We dragged the animal quietly enough, until just at the corner of the bridge, where a lot of tins, bottles, and refuse had been dumped in the early days of the siege, and before the Chinese had obtained their present position by driving the Germans from the wall in the rear of their legation. When the animal passed over these obstacles a loud grating, rattling noise was made, and a second volley poured down from the wall. But this time the corners of the stone bridge protected us and we were in no danger. After another wait of fifteen minutes, during which time all became quiet again, we returned and repeated the operation on the second mule, dragging his fragrant (?) carcass alongside the first, and completing our work under a third volley, equally harmless. [Illustration: SOUTHERN WALL OF TARTAR CITY This picture gives an idea of the vastness of the ancient defenses of Peking and of the unhygienic character of its surroundings. Across the canal are to be seen the straggling buildings of a Tartar village. Immediately in the foreground lie the stagnant waters of the canal and piles of reeking filth.] I received the thanks of Mr. Squiers and the entire marine guard for this service, as it rendered their position much more bearable thereafter, and their gratitude fully repaid me for the danger incurred. Directly across a moat leading from the Imperial city wall to the southern wall of the Tartar city of Peking, opposite to the British legation, is a large square compound, known in the local mandarin tongue as Su Wang Fu, or in plain English as the palace of Prince Su. This prince inherited the title from his father only two years ago. He is a young man of rather pleasant appearance, about thirty years of age. I have dined with him twice at the residence of his next younger brother, who was a patient of mine last winter. This compound is surrounded by a stout brick wall from twelve to fifteen feet high. Lying, as the place does, in between the British and Austrian legations, it was decided to take possession of it for the thousand-odd Christian refugees, mostly Catholics, who had claimed the protection of their teachers, the missionaries, when the cathedrals and mission premises were burned. The idea of doing this originated with Mr. F. H. James, who was killed on the bridge by Kansu soldiers a few days after the occupation. Dr. G. E. Morrison warmly seconded it, and the plan was carried out without opposition from Prince Su or his retainers, as actual warfare had not yet broken out. This palace consists of a lot of rather fine (for Chinese buildings) edifices, all of one story, arranged in a series of courts, with a considerable park on the west side facing on the moat dividing the palace from the British legation.