Following the advance of the Russians came that of the French, and these two commands went up the Pei-Ho between the river and the railroad. The Americans, English, Japanese, and other commands advanced along the west bank of the Pei-Ho, the Americans being two thousand strong, including a battery. The Chinese were strongly intrenched at Peitsang, in a position ten to twelve miles north of Tien-Tsin. They had over twenty thousand troops on the firing line, and half as many more in reserve; and several of their batteries held excellent positions for defence. The main portion of Peitsang is on the left side of the Pei-Ho. It is a town of considerable importance, containing many thousands of inhabitants and a long wharfage. Back of the town is a long lake, connecting with the river by canals. These canals had all been cut, and the roads beside them ploughed up. The going out of the Allies from Tien-Tsin proper was like the moving of some immense caravan, or what many a boy in America knows as a “Wild West” show. The troops were arrayed in a dozen different uniforms, and marched as pleased them; and behind them came the quartermasters’ turnouts, horses and wagons, cows and carts, little donkeys with loads which almost placed them out of sight, and huge, awkward camels with their burdens towering skyward. There were also Chinese coolies with packs, and with rickshaws--that is, carriages meant to be pulled by human hands. Everything that could “go” was pressed into service. “It’s on to Pekin now, sure!” exclaimed Captain Banner, as he trudged once more beside Gilbert. “And, in my opinion, we are going to have our hands full.” “I am ready to take what comes,” answered Gilbert. “I was getting tired of hanging around Tien-Tsin.” “Sure, an’ this marchin’ is worse nor the bogs av ould Ireland,” broke out Dan Casey, as he splashed through water up to his ankles. “Iviry shtep I take I think I’ll go into a hole up to me waist.” “Dot’s all right, so long as you ton’t vos go in ofer your head, Tan,” replied Stummer. “How dis mud does stick to mine poots! Feels like it vos goin’ to bull ’em off, hey?” “You ought to be used to such travelling by this time,” laughed Gilbert. “You have had lots of experience in the Philippines.” On and on went the soldiers through the water and mud. Each was heavily loaded, and the suffering was great. Yet but few complaints were heard, for each nation was vying with the others to get ahead. As soon as the first detachment of the Allies appeared, the Chinese batteries began to thunder forth their shot and shell with deadly effect. The guns were well managed, and to silence them seemed at first impossible. “Major Morris, you will take your battalion around to the road on the left,” said the lieutenant-colonel, as he dashed up on horseback. “Yonder gun must be silenced. Do you think your boys can do the work?”