Both Major Morris and Captain Banner were delighted to see the young lieutenant back safe and sound, and all were eager to learn the particulars of his thrilling experience. “You have had a narrow escape, Pennington,” said the major. “You must be more careful of yourself in the future. We have already lost officers enough.” “Rest assured I’ll be more careful,” answered Gilbert. “I’ll venture into no more such lions’ dens.” It had been reported to the major that Gilbert had gone off to do some private looting, but this the commander of the first battalion would not believe. “He’s too much of an American to do that,” said the major. Looting still went on by some of the foreign troops; but the American soldiers were kept in constant check, and two men who would not obey the rules were placed under arrest. For several days after the adventure at the Chinese house of worship, Gilbert was kept busy attending to his duties as an officer; and, consequently, he got no opportunity to call upon the Bartletts. And during that time he heard nothing as to how Amos Bartlett was faring. The days to follow the capture of Tien-Tsin were, on the whole, quiet; for the Boxers and the Chinese government troops had fled to parts unknown, and the Allies were as yet in no condition to hunt them up. The cry of “On to Pekin!” was frequently heard; but it was felt by all that the troops in Tien-Tsin must be re-enforced before a proper advance could be made. Troops, however, were arriving daily at Taku and other ports; and the repairs to the railroad between Tien-Tsin and Tongku were pushed forward with all speed. In the past the different nationalities had acted largely on their individual responsibility. It was now felt that all must act in concert, or a further advance into the enemy’s country might be attended with a severe set-back. During the days spent at Tien-Tsin came news from Pekin which was both cheering and alarming. It was to the effect that so far all of the ministers but the German were safe. Several of the legations had been burnt down, and the various foreigners in Pekin had retreated to the English compound. They were being bombarded almost daily by the Chinese; and, whereas the Boxers had started the crusade against them, they were now being besieged by the government troops as well. They hoped to hold out until relief came, but both rations and ammunition were alarmingly low. This news stirred each of the foreign nations as they had never been stirred before. “Pekin must be relieved at any cost,” was what every one said. “Our ministers and our people must be saved.” Then the preparations for the advance were hurried more than ever.