A VISIT TO THE TAILOR'S, AND A WALK ROUND VICTORIA--TRICKS OF THE
COOLIES--A CHINESE FESTIVAL--SAIL FOR SHANGHAI--AN UNEXPECTED MEETING--
ADVENTURES OF THE DRAGON'S CREW--A WALK THROUGH SHANGHAI--THE
MIDSHIPMEN'S RIDE INTO THE COUNTRY--THEIR PLEASURE DISAGREEABLY
INTERRUPTED--A RIDE FOR LIFE, AND A NARROW ESCAPE--BRING NEWS OF THE
APPROACH OF THE REBELS--REGAIN THEIR HOTEL--AROUSED BY THE SOUND OF
FIRING--SHANGHAI ATTACKED BY THE REBELS--THE BLUE JACKETS TAKE PART IN
THE DEFENCE--TREACHERY DEFEATED--JERRY SAVES TOM'S LIFE--THE REBELS
DEFEATED--RETURN ON BOARD THE EMPRESS--THE ORION, CAPTAIN ADAIR, ARRIVES
FROM ENGLAND--ADAIR COMES ON BOARD THE EMPRESS--GERALD'S ANXIETY--AN
ASTOUNDING REQUEST--CAPTAIN ADAIR COMMUNICATES SOME INTERESTING
INFORMATION TO DESMOND--THE FLEET ASSEMBLES, AND THE ARMY LANDS ON THE
SHORES OF CHINA.
The fleet lay in readiness to proceed to Pe-chili, where it was expected
that they would find work to do, as the Taku Forts had to be captured
before the troops, now assembling in strong force, could march on Pekin.
In the mean time Captain Rogers took the midshipmen on shore to obtain
an outfit for them, which they much required. With this object they
repaired to the shop of Tung-Cheong, the Buckmaster, of Victoria.
Mr Tung-Cheong came forward with a smiling countenance, guessing, as he
surveyed the tattered uniforms of the three midshipmen, what they
required.
"Me thinkee greatest tailor in the world. Thinkee nothing to make
coat'ees for three gentlemans," he observed, as he pointed to the
uniforms of every possible description hanging up in the shop. He at
once produced a midshipman's uniform, which he kept as a specimen to
show of what he was capable, and having taken their measures, he
promised that all three should be ready the following evening, together
with every other article they might please to order. They, of course,
wanted shirts, socks, caps, and shoes, swords and belts, all of which,
to their surprise, he had in stock--indeed, he showed, like most of his
countrymen, that he had a keen eye for business, and would undertake to
fit out a ship's company, from an admiral down to a powder-monkey.
Leaving the town, they climbed to the top of Victoria Peak, from whence
they could look down on the harbour, which had the appearance of a
picturesque lake, dotted over with vessels of every rig, while they
obtained a good view of the town itself which extended along the shore
for nearly four miles. Below on one side was the Kowloon Peninsula, now
covered with military tents, while on the south side were seen
numberless islands, with the wide expanse of the China Sea beyond.
"Now let us pay a visit to the Happy Valley," said Tom, as they
descended the heights.
"It must be a pleasant place to live in. I should like to take up my
abode there," observed Billy.
"Wait until you reach it before you form an opinion; it has a good many
inhabitants already," observed Tom, who had heard all about the
Wang-ne-chung from Charley Roy.
Billy changed his opinion when they got to the place, which is the
burial ground of Hong-kong. On entering the Protestant cemetery, they
saw a column erected to the memory of the officers and men of the 59th
Regiment, which regiment, in the course of nine years, lost 644 persons,
including a number of women and upwards of 100 children; the greater
number cut down not by the weapons of the enemy, but by the pestiferous
climate.
On their way to the town they met a soldier, holding a Chinaman by his
pigtail, which he had twisted two or three times round his hand. On
asking the Englishman what he was about to do with his prisoner, his
reply was--
"Why, sir, this here chap is a coolie recruit; he has received his pay
in advance, and was bolting, when I clapped eyes on him, and am taking
him back to the barracks."
The coolie corps had just been raised to act as carriers to the
regiments going to Pekin. Not being over troubled with honesty, the men
took every opportunity of escaping as soon as they had received an
advance, intending in many instances again to enlist.
On returning to the ship, Charley Roy told them of an incident, which
had occurred just before. A number of coolies had been embarked on
board a troop-ship, when one of them, who had purchased a quantity of
pepper, started up and threw it into the eyes of the sentry placed over
him, then dashing past the guard, leaped overboard, swam to a boat which
was in waiting, and succeeded in making his escape.
While the midshipmen were at Hong-kong the great Chinese festival was
going on; and as they had leave to go on shore, they had an opportunity
of witnessing the proceedings.
One day they met a procession, consisting of some 3000 or 4000 people,
many of them merchants and tradesmen, dressed in their gaudiest attire,
extending upwards of a mile in length. There were bands of music and
groups of figures, either carried on men's shoulders or wheeled along on
platforms, representing various somewhat incomprehensible characters,
but the chief attractions were three enormous dragons, each a hundred
feet in length, which required thirty men to carry them.
In the evening an entertainment was given, open to all, without charge.
It was in an enormous building erected for the purpose, composed of
bamboo frame-work covered with matting. The interior was elegantly
fitted up, and lighted by large numbers of glass chandeliers; the sides
were richly decorated, and here were soon altars overhung with gorgeous
drapery, and conservatories full of flowering plants, while concerts of
vocal and instrumental music were going on in several parts of the
building. There were also rooms where light refreshments, such as tea,
coffee, and fruit, could be obtained without charge. Those who required
more substantial fare could procure it at booths outside the large
building, on very moderate payment. The midshipmen enjoyed themselves,
and voted the Chinese very amusing, hospitable fellows.
At length the ships of war were ordered to the northward. The _Empress_
was to call at Shanghai, at the southern entrance of the great river
Yang-tse-kiang. Shanghai consists of a large English settlement and a
Chinese city of considerable size. Soon after the _Empress_ had come to
anchor, a shore boat, pulled by Chinese, was seen approaching.
"She has English officers on board. Who can they be?" exclaimed Gerald,
who was on the look-out at the gangway, to Tom. "I do believe! Can it
be possible? Yes, I am nearly certain! There's Archie Gordon, Mr Joy,
and there is Commander Rawson himself. Then the old _Dragon_ must have
escaped after all."
