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Rh at Ho-Si-Wu, and had to be sent back to the hospital at Taku by boat.

This left Gilbert in command of Company A,—a position he was proud to assume, although regretting exceedingly that his fellow-officer was not to participate in the assault on the Chinese capital. The young lieutenant took command in his own quiet way, which at once won the respect of all under him.

"Sure, an' ye desarve the position," said Dan Casey. "None of the b'ys has fought harder nor you."

"I think you have done your share of fighting, Dan," replied Gilbert. "If you keep on, you'll come out a sergeant at least, and perhaps a lieutenant."

"Well, I wouldn't mind being a sergeant, captain; but, as fer a lieutenancy in the rigulars, I'm afraid it's beyant me. If it was the volunteers, it might be different. I'm not from West P'int, ye know."

"And neither am I, Dan. And there is always room at the top," concluded the acting captain of Company A.

Ho-Si-Wu having been occupied without serious opposition, the Allies marched straight for Matow, and from that unimportant town through