At these words Amos Bartlett stared again at Gilbert. Then his eyes fell. “You are sure of this? Sure he cannot make me a beggar?” he muttered. “Yes, I am sure.” “And that fire? The warehouse was full of valuable tea. They will not let me get up to see how much damage was done.” “The main warehouse was not touched, so your loss will not be heavy. Just take it easy for a week or so, and everything will straighten itself out. I have got Polk where I want him, and I know what I am doing.” “Thank you, Pennington. You are a wonderful young man. And we shall not be beggars! I am so thankful, for the sake of my wife and Jennie!” And here the sufferer fell back exhausted, closed his eyes, and went off into a doze. Mrs. Bartlett motioned Gilbert out of the room; and he followed her, on tiptoes. “Is it not awful?” she burst out, when the door was closed behind them. “What shall I do? What can I do?” “I don’t know of anything, excepting to keep him quiet. Has he been this way long?” “Ever since the fire. Every shot near the house seems to affect him.” “Then he ought to be removed from Tien-Tsin.” “But would that be safe? I understand every boat coming or going on the river is under fire.” “That is true. But I think this bombardment will soon come to an end. More of our troops are arriving, and we will soon make an attack on the native city in force. Once we have cleaned out that section, I think the whole Chinese army will retreat toward Pekin.” “I trust the relief comes soon,” put in Jennie. “This cannon-firing day after day is enough to drive one mad! And to have poor papa down sick--” Her throat choked up, and she could not go on. Gilbert was affected, but did not dare to show it. “I am sorry. I will do what I can for you,” he murmured, and gave her a look which meant a good deal. Then he turned to the mother. “What favor did you wish of me?” “I wanted you to ask at the consulate for a marine or two to guard the warehouse. Ever since the fire the looters have been out in force, and I am afraid that what was not burned will be stolen.” “I will do what I can in the matter. And is that all?” “I wished to find out about getting to Taku. If the bombardment grows worse, we cannot remain here.” “Would you care to remove to Gordon Hall?” “If my husband was not sick, I would go. But that would be no place for him; and the hospital would be still worse. If we could get him down the river in secret, that would be best of all.” “Then I will find out for you when the next large boat goes down to Taku, and what the chances will be of getting through without harm.” “If you will do that, lieutenant, I shall be very glad,” said Mrs. Bartlett. And then she added in a lower voice, “I am sorry that you, too, are disappointed.” “How do you know I am disappointed?” “You were in hopes that my husband was better, and could give you more information about Ramsey Polk. Is that not so?”