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318 While calling upon Nuggy, Gilbert asked him about Jerry Nickerson, and was told that Nickerson had gone back to Taku, to take the first ship he could get for home. "He is sick of affairs here," said Nuggy; "and as soon as I got to feeling bad he deserted me. I never want to see him again."

Shortly after Gilbert and the Bartletts had obtained Nuggy Polk's confession, the young lieutenant was ordered to Taku, to take charge of some goods which were arriving by transport. He journeyed by rail from Tien-Tsin to Tongku, and was glad to note that the country was now free from Boxers and Chinese troops, and that the natives were going to work again, almost as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

"This campaign is about over," he reasoned. "The Chinese have been taught a lesson; and they'll be only too glad to negotiate, through Li Hung Chang, for peace." And this surmise was correct.

Arriving at Taku, almost the first man Gilbert met was Captain Ponsberry of the Columbia. The captain was as hale and hearty as ever, but rather doubtful concerning the disposition of the cargo he had on board of his vessel.