though they suspected his
treacherous promises of protection, moved to a house near his
_Yamen_.[4]

"Arrived at the house chosen for them, they made themselves as
comfortable as possible for the night; and the next morning (Sunday,
July 8) were able to examine their surroundings. They found that for
their whole number (twenty-six, including children) there were only two
comparatively small courts, the two inner courts being already occupied
by the Roman Catholics. . . . When the fateful day (Monday, July 9)
dawned, the foreigners evidently had no inkling as to what was to
happen. Just before noon the sub-prefect called and took a list of all
who were in the house, both foreigners and Chinese, saying it was by
order of the Governor. . . . As was ascertained just a year later, when
other Protestant missionaries returned to the province, the Governor had
determined that on that day he would kill all the foreigners in
Taiyueanfu. He evidently only took a few of the officials into his
confidence, and one at least--the _Tao Tai_--strenuously opposed the
course he was about to pursue, but unfortunately without result.

"It must have been about two o'clock in the afternoon when he ordered a
number of officers, with their soldiers, to accompany him, and mounting
his own horse, led the way. He made as though he would go out of the
city by the North Gate, but before reaching that point, he suddenly
wheeled round and went to the house where the missionaries were
confined. He there ordered their immediate arrest, and they appear to
have made no resistance--as, indeed, it would have been useless. All who
were found within the compound (Protestants and Roman Catholics) were
seized; and it so happened there were several Chinese there on
business. . . . No excuse was listened to, and all were marched off to
the Governor's _Yamen_ between files of soldiers, where they were taken
into the courtyard adjoining the street and surrounded by soldiers--not
Boxers.

"As to what really occurred, the whole truth will probably never be
known, but from inquiries made on the spot, it seems certain that the
Governor did not assault any with his own hand; but, having asked the
missionaries where they came from, and being answered, 'From England,'
and 'From France,' just gave the order, 'Sha' (kill) to the soldiers,
who answered with a shout and immediately fell upon their defenceless
victims, killing them indiscriminately."[5]

The Church in Hwoc