The English, followed by the Americans, were now making for the central gate of the Tartar City, the gate nearest to the legations; for from the wall here the Celestials could command both the legations and the forces of the approaching Allies. But this attack was anticipated by the Americans and the Russians in the British compound; and a daring rush by the American marines, followed by the soldiers of the Czar, speedily put the Chinese to flight, with the loss of many men. Some of the flying Chinese were confronted by Major Morris’s command, and another skirmish resulted; but this was of short duration. As soon as the gate had fallen, two field-pieces were brought in, and taken to the British compound. Other field-pieces were taken to the grounds of the Temple of Heaven, which afterward became a camping-spot for the British and for some of the Americans. Arriving at the Tartar wall opposite the legations, the American troops were told to follow the British through the canal gate, and were soon at the entrance to the compound. Here men, women, and children ran out to greet them, some fairly embracing the soldiers who had suffered so much in order to get to their relief. “We have waited for you for fifty-six days,” exclaimed the Rev. Mr. Wells. “God be thanked that you have come!” “Americans, cheer your flag!” shouted Mr. Tewksbury, the missionary; and then came a loud hurrah, in which not only the Americans, but many others joined. Then came more cheering, for the English, French, Germans, and others; and, as night drew on, camp-fires were lit in honor of the occasion, and the missionaries and others gathered around and sang the Doxology, and praised God that the long and perilous siege was a thing of the past. But the work for the troops was not yet over, and Gilbert was allowed to remain at the compound only a short time. Yet he managed to hunt up the Rev. Mr. Wells. “Larry Russell wrote to me about you,” he said. “I am glad that you are well.” “I am thankful to have you come to our aid,” replied the missionary. “It is a glorious victory. What are you going to do next?” “We are ordered to the gate of the Imperial City. We shan’t stop until we have gained the Forbidden City, and brought the Chinese thoroughly to terms.” “I see. Well, that is right, I presume; yet war is an awful thing.” The missionary paused. “It was kind of Larry Russell to think of me. He is a fine lad.” “He is all right, and so are all of the Russells,” replied Gilbert. Then he shook hands with Rev. Mr. Wells, and hurried off. The artillery was already smashing the yellow roofs of the Imperial City when he again reached the firing line; and this continued until night closed down on the scene of carnage.