On arriving at our destination (7.20 p.m, one hour Jate) we were very much surprised to find the station simply crowded with sailors and marines, all fully armed and mostly Russians, some being well mounted on horses brought over from Port Arthur, On proceeding on our way the same sight met us, marines and sailors of all nationalities on guard everywhere, and quite Rouwe where I sas to stay T found that the rebared for a sudden attack. At the
place was apparently in rheic possession, about 50 Austrians being put up in the godowns adjoining the premises, whilst two of the officers occupied rooms in the house. After having dined, a party of us, escorted by a elficer, took a short walk before retiring to rest, and then we saw what precautions had'been taken for our safety. At every few yards we were challenged by a sentry. There was not a single Chinaman to be seen about and the whole place seemed still and deserted and very unlike Tientsin, especially the Taku Roxd, which is as a rule I believe one constant flow of traffic. Just as we were returning we heard seven shots fired in rapid succession, but feeling quite safe with so many prorectors near we retired to rest. Not, as it happened, for long, At about midnight
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.