Tom sprang to the gangway, and waved his cap. This salute was replied
to by those in the boat, which in another minute was alongside, and
Commander Rawson, with the lieutenant and Archie, came on deck.
"We had given you up for lost," said Tom, as he shook hands with his
brother midshipman.
"And we, to say the truth, had very little expectation of seeing you
again," answered Archie. "How did you escape?"
"How did you find your way here?" asked Tom, without answering the
question.
Before Archie could reply, Captain Rogers came on deck and welcomed the
party. After exchanging a few words, the commander and lieutenant
accompanied him into the cabin, while Archie was led off by his old
shipmates into their berth. Before, however, he would give them an
account of his adventures, he insisted on hearing about theirs, which of
course occupied some time.
"And now," said Tom, "we want to hear your yarn. Was the _Dragon_ lost?
was it her we saw on the rocks, or was that some other unfortunate
vessel?"
"She was the _Dragon_, there can be no doubt," answered Archie. "You
remember the day at the Bonins when the hurricane suddenly sprang up.
We had just got on board and were looking out for you, when the
commander, considering that we should to a certainty be driven on shore
if we remained where we were, ordered the steam to be got up, intending
to run round and take you on board. We had not got far, however, when
one of our boilers burst, killing half a dozen men and committing other
damage. We had now to depend upon our canvas, while the hurricane was
every instant increasing in strength. The ship, however, behaved very
well. We ran on before the gale for four and twenty hours, when a lull
coming on, the commander, wishing to get back to the Bonins, hauled the
ship up. We had not, however, stood on long under close-reefed
topsails, when a furious blast suddenly struck her, and in one fell
swoop carried away all our masts. We managed, however, to get before
the wind again by hoisting a sail on the stump of our foremast, and ran
on, hoping to get under the lee of some island by the time the gale was
over, where we might rig jury masts.
"Night came on; the hurricane was over. We were anxiously looking for
daylight. Our belief was that we were a considerable distance from any
island, when suddenly a loud crash was heard, and we had too sure
evidence that the ship was on shore. Happily the sea had gone down, and
although she struck heavily several times, we had hopes that she would
hold together until we had made our escape. The commander, who was as
cool as a cucumber, told us that although he could not get the ship off,
seeing that already she had two or three holes in her bottom, our lives
might all be preserved if we maintained discipline and exerted
ourselves. When daylight came we found ourselves in sight of a small
island, but it looked barren and inhospitable, with intervening reefs,
over which the sea was breaking, so that we could have but little hope
of reaching it. Outside, however, it was much calmer, but as the boats
could not carry us all, the commander determined to build two or more
rafts or catamarans which might convey all who could not go in the
boats, and carry provisions and water.
"We hoped to reach the Loo-choo Islands, should we miss Grampus Island,
half-way to them. The weather coming on perfectly fine, we were able to
get three rafts rigged and the boats prepared for sea. The boats were
to take the rafts in tow and keep within hailing distance, steering as
the commander might direct. With a light wind from the eastward we
shoved off from the wreck, without leaving a man behind. We made but
slow progress, as the wind was light and the rafts towed somewhat
heavily, still, we were all in good spirits, except that we regretted
the loss of the ship and could not help thinking what had become of you
fellows. We ran on for three days and then began to look out for
Grampus Island, when the weather became threatening. As the barometer
fell, so did our spirits. Had we all been in the boats, we might by
this time have reached the shore, but of course they would not desert
the rafts. The second lieutenant had charge of one raft, Josling
another, and I volunteered to command the third. Even should a gale
spring up, we did not altogether despair of navigating our rafts, so
that we might run before it and lash ourselves down to escape being
washed off.
"The wind blew stronger and stronger; the sea got up, and as night
approached, matters were looking very disagreeable. The commander came
round and spoke to those on the rafts, telling us what to do, and
promising that the boats should remain by us should the worst come to
the worst. The night was dark and squally. The catamarans rode over
the sea better than was expected, although at times we scarcely expected
to see another sunrise. When day at length broke, we were still in
sight of each other, but there was no abatement in the gale, nor could
land anywhere be discerned.
"Though we had weathered one night, from the experience we had had we
earnestly hoped that we might not be exposed to a still severer gale,
and yet there seemed every likelihood of the wind increasing. For my
part, I began to think it was a pity those in the boats should expose
themselves to greater danger by remaining by us, and was considering
that we ought to urge the commander to leave us to make the best of our
way, when a sail appeared in sight to the southward. As she stood
towards us we made her out to be an American whaler. On coming up to us
she hove to, when our commander went on board. We were, it may be
supposed, not a little anxious to know what arrangements he would make
with the master of the whaler. He was not long in settling matters. In
a short time he made a signal for the other boats to come alongside,
which they quickly did. The stores and the people not required for
pulling were at once taken on board. The boats then came off to the
rafts, when we all got into them and towed the rafts up to the ship.
The stores were at once hoisted up, when the rafts were cast adrift,
while our larger boats were allowed to tow astern, as they could not be
taken on board. The American captain, who was bound to the coast of
Japan in search of whales, agreed to land us at Yokohama.
"The voyage, however, was much longer than we expected. We were first
of all caught in a heavy gale which came on that night, and were
compelled to heave to, when we lost the boats towing astern. A day or
two after this several whales were seen, which the captain was naturally
anxious to catch. As he had plenty of hands on board, he put off with
all his boats, and no less than three fish were killed. Then we had to
cut them up and stow them away, which occupied the best part of a week.
Scarcely was the operation concluded when two more whales were seen and
taken, the American captain acknowledging that it was owing much to our
assistance that he was able to secure such prizes.
"After this we had calms and light or contrary winds, so that our voyage
was a protracted one. We had brought provisions and water, though they
were nearly exhausted. What with so many men being on board, and the
dirty condition of the whaler, it was a wonder that sickness did not
break out among us so the doctor said, and so it would have done had not
the people lived as much as possible on deck.
"The American captain fulfilled his promise, and landed us at Yokohama.
We were detained there a considerable time before we could get across to
this place. As soon as we arrived we sent word to Hong-kong of our
safety, but I suppose the news had not reached that place before you
sailed."
"Well, I am very glad, old fellow, that you and the rest have escaped,"
said Tom, "and I hope that we three shall be as fortunate as were my
brother Jack and his two friends, when they were midshipmen."
The three newly re-united friends at once got leave to go on shore
together with a few other midshipmen.
