The distance to Taku from where the Europeans had landed was about twenty-five miles, but this was quite doubled eventually, by the necessity of having to avoid villages and other parties of Boxers, which were to be seen in all directions. The narrowest escape of all the many that befell this little band, occurred when in desperation they hid in a large clump of rushes to get some rest. Evidently they were suspected of being in the vicinity, however, and a party of Boxers searched the rushes, thrusting their pikes into all likely corners, but luckily without discovering the runaways. An attempt to get food also nearly proved disastrous. One of the civilians, who used to shoot a great deal in the neighbourhood, said he knew a Chinaman whom he had often befriended, and who would perhaps give them some native cakes and tea. On arriving at his hut, however, and making his request, backed by the promise of many dollars, the man turned scarlet with rage, and said, “What? tea and cakes indeed, why I’m going to kill you;” and immediately sped off in the direction of the nearest village to get assistance. After many other similar vicissitudes, the party arrived at Taku on the morning of the 20th in an utter state of collapse. [Illustration: ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS LEAVING H.M.S. “TERRIBLE” ON BOARD THE “FAME.” [_Page 100._] [Illustration: AUTHOR AND DETACHMENT FROM H.M.S. “BARFLEUR” FOR DUTY IN TIENTSIN. [_page 100._] [Illustration: “FAME” LANDING ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS. [_page 100._]