their rifles;
in the dry canal alongside were rude structures of brick and
overturned. Peking carts, line upon line, thrown down and heaped up to
block the enemy's long-expected charges; and on all sides were such
stenches and refuse--all the flotsam and jetsam cast up by our sea of
troubles. Until then I did not realise how many carcases, fragments of
broken weapons, empty cartridge cases, broken bottles, torn clothing,
and a hundred other things were lying about. It was a sordid picture.
Presently the British Minister, in his capacity of commander-in-chief
and protector of the other Ministers, came out and took his seat by
the side of his guest, an interpreter standing beside him to help the
interview. Then the French Minister approached and insinuated himself
into the droll council of peace; the Spanish Minister, as _doyen_,
also appeared, and one or two others. But those Ministers who are
without Legations, who so uncomfortably resemble their colleagues at
home--those without portfolios--formed a group in the middle distance,
humble as men only are who have to rely upon bounty. I saw the Belgian
Minister and the Italian Charge for the first time for several weeks.
My own chief was also there, rubbing his hands, trying to seem
natural. The interview proceeded apace, and as far as we could judge
there were no noticeable results.

There were assurances on both sides, regrets, the crocodile tears of
diplomacy, and vague threats. All our Ministers seemed comforted to feel
that diplomacy still existed--that there was still a world in which
protocols were binding. And yet nothing definite could be learned from
this Yamen secretary. He said that everyone would be protected, but that
the "bandits" were still very strong. After this official interview,
other private interviews took place. Buglers and orderlies from the
Chinese generals around us trooped in on us for unknown reasons. Three
came over the German barricades, and were led blindfolded to the British
Legation to be cross-questioned and examined. One trumpeter said that
his general wished for an interview with one of our generals at the
great Ha-ta Gate, where were his headquarters. He wished to discuss
military matters. Other men came in a big deputation to the little
Japanese colonel, and said they wanted an interview too. It means the
temporary resumption of a species of diplomatic life. I suppose it is
in the air, and everybody likes the change. Yesterday, too,