They first walked through the European settlement, which is handsomely
laid out in streets running at right angles to each other. Many of the
houses were well built, and stood in compounds like those in India.
Strong wooden barriers had been put up at the beads of all the main
streets, with loopholes in them, so that the place could be defended
should the rebels succeed in capturing the native town beyond. This
town is a short distance to the south of the European settlement. It
was surrounded by a brick wall of about twenty-five feet in height, with
an earthen embankment inside, forming a rampart six to ten feet wide.
The parapet was two feet thick and seven high, containing embrasures for
large gingalls three or four feet only apart. Between each gingall was
a small hole in the parapet which held an earthen vessel filled with
slaked lime, ready to be flung in the faces of an enemy attempting to
escalade the walls. A considerable number of Chinese troops were
stationed on the ramparts, with gay-coloured flags of various devices
flying above their heads. It seemed curious that while the English were
at war with the emperor, they should be in alliance with some part of
his troops engaged in defending one of his towns against his rebel
subjects.
"This is mighty dull work," exclaimed Gerald, after they had been
wandering about the native town some time. "I vote that we get horses
and take a gallop into the country. We shall have the fun of a ride, at
all events, and perhaps see something curious."
"But suppose we fall in with the Tae-pings--that would not be pleasant;
they would cut off our heads before we could explain who we were,"
observed Archie, who always took the cautious side.
"They look upon the English as friends, I believe," remarked Charley
Roy. "They might, to be sure, take us prisoners and hold us as
hostages; however, we must take care not to get near them, and by the
last reports they were at Pow-shun, twenty miles off at least."
Notwithstanding the risk they might run, the votes were decidedly in
favour of a ride if horses could be procured. The midshipmen for some
time made inquiries where horses were to be let, in vain. At length
they got a Chinaman to stop and try to understand what they wanted.
Gerald, jumping on Billy's back, sticking his heels into his sides and
beating behind, the Chinaman signified that he comprehended their
meaning, and led the way along several streets until they reached some
stables containing a dozen Tartar ponies, sorry-looking half-starved
animals. An old man with a long pig-tail, dressed in a blue serge shirt
hanging over trousers of the same material, made his appearance, and
again they had recourse to signs to ascertain whether he would let the
horses, and how much they were to pay. To do this Tom produced some
money, which he counted out into the hands of the old man, who
immediately pocketed it, then saddled and bridled one of the ponies,
thus giving the midshipmen to understand that he must be paid
beforehand. As they had no objection to do this, the rest followed
Tom's example.
"Take care no go near Tae-pings," said the old man, showing that he was
accustomed to have dealings with the English, although his stock of
words in that language was limited. The party, having been supplied
with sticks instead of whips, set off in the direction of the west gate,
which was wide open. As no enemy was near and it was supposed that the
English officers were merely about to make a short circuit in the
neighbourhood, they were allowed to pass unquestioned. As soon as they
were clear of the walls, they put their horses into a gallop and dashed
along at full speed, as if they were riding a race, laughing and
shouting, to the great astonishment of the peasantry, who came out of
their cottages to look at them. They had not gone far when they came
upon a small pagoda-shaped edifice, about twenty feet in height. Seeing
a man entering it carrying a small oblong bundle, wrapped round with
bamboo straw, they followed him. Tom and Gerald, getting off their
horses, entered the building. Round it were shelves, on which a number
of similar bundles were seen; a pair of small feet sticking out of one
of the bundles revealed to them the contents, and upon further inquiries
from the man they ascertained that it was the "baby tower," in which the
remains of infants whose parents were too poor to afford an ordinary
funeral were deposited, and that when it was full it was cleared out by
the municipal authorities.
"What wonderfully methodical people these Chinese are," said Archie;
"but they certainly have curious ways of doing things."
The road over which they passed was well made and the country highly
cultivated, with corn and paddy fields and gardens full of vegetables
and fruit trees; ditches full of water to irrigate the ground ran in all
directions, and over them were picturesque bridges, the larger ones of
stone, and the others of wood or bamboo. People were at work in the
fields, or employed in turning water-wheels, to raise the water to
higher lands. The cottages were low, full of windows, deep caves, and
so lightly built that it seemed as if a moderate gale would blow them
away. The midshipmen had gone a considerable distance, much further,
indeed, than they intended, but everything looked so peaceable that they
could not fancy there was any risk, as they concluded that the rebels
must be a long way off.
At last, getting hungry and thirsty, they looked about in the hopes of
discovering a tea-house where they might obtain refreshments. Meeting a
few peasants, as they seemed, by the road-side, they inquired by the
usual language of signs where they could get something to eat. The men
pointed to the west, and signified that they would soon come to a
village where they could obtain what they wanted.
"Probably it is not much further; let us ride on," said Charley Roy.
They galloped forward, and were not mistaken, a good-sized village
appeared in sight, and one of the first houses in it was of the
description they were in search of. The host chin-chinned as they
approached, and welcomed them to his establishment. Having fastened up
their horses in a stable close at hand, where food and water were given
them, they entered a tea house, and cakes, biscuits, and sweetmeats,
with tea in wonderfully small cups, were at once placed before them.
"I say, I wonder whether the old fellow hasn't got something more
substantial than this?" exclaimed Billy. "Some beef steaks and mutton
chops, with a supply of vegetables, would be more to the purpose."
All the signs they made, however, produced nothing but a further supply
of the same fare, which they despatched with a rapidity calculated to
astonish their host, who was seen looking round at each of them and
apparently calculating how much he should charge.
After their repast, they strolled out into the garden behind the house,
containing arbours, miniature ponds filled with fish, canals crossed by
bamboo bridges, and beds of tulips with other gay flowers. As there
were no other visitors, they made themselves at home, lighted their
cigars and took possession of the arbours, while Billy amused himself by
trying to catch the fish with his hands as they swam up to gaze at the
strange creature looking down upon them.
"This is really very jolly," said Desmond. "We will patronise our
friend again if we come this way, although I wish I could make him
understand that we want something better than cakes and tea."
They had been resting for some time, two or three of the party dropping
off to sleep, when the sound of distant shouts and cries reached their
ears. The noises grew louder and louder. Presently their host appeared
at the door, gesticulating wildly, and pointing to the way they had
come. Some straggling shots were heard.
"The place must be taken by the rebels, and as it is not our business to
fight them, the best thing we can do is to make ourselves scarce,"
exclaimed Archie Gordon.
