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did not take Gilbert long to rouse up and reach for his weapons. His pistol and sword secured, he ran to where his company was already forming, under the directions of Second Lieutenant Bruff. A shooting in the direction of the Pei-Ho told him that hostilities had already started.

"The Chinese are moving in the direction of Tien-Tsin," announced Major Morris. "We must follow them up. The French detachment will support us."

But little more was said, and five minutes later the battalion of American regulars were moving along silently. It was still raining, but it could be seen that the storm was coming to an end.

Presently there came a loud shouting out of the darkness, followed by more shots.

"Don't let them get into the boat! For the love of heaven, push her from shore!"

"Some Americans or English in a boat, and in