but, having boarded a war junk, John Chinaman did not wait to receive him properly, but preferred mud on the other side. Seventeen junks were overtaken and captured. Three only escaped. Before this last chase my poor Spurrier was shot down. I saw his bowels protruding, with my binoculars in the middle, as he lay in the bottom of the boat, holding my hand. He asked if there was any hope. I could only say, “Where there is life there is hope,” but I had none! He was removed into another boat, and sent to the hospital ship. Strange to say, the good Crawford served him up, and the Admiral’s last letter from Hong-Kong states that Spurrier hoped to return to his duty in a few days. [Illustration: Map--Northern China, with Coast of Siberia] * * * * * Words fail me, on looking back to this stirring day, to express my gratitude that I was allowed to take part in this action. When my ship was lost, I felt as if my day was done. But fate was kind, and Fatshan Creek gave me another chance in the service I ardently loved. The following proclamation, by the Chinese Admiral Yeh, was found in one of the captured junks after Fatshan:-- Liang, subaltern in charge of the Tan chau[1] Station of the Kwang Tung Province, whose name is noted for the rank of captain, with authority meanwhile to wear the button of that rank, makes a communication. [1] In Hai-nan. “I am in receipt of a despatch from the Governor General Yeh, to the following effect:-- “‘Whereas the barbarian outlaws[2] have not as yet submitted, and the nature of these rebels is not to be fathomed, the officers and men of the different vessels stationed at P’ing-chau[3] must stand well and strictly on their guard, so as to be ready at all points, and prevent any mishap. It is my duty, therefore, to send orders at once to you, on receipt of which you will, in obedience thereto, immediately confer with the other officers associated with you on this service, and with them set an example in concerting proper measures of control and precaution on board your respective vessels. You will continue without distinction of day or night to patrol constantly, as a shuttle moves in the loom, and to make observation assiduously and with secrecy. The soldiers and braves under your command must on no account land, or leave their vessels; and if there be the slightest movement on the part of the barbarians, you must make for Sam-shan and open fire upon them, cutting off and slaying ruthlessly. If any one ruin the undertaking by venturing, be it ever so little, to be slack or indifferent, the officer commanding shall be held responsible; no mercy shall be shown him. Courage in the engagement shall be liberally rewarded. Haste in fear! Haste in earnest!’ [2] _Fi_, vagabonds, rebels, or any lawless persons. [3] Between Sam-shan and Fat-shan.