"We shall all be knocked on the head if we don't," cried Charley Roy,
starting up. "Come, lads, the sooner we are on horseback the better."
Tom, shouting to his companions, led the way towards the house. The
host had vanished, but they again caught sight of him hurrying off with
a bundle under one arm, a box under the other, and a basket at his back.
The doors were open, so they quickly rushed through the house towards
the stables. The grooms had fled, fortunately not carrying off the
steeds, which were munching away at their hay. To slip on the bridles
and tighten up the girths did not take long.
"Now, boys," cried Tom, "discretion in this case is the best part of
valour."
"We shall get preciously wigged by the first lieutenant if we lose our
heads, for coming where we have no business to be," cried Gerald.
As they led out their horses, they saw people hurrying off in all
directions across the fields, some scampering along the road they were
about to follow. Behind them, at the further end of the village, came a
confused multitude, but whether fugitives or pursuers they could not
make out. One thing was certain, that if they delayed they would get
into serious trouble, if not lose their lives.
"Mount, mount, and let us be off!" cried Tom. "Here, Billy, I will lend
you a hand," and he lifted up his messmate, whose steed was somewhat
restive, into his saddle; he then leaped on his own. Only a minute was
lost before the midshipmen were all mounted, but that minute was of
consequence.
The cries in their rear grew louder; several shots came whizzing past
their ears.
"On! on!" shouted Tom. "I will bring up the rear," and, giving a whack
to Billy's pony, he drew up for an instant to let the others pass him.
They then altogether galloped on as fast as their steeds could move
their nimble legs. Half-starved as the animals looked, they went at a
good pace. Should their pursuers be on foot, they would very soon be
beyond all danger of being shot. Tom occasionally turned to glance over
his shoulder. Still the people behind, whoever they were, came rushing
on, though as they were distanced they seemed to be more and more
confused, until only a dark-coloured mass could be distinguished.
"We shall soon be beyond their reach," shouted Tom; "it won't do to pull
up until we have distanced them thoroughly." Soon afterwards, as he
looked again, he saw the dark mass divided, when he could distinguish
sword blades flashing in the sun as they waved here and there.
"There are cavalry of some sort after us," he cried out. As far as he
could judge at that distance, the horsemen were engaged in cutting down
the native peasantry, whom they had overtaken unprepared for resistance.
"If we can make our horses go faster, we must do so," cried Tom. "Those
fellows astern mean mischief, and we must keep well ahead, or they will
be trying the sharpness of the sabres on our necks."
The party did not require this exhortation to do their best to make
their steeds move forward faster, urging them on with rein and
reiterated whacks on the back with their sticks. The hoofs of the
animals clattered over the hard ground, sending up clouds of dust. The
day was further advanced than they had supposed, but darkness would
favour them should they find a road by which they might turn off and
gain the city by another entrance.
"How far have we got to go?" inquired Desmond, shouting to Tom.
"That is more than I can tell; I know we came a good long way," answered
Tom; "but our horses will carry us if we stick on their backs. Keep a
good hand on your reins. Whatever you do, don't let them tumble down."
Though Tom encouraged his companions, he did not feel very sure that
they would escape. He could distinguish flags and spears, as well as
the sword blades. The horsemen behind them were becoming every instant
more distinct. Much depended on the strength of their pursuers' horses.
If these had already come a good way that morning they might be tired
and soon knock up, but if they were fresh they might ere long overtake
the midshipmen.
"If they overtake us, we must stand and make a fight for it," cried Tom.
"No doubt about that," answered Desmond. "It will never do to be cut
down like sheep, running away."
"But as long as we can run we will," cried Tom. "If they do come up
with us, my idea is that we should leap our horses over the ditch or
fence, as may be most suitable, on our left, then wheel round and charge
them if they attempt to follow us."
Roy and the rest agreed to Tom's proposal. "I don't think the cavalry
have carbines, so that they cannot shoot us down at a distance, and our
pistol bullets will reach farther than their lance points."
Tom had taken command of the party by tacit consent, and no one was
disposed to dispute his authority. There was no time, however, for
saying much. As they went along Tom had the satisfaction of observing
that the enemy did not appear to be much, if at all, gaining upon them.
This raised his hopes. They had already made good several miles, when
Charley Roy proposed a halt, to breathe their horses and ascertain
whether they were still pursued. Scarcely, however, had they stopped,
than the clattering of their pursuers' horses' hoofs sounded in their
ears, mingled with the shouts of the riders.
"We must push on, whether our nags like it or not," cried Tom; "if we
can once distance them, the enemy are very likely to give up the chase,
as they know they will run a risk of being cut off should they get too
near the town."
Again the party galloped forward. Even their short halt enabled the
Tae-pings to gain on them, and the rebels' voices sounded considerably
louder.
"All right! they have no bow chasers, or we should have had them firing
after us," cried Tom, laughing; "they will have had their ride for
nothing, I hope, after all."
Two or three miles more were got over. The midshipmen began to look out
for the lanterns on the city walls, which, by this time, they expected
to see. Near, however, as they might be to a place of refuge, as their
foes still continued the pursuit, they were not out of danger. Their
steeds, too, were giving evident signs of being knocked up, and they had
to keep their sticks going to make the poor animals move forward.
Presently, down came Billy's horse, sending its rider clear over its
head, Billy narrowly escaping a kick from the heels of the animal
directly before him. Tom, without stopping to see what had become of
Billy, pulled up, and fortunately succeeded in catching the animal's
reins.
"Where are you, Billy?" he shouted out; "not hurt, I hope?"
"Not much, only on my knee," answered Billy, as he hobbled up and
climbed again into his saddle.
The rest of the party, not seeing what had occurred, galloped on.
Billy's horse, like his rider, had cut both its knees, and seemed very
unwilling to continue the headlong race they had been so long running.
"You must make him get along," said Tom, applying his own stick to the
animal's back. "I don't want my head cut off, and I don't want to leave
you behind."
Short as had been the delay, it was of serious consequence, for when Tom
looked round he could distinctly see the enemy coming after them.
Billy, not being a good rider, cried out that he should be off again, as
he had got one of his feet out of the stirrup.
"Never mind; hold on by your hands, and I'll lead your horse," cried
Tom, seizing the rein. He had no wish to delay the rest of the party,
so he did not shout out to them to stop, but he determined to push
forward as long as the horses could keep on their legs. Billy in a
short time succeeded in getting his foot into the stirrup.
