“They have raised the drawbridge until the viceroy can be notified,” Langdon answered calmly; “I don’t consider we are in much danger; of course the Chinese never do what might be expected of them. If they opened fire now we couldn’t escape,” he added, casting a swift glance of disdain at the nervous officer and giving the midshipmen a covert wink; “so we might as well put on a bold front.” Suiting his action to his words, he threw himself down on the ground, as if he intended to be comfortable while the viceroy indulged himself in his Oriental diplomacy of wearing out the patience of those who wished to treat with him. Over an hour passed anxiously for the foreigners; conversation was fragmentary and pointless. Under the eyes and within close range of a semi-civilized enemy, who might refuse to recognize a flag of truce, their position was not calculated to inspire confidence. Then the drawbridge creaked slowly down, and a gorgeously dressed official advanced through the opened gate, preceded by a white flag and followed by an armed guard of soldiers. Commander Ignacio and his party rose hastily to meet them. After the elaborate Chinese ceremony of greeting had been concluded, the mandarin turned to Commander Ignacio, and inquired his mission. “We have come to see the viceroy,” Ignacio replied in English, for the Chinaman was no other than the interpreter, whom Phil had seen so discomfited the day before. With a nod of approval, the mandarin beckoned that all should follow, and led the way across the drawbridge and into the ill-smelling city. The emissaries and their guards passed at a rapid pace through the narrow and dirty streets; the curious inmates of the walled city kept at a respectful distance, their faces expressing wonder rather than hatred. Phil, noticing the change in their demeanor from the day before, called it to Langdon’s attention. “Yes,” the pilot assured him, “it’s a good sign; the will of the mandarins is always reflected in the faces of the lower classes. They hate us just as much as ever, but the brisk work at Lien-Chow has shown them that we are able to carry out our threats.” Upon their arrival at the yamen, the viceroy received the foreigners at the second door, one door nearer the entrance than where he had received Commander Hughes. This did not fail to impress the visitors. After all, was Chang-Li-Hun prepared to make terms? The viceroy was accompanied by the same mandarins whom Phil had seen the day before, and in contrast to their master’s sphinx-like face their features betrayed the apprehension which they doubtless felt. Chang-Li-Hun seated himself at the head of the table, motioning Commander Ignacio to a chair on his left. After all were seated, refreshments were brought, and silence was preserved until the viceroy signed that the table be cleared; then turning to Langdon he inquired courteously in Chinese the wishes of the flag of truce.