Page:On to Pekin.djvu/329

Rh interest to call upon Nuglich Polk. You will find him in Ward 8 of the prison.

"My husband is doing very well, and hopes to be around again in the course of a few weeks. We are glad to learn that Pekin has fallen, and hope that a permanent peace will soon follow."

"They have cornered him at last!" murmured Gilbert, after reading the communication carefully. "I wish I could get to Tien-Tsin and see that letter."

His wish to get to Tien-Tsia was gratified the very next day. A detachment of troops was going down the river, and Gilbert was placed ia charge. Although the country was still filled with Chinese, the trip was made without special incident; and the acting captain of Company A found himself in Tien-Tsin at nightfall the next day, and not many blocks distant from the prison Mrs. Bartlett had mentioned.

Looting had long ago stopped in the city, and all was comparatively quiet. Yet, as Gilbert walked in the direction of the prison (being half of a mind to visit Nuggy Polk before calling upon the Bartletts, who lived a good mile away), he noticed several soldiers and citizens running in excitement.