"Now," said Tom, "if we have to leap, don't be pulling at the rein, but
let your horse have his head, and you stick on like wax."
In the mean time the rest of the party pushed forward, Gerald was
surprised that Tom did not answer a question; he shouted to him, still
fancying that he was close behind.
"There's a light ahead," he cried out; "it must be on the walls, or else
a house in the suburbs."
"If it was on the walls, it would appear higher," answered Archie, "What
do you think, Tom?" he asked.
No reply came from Tom, and on looking round Roy discovered that both
Tom and Billy were nowhere to be seen.
"We must wait for them," cried Archie; "we cannot leave them behind."
Before, however, he or his companions could pull up, a loud challenge
was heard, and several shots came whizzing past them.
"If we stop or attempt to gallop back to look for them, we shall have
another volley," said Roy. "I will ride forward slowly. That must be a
piquet of the Indian regiment stationed outside the town. They mistake
us for the enemy, and they may aim better the next time they fire."
Without waiting for his companions' reply, Roy rode forward, shouting,
"Friends, friends! English, English!" At length he came in sight of a
party of men drawn across the road, and the English officer, advancing,
inquired who he was. He explained that they were pursued by a body of
cavalry, whom they supposed to be Tae-pings, and that he very much
feared two of their companions had fallen into their hands.
The officer on this ordered his men to advance, but to be careful not to
fire until he gave the word. Roy, riding forward, quickly overtook
Archie and Gerald. On either side was a bank covered with shrubs, which
would afford concealment in the dusk to the whole of the party. On
seeing this, the officer told Roy to go a little distance further on and
then to halt, and immediately he should hear the rebels advancing, to
gallop back towards the town.
"You may, I hope, meet your friends, but if not, and they should have
fallen into the hands of the rebels, we shall have a good chance of
rescuing them."
"I understand, and will carry out your direction," said Roy, and the
three midshipmen rode slowly back, hoping every instant to fall in with
Tom and Billy. Their disappointment was bitter when they were nowhere
to be seen. They had not, however, gone far, when they saw the Tae-ping
horsemen moving rapidly towards them, but neither Tom nor his companions
were visible. On this they immediately turned their horses' heads and
galloped back, as they had been told to do, in the direction of the
town, feeling dreadfully anxious as to the fate of their friends. They
had got some little distance beyond the ambush when a rapid succession
of shots told them that the Indian soldiers had opened their fire on the
enemy. They at once pulled up, feeling sure that the Tae-pings would
not venture to advance further. In this they were right, for as they
returned they saw them in rapid flight, the soldiers still firing after
them.
"You have saved our lives, I believe, sir," said Roy, addressing the
officer, who had advanced to meet him. "What can have become of our
companions?"
"I am afraid that the Tae-pings must have overtaken them, and too
probably, immediately have cut them down, for they certainly were not
with the party we got under our fire. My men tell me that they saw no
English uniforms."
"If they were killed, they must be lying on the road," said Desmond, his
heart sinking within him as he spoke. "We must go and look for them."
To this the officer made no objection, and sent forward five men with a
sergeant. They proceeded even beyond where Tom and Billy had last been
seen. Although they came on the dead bodies of several Tae-pings, who
had been shot by the soldiers, they could discover no trace of their
friends.
"Then they must have been carried off prisoners," observed Desmond.
"However, that is better than had they been killed, as we may possibly
recover them."
Any further search was useless; indeed, the officer was anxious to send
back to the town to give notice that the Tae-pings were in the
neighbourhood, and that a cavalry force had advanced so far without
infantry to support them. The whole party accordingly returned to the
house where the outpost was stationed. Gerald and Archie were so much
cut up at the thought of Tom's loss--though, if the truth was known,
they did not care so much about poor Billy,--that they felt scarcely
able to ride back, and were glad to accept the lieutenant's offer of
refreshment before they returned to the city.
"They'll be after cutting off the poor fellows' heads," cried Gerald.
"How did we come to miss them? I would not have gone on if I hadn't
thought they were close at our heels."
"Nor would I," said Archie; "it's some blundering of that fellow Billy
Blueblazes. He must have tumbled off his horse, and Tom wouldn't leave
him."
The lieutenant could give them very little consolation. The Tae-pings,
from the reports received, committed the most horrible cruelties in the
places they had taken, and when they captured Pow-shun they put to death
indiscriminately men, women, and children; the defeated Imperialist
troops having joined them and assisted in plundering the place.
"Our horses must be rested; it is time for us to be going back," said
Roy at last.
Thanking the lieutenant, they again mounted. Just as they got outside
the house they heard the sound of homes' hoofs.
"Don't fire!" cried the officer to his men. "These must be friends."
In another moment two horsemen were seen coming along the road, and
Gerald, dashing forward, shouted out, "Hurrah! Why, it's Tom Rogers and
Billy Blueblazes!"
Gerald was not mistaken, although their friends could scarcely be
distinguished from the masses of mud which covered them and their
steeds. Tom and Billy having received the congratulations of the party,
and being introduced to the lieutenant, explained that finding the
Tae-pings gaining upon them, they had leaped over a ditch bordered by
trees, which concealed them from the view of their pursuers, and that
they had then galloped along over the soft ground, having to scramble
through a number of ditches, which were too wide to leap, until they,
once more catching sight of the lights in the village, made their way
back to the road.
As Tom and Billy were wet through, they declined to do more than stop
and take a cup of hot tea, and the whole party then galloped on, as fast
as their tired steeds could go, to the town, and managed to find their
way back to the stable from which they had hired the horses.
The old man examined them with his lantern, exhibiting a rueful
countenance, and shaking his head, muttering as he did so, "No good, no
good!"
Tom tried to explain that if they had not ridden hard, he would never
again have seen his horses; but probably the midshipman's explanations
were not understood, as the owner of the animals still kept muttering,
"No good, no good!"
"Well, as it was partly our fault for delaying so long, I propose that
we pay the old fellow something more," said Tom.
All agreed, and: Mr Kay Chung's countenance brightened greatly when
they handed him some more coin. On their way back they met several of
the English inhabitants, to whom they reported that a force of Tae-pings
was in the neighbourhood. Their news created no small amount of stir in
the place. Information had already been received at head-quarters from
the outposts, and immediately active preparations were made for the
defence of the town, lest the enemy should advance during the night.
