On our arrival at Tientsin found no horses, he having calculated on the kindness of a good-natured European community to mount us. Nor could the Legation provide horses sufficient for our party more than half-way. Here we are at the close of the third day without a prospect of doing more than get to Tung-Chow with every preparation of boats made beforehand. The Prince cooked for us a wonderful omelette, 200 eggs and other things in it, for breakfast. [Illustration: _The Prince who made the Omelette._] [Sidenote: Peking. Oct. 6]. Soon after daylight our flotilla had all arrived before 8 A.M. Sir Rutherford’s groom “William” put in an appearance with the stud, among which I recognised my old friend “Don Juan.” There were mounts for all, besides carts for luggage, etc. A pleasant two hours’ ride brought us to the Legation, where the Prince received a sincere and respectful but hearty welcome. Lady Alcock quite recovered, and Miss Lowder looking as charming as ever. We breakfasted soon after 12, while outside were collected the usual bazaar of curios, furs, etc., much to the amusement of our party, who, including H.R.H., were like children at a fair. Our party was so large that the Attachés took a part to dine with them. The chaplain, Mr. Burden, and his wife dined with the big ones. [Sidenote: Oct. 7.] The bazaar reopened before breakfast, H.R.H. investing considerably. The Russian Minister and the French and Prussian Chargés d’Affaires came to meet the Prince at the convivial morning meal; better than a formal presentation, His Royal Highness being entirely _incog._ In the afternoon Conolly, H.R.H., and I rode into Curio Street, where I was induced to join in a lot together, my choice being a beautiful Chinese jar, the likes of which I have not before seen. Other things too were bid for which may yet find their way here. [Sidenote: Legation, Peking, Oct. 8.] Quarters here very comfortable; a nice little early breakfast of good bread and butter, tea, and eggs brought to your room. As H.R.H. amuses himself until the small hours at bowls, I thought I might dawdle too, but about 9 I got an invitation to accompany him to Curio Street. Had a chat with Sir Rutherford this morning on China affairs, and found that he lamented the present policy of our rulers at home, and had clearly pointed out the dangers, if persisted in, of our drifting into another war. He showed me the copy of a letter Lord Clarendon had found it necessary to address to Mr. Burlingham, late American Minister, pointing out how different is the statement of the Chinese Ambassador (that the Chinese Government were for advancement) from the real facts, by which it appears that nothing is farther from their intentions, and that therefore Lord Clarendon should consider his present policy an experimental one only. By which it seems to me their eyes are reluctantly being opened after the dust thrown in them by the Minister, Burlingham. [Sidenote: Oct. 9.]