the Peiho. It was a
magnificent sight, as the clouds of canvas appeared covering the blue
ocean, the ships' bows dashing up the spray, which sparkled in the
sunshine as they clove their onward way. Among them were numerous
steamers, but the wind being fair they were also under sail. The
despatch vessels and gun-boats were moving about, enforcing orders and
bringing up the slower craft. The ships as they arrived at their
destination took up their position in line, according to the division,
brigade, and regiment of the troops on board, all confusion being
avoided by the admiral having furnished each captain with a plan showing
the place in which he was to anchor. The next day the French fleet
arrived, and the whole force moved nearer the shore. The smaller craft
only could cross the bar of the Pehtang, at the mouth of which is a town
of the same name.

Early on the morning of the first of August the signal was made for the
gun-boats and the small steamers attached to the fleet to take as many
troops as they could on board, and to tow boats carrying others, when
the whole flotilla commenced steaming slowly towards Pehtang. As it
would have been dangerous for the gun-boats to attack the forts in their
crowded condition, they proceeded to a spot 2000 yards south of it.

The country presented anything but an attractive appearance, as all that
could be seen was an extensive mud flat, with a raised causeway, running
from Pehtang towards Taku, while deep ditches were cut for the purpose
of drainage, and were likely to prove disagreeable places to cross. The
boats of the men-of-war were employed also in landing the troops. Tom
had command of one of the _Empress's_ boats, and Gerald one of the
_Orion's_, so that they had an opportunity of seeing what was going
forward. As the boats approached, some Chinese soldiers showed
themselves, but perceiving the strength of the force invading their
country, wisely beat a retreat.

Among the first to approach the shore was the commander-in-chief. It
was impossible to get close to the bank. He surveyed the extent of mud
before him; then pulling off his shoes and stockings, and rolling up his
trousers, he leaped overboard, his example being followed by his