Pretty well tired out, the midshipmen at last got back to the hotel
where they settled to remain for the night, as it was too late by that
time to return on board. Tom and Billy were not sorry to turn in, while
a Chinese waiter undertook to get their jackets and trousers cleaned and
polished up by the next morning.
Tom had been sleeping for several hours, when Gerald, followed by Roy,
who had a different room, rushed in, exclaiming, "Rouse up, old fellows;
something serious is going on. There's been tremendously heavy firing
for the last ten minutes in the direction of the Chinese town, and there
can be no doubt but that the Tae-pings are attacking the place. We are
starting off to see the fun."
"Fun, do you call it!" said Archie, who had been awakened by Gerald's
first exclamation. "It will be no fun if the rebels take Shanghai, and
there is but a small garrison for its defence. As likely as not the
Chinese will run away, or more probably fraternise with the Tae-pings."
"The marines and that Indian regiment are sufficient to drive back the
enemy, and we shall have our own blue-jackets on shore, depend upon it,
when Captain Rogers hears what is going forward," said Roy.
"Come, Tom, are you going with us? I suppose nothing will induce Billy
to turn out, if he can help it."
"But my clothes, my clothes! that Chinese waiter Fau-ti has got them. I
have nothing to put on."
"I will unearth him, and make him bring them to you," said Desmond; "and
Billy's also, for he won't like to be left behind."
While Desmond went off to find the waiter, Billy, who was sitting up in
bed, rubbing his eyes, asked what the row was about. On being told, he
answered--
"Let them fight it out by themselves; I don't see why we should
interfere," and lying down, he was about again to compose himself to
sleep, when Roy and Archie, seizing the clothes, effectually roused him
up. The firing was now heard closer than before, apparently extending
over a considerable space. Billy, as much as he was disinclined to
leave his bed, did not like to be left behind, and forgetting that his
clothes had been taken away, began hunting for them.
"If you cannot find them, you must come as you are. Wrap yourself up in
a sheet; you will help to scare the enemy, at all events," said Roy.
Desmond at last returned, followed by the waiter bringing the
midshipmen's uniforms. Although they were not long dressing, some time
had been spent, but it was not yet daylight. There was a general
commotion going forward in the house, the other inmates calling to each
other, and inquiring what was happening.
When the midshipmen got to the door of the house they found a large
party collected, most of them with arms in hand and full of fight. For
what they could tell to the contrary, however, the Tae-pings might
already have scaled the walls. Just as they were setting off, the tramp
of a large body of men was heard approaching. The midshipmen recognised
Captain Rogers with the blue-jackets and marines of his ship, and
several officers. Tom at once joined his brother, and confessed what
they had been about, and how narrowly they had escaped being caught by
the rebels.
"You were the means, however, of putting the garrison on the alert, for
the messenger who came off with a request for me to land my men informed
me that a party of midshipmen had brought in the intelligence of the
approach of the enemy."
Tom was well pleased to hear this, as he hoped that he and his
companions would escape the reprimand they expected to receive for
having gone so far from the city. The sound of heavy guns was now
heard, and a shot occasionally pitched into the ground at no great
distance in front of them, showing that the enemy could not be far off
outside the walls.
"They have not yet got inside, and we shall be in time to help drive
them off before they succeed," said Jack.
A Chinese officer had been sent to guide the seamen to a part of the
walls where the defenders most required support. Just as they arrived
the guns pointed in that direction had ceased firing, and large bodies
of men were seen through the gloom approaching with scaling ladders.
"We shall soon tumble those fellows over if they make the attempt to
escalade the walls," said Tom.
The rebels, however, showed no want of pluck. In another instant the
ladders were placed against the walls, and numbers of pig-tailed
fellows, with broad hats, holding their shields above their heads, began
to climb up, in spite of the hot fire which the marines and blue jackets
poured down upon them. They had evidently not expected to meet with
such a reception, supposing that the place was defended only by their
own countrymen armed with matchlocks and spears. Along the whole line
of the wall, at different points, the same scene was being enacted.
Thousands of men were crowding forward, expecting by their numbers to
overcome the limited garrison, but in every place they were met by the
most determined courage, the civilians vying with the soldiers in
repelling the foe.
Captain Rogers had ordered another party of seamen to join him under the
second lieutenant as soon as the boats could bring them on shore, and
finding the determined way in which the rebels were attacking the part
of the walls he had been directed to defend, he sent back Tom and
Desmond to hurry them forward. The midshipmen met the party about
half-way, and Tom delivered the message. Under the belief that he knew
the road, he led them through several narrow streets, when suddenly he
discovered that he had made a mistake, but whether he ought to have kept
more to the left or right, he could not tell.
Sharp firing, however, being heard to the right, he concluded that was
the direction he ought to have taken. The party moved forward again at
the double. The walls soon rose up before them, and the shot, which
came down like hail, showed that the enemy were firing away as hard as
ever. Just then, at the end of a short street they caught sight of a
large body of men moving away from them.
"I wonder where those fellows can have come from?" remarked the
lieutenant.
"They are making for the gate we rode out of yesterday," observed Tom.
"Probably the enemy are attacking it; we will go and assist, though they
appear to be Chinese, and are not likely to make much of a stand,"
observed the lieutenant.
The seamen dashed forward, when just as they reached the gate, which was
in front of them, it was thrown open, and the party they had seen,
turning round, rushed back the way they had come, followed by many
others who were streaming through the gate.
"There is some treachery at work here," exclaimed the lieutenant, and
ordering his men to halt and fire, they poured a volley upon the
advancing mass.
Before the rebels could recover from the confusion into which the
unexpected shower of bullets had thrown them, the blue jackets were in
their midst, cutting them down, knocking them over, or making them turn
and try to escape through the gate. This put a stop to the further
progress of those still outside, and the seamen, led by their gallant
officer, fought their way up to the gate. Here a desperate struggle
ensued. A big Tae-ping was on the point of cutting down Tom, when, a
cutlass intervening, brought the Tae-ping with a blow on the head to the
ground, and Tom saw his old shipmate, Jerry Bird, whom he had not before
recognised, slashing away right and left by his side. The rebels at
length having been forced out, the lieutenant ordered the gates to be
shut. This was no easy matter, with the space on either side covered
with the dead and wounded, but the seamen, hauling the bodies out of the
way, at last succeeded.
