“And they live on little but rice, too,” added Gilbert. “It certainly is wonderful what they can endure.” The Frenchmen were glad enough to have the Americans at hand, and the two camps were pitched side by side. The foreigners were from the south of France, and were mostly the sons of farmers or grape-growers. “We are bound to meet all kinds of people here,” said Gilbert. He was much interested in the Frenchmen, and was sorry he could not converse with them. Here and there a conversation was held, but it was soon discovered that the supply of French on one side and of English on the other was decidedly limited. Gilbert had become accustomed to sleeping on the battlefield; and, seeking the most sheltered spot he could find, he was soon in the land of dreams. He slept until daybreak, and was just turning over for another nap when one of the sergeants aroused him. “Up quick, lieutenant!” was the cry. “The Chinese are coming along the river. We are in for another scrap, sure, and a big one!” CHAPTER XVI ENTERING TIEN-TSIN UNDER DIFFICULTIES It did not take Gilbert long to rouse up and reach for his weapons. His pistol and sword secured, he ran to where his company was already forming, under the directions of Second Lieutenant Bruff. A shooting in the direction of the Pei-Ho told him that hostilities had already started. “The Chinese are moving in the direction of Tien-Tsin,” announced Major Morris. “We must follow them up. The French detachment will support us.” But little more was said, and five minutes later the battalion of American regulars were moving along silently. It was still raining, but it could be seen that the storm was coming to an end. Presently there came a loud shouting out of the darkness, followed by more shots. “Don’t let them get into the boat! For the love of heaven, push her from shore!” “Some Americans or English in a boat, and in trouble!” cried Captain Banner, and gazed at the major inquiringly. “Company A will march directly to the river shore,” said Major Morris, promptly. “If those people in the boat need assistance, give them all you can.” The rain had soaked the marshland thoroughly, and soon the members of Company A found themselves in water over their ankles. The shouting from the river continued; and at length they made out a small lighter, usually used to transport goods from the steamboats in Taku Harbor to Tien-Tsin. The lighter was filled with refugees from Tien-Tsin,--men, women, and children,--who were trying to escape the furies of the Chinese bombardment. The craft had become stuck in the mud, and was being fired upon by a party of Boxers, numbering at least two hundred and fifty. As soon as he realized the situation, Captain Banner did not hesitate as to what to do. Bringing his company to a halt, he ordered the men to fire low, so as not to hit anybody in the boat.