half insane. At
the Main Gate, a majestic structure of stone and brick, a few sandbags
had actually been got together, as if suggesting that later on
something might be done. But for the time being this Legation, where
all the women and children have rushed for safety, is quite
defenceless. Yet it has long been an understood thing that it was to
become the general base. It was not surprising, then, that at six in
the evening yesterday a tragedy had occurred within eyesight of
everybody at the Main Gate. A European, who afterwards turned out to
be Professor J----, of the Imperial University, an eccentric of
pronounced type, had attempted to cross the north bridge, which
connects the extreme north of Prince Su's palace walls with a road
passing just one hundred yards from the British Legation northern
wall, and perhaps three hundred yards from the Main Gate itself. It
was seen that the European was running, onlookers told me, and that
after him came a Chinese brave in full war-paint, with his rifle at
the trail. Instead of charging his men down the street to save this
wretched man, the British officer, Captain W----, ordered the Main
Gate to be closed, and everybody to go inside except himself and his
file of marines. He then commanded volley-firing, apparently at the
pink walls of the Imperial city, which form a background to the
bridge, although he might as well have ordered musical drill.
Meanwhile the unfortunate J---- was caught half way across the stone
bridge by some other Chinese snipers, who had been lying concealed
there all the time behind some piles of stones. He was hit several
times, though not killed, as several people swear they saw him
crawling down into the canal bed on his hands and knees. Volley-firing
continued at the Main Gate, and the aforesaid British officer cursed
himself into a fever of rage over his men. Even when J---- had finally
disappeared, no steps were taken to see what had become of him; he was
calmly reported lost. This was the opening of the ball at the British
Legation.

No sooner was it dark than M----, the chief, appeared on the scenes,
smoking a cigarette reminiscent of his Egyptian campaign, and clad in
orthodox evening dress. This completed everyone's anger, but the end
was not yet. At ten in the evening a scare developed among the women,
and it was decided to begin fortifying some of the more exposed
points. Everybody who could be found was turned on to this work, but
in the