One party remained to guard the gate, the other made prisoners of many
as they could catch of those who had treacherously opened it. Tom, with
Jerry Bird and three other men, was now sent to inform Captain Rogers of
what had occurred, that he might despatch people to the other gates to
prevent the same trick being played.
"You rendered me good service just now," said Tom to Jerry Bird, "in
saving my head from the sword of that big Tae-ping. He would have cut
me down to a certainty. I shall never forget it."
"Lor' bless you, sir, I'm as well pleased as you are; I wouldn't have
had you killed, no, not to be made port admiral, and I hope, if ever
there comes another occasion, I may do the same."
"Still, you have saved my life, and I should be grateful whether it was
a pleasure to you or not," said Tom.
There was not much time for conversation, however. As they hurried on,
they had to keep a look-out, lest they might be attacked by any of the
traitors within the walls, who would have liked to have revenged
themselves on those who had defeated their treacherous object. Several
suspicious-looking characters approached, but dreading the cutlasses of
the British seamen, they retired to a respectful distance. Tom and his
party quickly made their way to the part of the walls where Captain
Rogers and his men were stationed, and Tom delivered his message. On
receiving it, Jack immediately despatched some of the midshipmen with
the information to the officers commanding in the neighbourhood of the
other gates, that they might be on their guard against any intended
treachery.
The rebels, supposing that their friends had got inside the city,
continued to make feints in all directions, to keep the garrison
employed, fully believing that the place would in a short time be
theirs. Along the whole line, as far as the eye could reach on either
side appeared a rapid series of flames of fire, both from the summits of
the walls and from below, as the defenders and their assailants
exchanged fire.
The assault continued until daylight breaking exposed the rebels more
clearly to view, and they, probably believing that they had no prospect
of success, ceased firing along their whole line, and began rapidly to
retreat. The officer in command, on seeing this, sent a considerable
body of men out of the west gate, and pursued them for some distance,
giving them a lesson it was not likely they would wish to have repeated.
The Chinese soldiers cut off the heads of those they took. The English
sailors contented themselves with depriving the fugitives of their
pig-tails, generally giving them a probe in the back before they applied
the final stroke. The whole ground for some distance was strewn with
the dead, while under the walls they lay still more thickly, proving the
desperation with which they fought, and the hot fire poured down upon
them. Captain Rogers with his men remained on shore until it was
ascertained that the rebels had retreated to Pow-shun, twenty miles off,
and there appeared no probability of their returning. Information was
received, however, that they were plundering the provinces in every
direction, murdering the inhabitants, and committing every possible
species of cruelty. An English regiment also arrived from Hong-kong to
reinforce the garrison, when there was no longer the slightest fear that
the rebels would succeed in taking the place.
Captain Rogers and his men had just returned on board the _Empress_,
when a man-of-war was seen standing in for the anchorage. She made the
signal _Orion_.
"Why, that's the ship to which your uncle Adair is said to be
appointed," observed Archie to Gerald.
"I hope he has got her. I shall be very glad to see him, for a better
fellow does not exist, and I shall then know all about the mysterious
matter for which I was to go home," said Gerald.
The _Orion_ brought up a short distance from the _Empress_. In less
than half an hour a boat put off from her.
"There's no doubt about it; that's my uncle Adair," said Gerald, who was
watching through his glass. "He's coming on board, so I feel like a
young lady who is going to have a proposal made to her. I only hope now
he has come out he won't insist on sending me home."
In a short time Captain Adair stepped up the side. Having been received
with due honour, he was heartily welcomed by Captain Rogers, whom he
accompanied, after he had shaken hands with his nephew, into the cabin.
"I'm not much wiser than I was before," observed Gerald; "but I suppose
he will send for me soon."
Gerald, however, had to endure his suspense some time longer. Tom had
faithfully kept the secret with which he was entrusted, so that Gerald
had only a faint idea that some piece of good fortune was in store for
him.
While the two captains were in conference, a handsome Chinese boat came
off, and a mandarin of rank stepped on deck. He "chin-chinned" as the
midshipmen drew up on either side of the gangway to do him honour, and
the captains, hearing of his arrival, came out to receive him. He of
course again "chin-chinned" to them, when, through an interpreter he had
brought with him, he stated that "he had come to make a request which he
hoped would not be denied."
Captain Rogers answered "that he should be happy to render any service
that was in his power."
The mandarin replied, "that although he should consider the favour a
great one, the trouble to him would not be so."
"Pray state, my friend, what it is," said Jack.
"Understand, that my beloved brother died a few days ago of a malignant
fever, and that his body is now deposited in the Ning-foo Jos-house,
outside the city walls. He belongs to Teit-sin, where his family
reside, and as there is a difficulty in sending him by a merchant
vessel, I shall feel deeply obliged if you will convey his coffin to
that place, where it may be deposited with his august ancestors," was
the answer.
Adair, when he heard what was said, could not refrain from bursting into
a fit of laughter. Jack tried to compose his countenance as he told the
mandarin that it was with much regret he must refuse his request, as the
ship would not certainly get so far as Teit-sin, and that it was not
usual for men-of-war to carry about dead bodies, except in rare
instances; that when people died on board, they were buried at sea, and,
especially for sanitary reasons, he could not receive that of a person
who had died of a malignant fever.
In vain the mandarin pleaded that his brother was shut up tightly and
would not cause the slightest annoyance. Jack was firm, and the
mandarin had to return and allow his brother to remain in the Jos-house
until navigation was opened. Terence had brought word for the _Empress_
to proceed to the mouth of the Peiho in the Gulf of Pe-chili, as it had
been resolved at once to recapture the Taku Forts and to march the army
to Pekin, should the emperor not immediately yield to the demands of the
British ambassador.
The summer had begun and the weather was remarkably fine. The two ships
sailed along in company, getting up steam only when the wind fell light.
Gerald and Billy Blueblazes were transferred to the _Orion_, the berth
of the _Bellona_ being overcrowded. Some of the crew of the unfortunate
_Dragon_ were also sent to her, the remainder being kept on board to be
distributed among other ships of the squadron, while most of the
officers had gone on to Hong-kong with Commander Rawson, to await a
passage home. Mr Joy joined the _Orion_ in lieu of her third
lieutenant, who was invalided. Gerald, as soon as he had an
opportunity, having waited in vain for his uncle to speak on the
subject, asked to be informed about the matter for which he had been
sent for home.
