Further speculation upon this perplexing situation was cut short by Commander Hughes’ forceful talk to the allies. All listened intently; the well-modulated, clear voice of the American held his listeners spellbound with attention, but many of the foreigners showed in their faces only too plainly that they already feared the displeasure of their governments for having followed the lead of this strenuous American commander. Was it not an American mission, guarded by American sailors? Then why should not the Americans rescue their own people? The officer who had felt the cold chill of Phil’s revolver was loudest in his condemnation of further attacks; his arguments were so cleverly worded that he soon won over to his side the timid ones. The British captain alone stood by the American in his endeavors to persuade his brother captains that their one chance of helping the missionaries was to vigorously pursue the advantage already gained. “We’ve not forgotten Tatnall’s ‘Blood is thicker than water,’” the British commander exclaimed as Commander Hughes wrung his hand warmly, in eloquent silence. “We must abide by the decision of the majority,” Commander Hughes said sorrowfully. “I dare not think what will happen to those within the mission if my men cannot withstand the attack.” Then he turned flashing eyes upon the group of hesitating foreigners. “What do you propose?” he questioned, controlling the anger and humiliation in his voice with some difficulty. Phil saw the officer whom he had recently humbled before his men cast a knowing look at several of his co-conspirators, and then heard him boldly voice his plan. “My compatriots,” he began, “believe that this useless killing of Chinese is harming our country’s interests. We have decided that we should send a flag of truce to the viceroy to request him to use his own soldiers to fight these Chinese rebels.” “A flag of truce!” cried Commander Hughes, in eloquent disdain. “How will the viceroy answer us? Probably by throwing the lifeless carcasses of our emissaries on the sand for the dogs to feed upon.” Commander Ignacio flinched before the menacing disgust in the American’s face, but he held stolidly to his point, while all of the allies, with the single exception of Commander Buresford, echoed the foreigner’s proposal.