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208 Gilbert was affected, but did not dare to show it. "I am sorry. I will do what I can for you," he murmured, and gave her a look which meant a good deal. Then he turned to the mother. "What favor did you wish of me?"

"I wanted you to ask at the consulate for a marine or two to guard the warehouse. Ever since the fire the looters have been out in force, and I am afraid that what was not burned will be stolen."

"I will do what I can in the matter. And is that all?"

"I wished to find out about getting to Taku. If the bombardment grows worse, we cannot remain here."

"Would you care to remove to Gordon Hall?"

"If my husband was not sick, I would go. But that would be no place for him; and the hospital would be still worse. If we could get him down the river in secret, that would be best of all."

"Then I will find out for you when the next large boat goes down to Taku, and what the chances will be of getting through without harm."

"If you will do that, lieutenant, I shall be very glad," said Mrs. Bartlett. And then she added in a