"The uncertainties connected with it are so very great, that I have been
unwilling to disturb your mind on the subject," answered Adair. "You
know that you had a distant relative, Lord Saint Maur, who had a fine
estate and numerous heirs to succeed him. One after the other, however,
they have died. Immediately on hearing this I put the matter into the
hands of a clever Dublin lawyer, who tells me that the direct
descendants of the last lord having died, it is necessary to go several
generations back, to a former Lord Saint Maur, of whom your grandfather
was the lineal descendant, and that all the other lines having become
extinct, you are the rightful heir to the title and estate. Other
Desmonds, however, have appeared, who have made out a similar claim, and
the question is who has the best. They have money, which,
unfortunately, you have not; but our Dublin friend is so confident that
he has undertaken the matter at his own risk. You, at all events, will
lose nothing, and may gain your case; at the same time, I must confess I
am not very sanguine on the subject. At first being so, I sent for you
home, but after a time I arrived at a different conclusion, and would
advise you not to think about the matter, though, if some day or other
you succeed, well and good. It will be pleasant to be Viscount Saint
Maur and owner of a fine estate, but perhaps you would not be much the
happier. If you stick to the navy you will get promoted in due course,
and it will be much the same thing to you a hundred years hence."
Gerald did not quite agree with his uncle in the philosophic view he
took of the case; at the same time, he determined not to bother himself
about the affair. He was sorry to be parted from Tom and Archie, and to
have only Billy Blueblazes instead, the rest of his shipmates being
strangers to him.
The _Bellona_ and _Orion_ had a quick run to the rendezvous off the
Sha-la-tung shoal, about twenty miles from Pehtang. On their way, near
the entrance to the gulf, they came up with the fleet conveying the
troops intended to be disembarked near the mouth of the Peiho. It was a
magnificent sight, as the clouds of canvas appeared covering the blue
ocean, the ships' bows dashing up the spray, which sparkled in the
sunshine as they clove their onward way. Among them were numerous
steamers, but the wind being fair they were also under sail. The
despatch vessels and gun-boats were moving about, enforcing orders and
bringing up the slower craft. The ships as they arrived at their
destination took up their position in line, according to the division,
brigade, and regiment of the troops on board, all confusion being
avoided by the admiral having furnished each captain with a plan showing
the place in which he was to anchor. The next day the French fleet
arrived, and the whole force moved nearer the shore. The smaller craft
only could cross the bar of the Pehtang, at the mouth of which is a town
of the same name.
Early on the morning of the first of August the signal was made for the
gun-boats and the small steamers attached to the fleet to take as many
troops as they could on board, and to tow boats carrying others, when
the whole flotilla commenced steaming slowly towards Pehtang. As it
would have been dangerous for the gun-boats to attack the forts in their
crowded condition, they proceeded to a spot 2000 yards south of it.
The country presented anything but an attractive appearance, as all that
could be seen was an extensive mud flat, with a raised causeway, running
from Pehtang towards Taku, while deep ditches were cut for the purpose
of drainage, and were likely to prove disagreeable places to cross. The
boats of the men-of-war were employed also in landing the troops. Tom
had command of one of the _Empress's_ boats, and Gerald one of the
_Orion's_, so that they had an opportunity of seeing what was going
forward. As the boats approached, some Chinese soldiers showed
themselves, but perceiving the strength of the force invading their
country, wisely beat a retreat.
Among the first to approach the shore was the commander-in-chief. It
was impossible to get close to the bank. He surveyed the extent of mud
before him; then pulling off his shoes and stockings, and rolling up his
trousers, he leaped overboard, his example being followed by his
officers and men. Together they splashed and waded for upwards of half
a mile through a horrible black mud. The French brigade landed on the
left, and in the same manner in the neighbourhood, but finding somewhat
harder ground, were the first to reach the causeway. A cavalry picquet
now appeared on a drawbridge across the causeway, watching the movements
of the allies, but they also, as the troops floundered on, mounted their
horses and rode at a dignified pace southward towards Taka. The whole
day was occupied in landing troops.
In the evening it was ascertained that the forts of Pehtang were
abandoned. It was intended at once to march in and take possession, but
private information was obtained from some of the Chinese that the
garrison had left numerous infernal machines so placed with long fuses
that they would explode among the troops on entering. The Chinaman who
had given the information was at once compelled to point out where these
horrible engines of destruction were hidden, and they were removed by
some men sent forward for that purpose. The army which had now landed,
if so it could be called, had to pass the night on the mud flats and
causeway, destitute of water and food, without tents, and wet ground
alone on which the men could stretch themselves. It was not a pleasant
commencement of a campaign. Jack and Desmond agreed that they had
reason to be thankful for having their own comfortable ship to sleep in.
The next morning at daybreak the gun-boats entered the river, and the
troops advancing from their position occupied the town, the unhappy
inhabitants being ejected to make room for them. It was one of the sad
necessities of warfare that they were compelled to turn out the poor
people. Children in arms, old men and women, who had not for years left
their homes, were forced to seek for shelter, which was not to be found;
and many of the men destroyed themselves and their families rather than
expose them to the perils they would have to meet with. The English
took up their quarters in one part of the town, the French in the other.
It was said to have contained 20,000 inhabitants, but when it was
abandoned by the army scarcely any were to be found. Among those who
thus destroyed themselves was the man who had given the important
information respecting the infernal machines, he and his whole family
having put themselves to death. Although, except as volunteers, the
blue-jackets and their officers had but little prospect of fighting,
they had work enough to do in landing the troops and stores, they being
thus engaged at all hours of the day and night for many days together.
"There is little honour or glory to be gained, that I can see, though we
are very useful, I dare say," observed Desmond to Tom, after they had
been in their boats for twelve hours on a stretch. "However, I don't
mind if we can help the soldiers to lick the Celestials, who deserve a
sound drubbing, at all events."
The soldiers were worse off than their sailor brethren. Rain came down,
rendering the town almost uninhabitable by the horrible smells which
arose, while the mud in many places was several feet deep. Such was the
detestable spot in which the army was cooped up for nearly a fortnight.
The allied armies having captured the Taku Forts, the smaller steamers
entered the river and greatly aided the army by conveying troops and
stores to Teit-sin; but very few naval men saw anything of the
subsequent operations, which terminated in the surrender of Pekin and
the destruction of the emperor's summer palace, and the establishment of
peace between the British and Chinese.