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Rh not see them; and they were aimed by the aid of flag signals from the top of Gordon Hall.

On the morning of July 9 it was felt that the position regarding communications with Taku was growing critical. The Chinese were well planted with their guns on the north bank of the Pei-Ho; and their troops on the western plain were gradually circling southward and to the east, in order to reach the other bank of the stream, thus cutting off the Allies' connection with the outside world.

"Something is up to-day, sure," remarked Captain Banner to Gilbert. "The Chinese are enfilading our twelve-pounders, and the British gunners can't hold their position unless relief is given."

"I see that our marines are getting ready to move," replied the young lieutenant. "I wish we were going with them. I am tired of doing nothing but guard duty."

"Don't fret. We have still plenty of fighting before us," was the captain's reassuring answer.

Early that morning a detachment of the Allies, including a hundred American marines, with two thousand Japanese, English, and Russians, marched to the Taku gate of the outer city, and then down the bank