“The fly was safe in my collecting-box first,” the entomologist answered. “I have seen so many strange turns of Fate in my long life that I do not grieve nor do I rejoice until I know that I have cause. But tell me the news.” “Well,” said the Colonel, lighting his long pipe, and stretching his gaitered legs in the bamboo chair, “I’ll stake my military reputation that all is well. They are advancing swiftly, the firing has died down to show that resistance is at an end, and within an hour we’ll see them over the brow. Ainslie is to fire his gun three times from the church tower as a signal, and then we shall make a little sally on our own account.” “And you are waiting for this signal?” “Yes, we are waiting for Ainslie’s shots. I thought I would spend the time with you, for I had something to ask you.” “What was it?” “Well, you remember your talk about the other siege—the siege of Sung-tong. It interests me very much from a professional point of view. Now that the ladies and civilians are gone you will have no objection to discussing it.” “It is not a pleasant subject.” “No, I dare say not. Mein Gott! it was indeed a tragedy. But you have seen how I have conducted the defence here. Was it wise? Was it good? Was it worthy of the traditions of the German army?” “I think you could have done no more.” “Thank you. But this other place, was it as ably defended? To me a comparison of this sort is very interesting. Could it have been saved?” “No; everything possible was done—save only one thing.” “Ah! there was one omission. What was it?” “No one—above all, no woman—should have been allowed to fall alive into the hands of the Chinese.” The Colonel held out his broad red hand and enfolded the long, white, nervous fingers of the Professor. “You are right—a thousand times right. But do not think that this has escaped my thoughts. For myself I would die fighting, so would Ralston, so would Ainslie. I have talked to them, and it is settled. But the others, I have spoken with them, but what are you to do? There are the priest, and the missionary, and the women.” “Would they wish to be taken alive?” “They would not promise to take steps to prevent it. They would not lay hands on their own lives. Their consciences would not permit it. Of course, it is all over now, and we need not speak of such dreadful things. But what would you have done in my place?” “Kill them.” “Mein Gott! You would murder them?”