Page:On to Pekin.djvu/306

276 to the walled city of Tung-Chow, popularly known as the gateway to Pekin.

The opposition on the way was much less than anticipated. As before, the Japanese and Russians kept in advance, with the other troops on the right and the left. At various points the Chinese had thrown up strong intrenchments, and all their fortifications were ready for use; yet they generally fled after firing one or two rounds from rifles and cannon.

On the last two days of the march the long-threatened rain came down in torrents, covering the already muddy roads to the depth of six inches with water and shme. In this storm some of the transportation wagons lost their way; and for two nights Major Morris's battalion slept out in the field without covering of any kind. Of the transportation wagons which became lost, three took a side road running directly into the Cliinese camp; and these would have been captured by the enemy, had not some sharpshooters of the Russians discovered them, and turned the drivers back.

It must be confessed that some of the soldiers were much disheartened, for the wearisome march was beginning to tell upon them. They could