But all minor details are forgotten in the fact that there is absolute and definite news of the relief columns—­news which is repeated and confirmed nine times over and cannot be false this time.  The columns were forming for a general advance as the letters were sent off.  The advance guard was leaving immediately, the main body following two days later; and the whole of the international forces would arrive before the middle of the month of August.  That is what the letters said.  Also, the American Minister’s cipher message had got through, and was now known to the entire world.  Everybody’s eyes were fixed on Peking.  There was nothing else spoken of.  That made us stronger than anything else.  Poor human nature—­we are so egotistical!

But there were other items of news.  For the first time we learned that Tientsin has had a siege and bombardment of its own; that all Manchuria is in flames; that the Yangtse Valley has been trembling on the brink of rebellion; that Tientsin city has at last been captured by European troops and a provisional government firmly established; and that many of the high Chinese officials have committed suicide in many parts of China.  It is curious what a shock all this news gave, and how many people behaved almost as if their minds had become unhinged.  But then we have had two months of it, and in two months you can travel far.  In the hospital it was noticed, too, that all the wounded became more sick....  It has been decided that any further news must be only gradually divulged, and that despatches which give absolute details can no longer be posted on the Bell-tower....

A network of ruined houses around the old Mongol market have just been seized and occupied by a volunteer force.  This is the last weak spot there is—­a half-closed gap, which could be rushed by bodies of men coming in from the Ch’ien Men Gate and ordered to attack us.  This new angle of native houses are being sandbagged and loopholed.  Both sides, defenders and attacking forces, are now as ready as possible.  What is going to happen?  I am mightily tired of speculating and of writing.

XXIII

TRIFLES

4th August, 1900.

* * * * *

There is now, and has been for the best part of the last forty-eight hours, outpost shooting on all sides, which remains quite unexplained.  Listen how it happens.

You are sitting at a loophole, half asleep, perhaps, during the daytime, when crack! a bullet sends a shower of brick chips and a powder-puff of dust over your head.  You swear, maybe, and quietly continue dozing.  Then come two or three rifle reports and more dust.  This time the thing seems more serious, it may mean something; so you reach for your glasses and carefully survey the scene beyond through your loophole.  To remain absolutely hidden is the order of the day.  So there is nothing much to be seen.