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218 already missing, the Celestial troops having carried them off themselves.

Gilbert was eating his dinner when there came to him a message from the Buddhist priest, asking him to come to the joss house at once, and alone.

"What does the priest want of me?" asked the young lieutenant, curiously.

"He wants advice," was the slow answer. "He is much troubled, and wishes advice in secret."

Thinking he would be safe with a man of such standing as a Buddhist priest, Gilbert agreed to accompany the messenger, who at once led the way to a lane behind the joss house. At the foot of the lane was a small iron door entering into the house of worship. This was ajar, and inside of an entry Gilbert saw some joss sticks burning over a round table set with a platter of meat and another of rice.

"You will go inside, and the good Li Gow will speedily join you," said the messenger, and pointed the way. With some hesitation, Gilbert pushed back the iron door, and entered the apartment where the joss sticks were blazing.

On the instant the door was banged shut and bolted from the outside. The sudden rush of air