As one division of the Celestials was fleeing from the Americans, they, or at least a larger portion of them, plumped straight into the others near the embankment, utterly demoralizing them. “The Americans are coming! They number thousands!” was the cry, in Chinese; and then began a retreat such as Gilbert had never before seen, the Boxers tumbling over each other in their haste, tearing their flowing uniforms, throwing down guns and swords, and all the while waving their beloved banners and shrieking as if to arouse the dead. The Russians saw the turn of affairs, and were quick to take advantage of the move. In a twinkling they leaped over the embankment, and poured a hot fire into the retreating enemy. Soon they were beside the Americans, and then they did all in their power to outstrip them. The only time a Russian soldier would pause was when he saw some wounded Chinaman trying to escape, when the wretched fellow would immediately be despatched with a bayonet. “That’s too much for me,” cried Gilbert, as he watched one of these performances. “Those poor fellows are out of the fight. Why not leave them alone?” “I’m afraid you’ll see worse than that before we get through,” answered Captain Banner. “Some foreign soldiers are pretty brutal, I can tell you that; and even some of our own men can’t be held back at times.” There was no time to say more, for all were after the Boxers on the double-quick. Gradually the Celestials separated into three parties. At this the Russians followed one, the Americans another, while the third party escaped in the direction of Shan-Hai-Kwan, a town to the north of Tongku. In the struggle near the wood the Americans had left the vicinity of the railroad; but now the Boxers they were after ran for the road-bed and came out at a spot between that and the Pei-Ho. They appeared to know the marshland perfectly, and soon the larger portion of them disappeared among the tall reeds. Gilbert’s company ran as far as possible into the marshland, and were then ordered to halt by Captain Banner. Soon after this Major Morris ordered the entire battalion back to the road-bed of the railroad, and fighting for the time being came to an end. The respite was a welcome for the men, for the hot sun had caused them great suffering. A hasty meal was had, and a constant watch was kept for the Boxers; but they did not reappear, and just before nightfall the battalion pushed on once more in the direction of Tien-Tsin. “Phew! but that was hot while it lasted!” exclaimed Gilbert, as he sank on a hillock to rest. “We pitched right in from the word go!” “So we did,” answered Captain Banner. “I wonder what became of that Russian detachment?” “They are on the other side of the tracks somewhere. Hark! You can hear the firing. But what is that booming to the south?” “That’s a storm,” put in another officer. “We are going to catch it heavily, mark my words.”