Tsaochuang, May 31.
"We never showed the white feather, even in the darkest hours, when the bandits issued an ultimatum that all of us would be shot Jast Tuesday, if the troops were not withdrawn. We remained silent, and then someone started a song and all joined in, to the amazement of the bandits, wha were non-plussed by our pluck! and sang fraid," said Mr, Smith on his arrival here after hid liberation. "When I was leaving! Paotzeku I had a mixed feeling of joy and regret—joy over my release, but regret for losing thd companionship of sonic of thd finest and truest spirits that it has ever been my geod fortune td meet in my long life. After thd first few days, all made light of their common difficulties and grumbling was never tolerated. Since all were allotted special duties, for which they were individually responsible, an excellen# morale was maintained, much to the surprise of the bandits and tke Chinese captives. Our deepest thanks are due to the Rescue Mis+ sion, who unfailingly supplied our wants and even satisfied our whims. The arrival of supplies was a much more important event than a conference with the bandie chieftains."
Mr, Smith has left for Peking, to rest and recuperate before con tinuing his trip of sight-seeing im the Far East. He said that lid would omit a visit to Mukden, since he wished to avoid Chang Tso-lin and any possible _rerurrence of capture. Mr. Smith's hair is slightly white, but he is ini good health and eat a good dinner and slept well for the first. timd for three weeks.
Major Alllen was not communicative. He was anxious to join his wife and son in Tientsin. Per haps he may have more to say! later.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.