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202 of the Pei-Ho. They soon came in sight of the Chinese force on the plain; and a battle at long range started, lasting for several hours. Gradually the Chinese were forced around to the West Arsenal, and then they fled. They were pursued by the cavalry; and a party of six hundred Boxers were cut to pieces almost to a man, the Japanese horsemen riding over them rough-shod. In this fight the arsenal was captured, also four field-pieces, and over a score of Chinese banners, including the dreaded head-spear flag of the Boxers. A head-spear flag is one of black, mounted on a bamboo pole, topped with a human skull.

Gilbert's company was stationed close to the river still, and was under more or less fire all the time. The pickets often indulged in "sniping," as it is termed; and many a Boxer who exposed himself was laid low most unexpectedly. But the Cliinese also did some sharpshooting; and the soldiers soon found it expedient to keep out of sight of the enemy, even at long range.

The weather was most disagreeable. When it was not raining, the sun shone down with the fury of a fiery furnace; and, during the middle of the day,