It was four o’clock before our Prince came on board this morning; they had a spirited and hardly-contested game, the shore, however, beating the Navy five successive games, His Royal Highness backing his side until he had lost nearly four hundred dollars. Then he pluckily challenged them to double or quits, which he won. A long steamer, the _Chili_, ahead, was about to start for Shanghai as soon as we were out of the way. Wrote by her, thanking the community for their kind appreciation of my services, and regretting my inability, owing to orders from the present Board of Admiralty, to accept their kind invitation. At. 1.30 P.M. weighed and steamed down the Peiho for the third and last time. [Sidenote: Oct. 16.] In steaming yesterday we met an American steamer with the French naval Commander-in-Chief on board. He was probably going to consult with his Minister as to the best means for obtaining redress, a French missionary having lately been beaten to death, another proof, if any were wanting, of Mr. Burlingham’s policy. Our commercial treaties have been forced on these Orientals, and by force only can we make them respected, or even retain a footing in the country. With history and centuries of experience before them, our Ministers are imposed upon by a highly paid American adventurer and made to believe that the Chinese people only require civilised treatment to receive and welcome us all over the Celestial Empire, whereas their rotten and ignorant Government are only plotting to get rid for ever of the hated barbarian. While looking out of the window during my toilet saw a well-dressed China woman stumping along on her poor contracted feet with her hands clasped and extended, shrieking and repeating some word. She suddenly turned towards the river, making a wonderful good run, and tried to plunge in. The water being low she stuck in the mud, when a man and woman went to the rescue and drew her on the bank, where she lay kicking her shapeless feet up until we passed out of sight; poor creature! I suppose they have their fits of jealousy as well as we barbarians. The tide not being high enough on the bar we anchored, which gave us an opportunity to inspect the Taku Forts--which we shall have to occupy some day. [Sidenote: Oct. 18.] At 10 A.M. went to inspect the _Galatea_, where I was received with manned yards and all due honours. Found her beautifully clean, and in all respects a man-of-war. There is no doubt H.R.H. is fully captain of his own ship; without an efficient head she could not be what she is. Ship’s company below the average as fine-looking men, but as clean as seamen who wear beards and moustaches are likely to be. His Royal Highness came on board _Salamis_ to take leave of the wife. Old Raby, with his good-natured, comical face, took leave of me on board _Galatea_. On parting company _Galatea_ and _Icarus_ gave three hearty cheers from the rigging. Proceeded to Hong Kong. CHAPTER CIV HOMEWARD BOUND