"After consultation with the Magistrate and the deputy we -decided to immediately send the brigand's letter to Chowkiakow to Messrs. Joyce and Brock with a long telegram to the Kaifeng Tuli giving the gist of the letter. and also to request General Tien to come here and be prepared to conduct negotiations. Thus, thank God, a way seems to be opening for. the release of our ladies. "I was sorry the deputy brought no letter from the ladies, but he said there was not time to try and get one. He was prepared to return to Fengtai with a, letter from us to the brigand chief and to take letters and a parcel of supplies to the ladies.
"Mrs. Bevis and myself spent the early hours of the morning preparing the parcel ready for the deputy to start at daylight. We hope for some return communication soon, and that further negotiations will proceed at once. The Lord is working for us, "Our city is again closely shut up with the brigands so near, but troops are arriving outside. and I expect the brigands are being surrounded. Mr. Ford came along here to-day to render assistance: we hauled him and his bicycle up over the city wall.
"T forgot to say that our Magistrate called for me yesterday and wanted to know if I was willing to be escorted with Mrs, Bevis to Kaifeng for safety, as ho felt doubtful in regard to taking care of us. I assured him we were not afraid, and were needed here, also that as the brigands were being dealt with by the military the danger was lessened. Pastor Wang and I poked fun at him too, by asking him about the safety of his wife and family, and told him we would all go together if it came to that! He has not mentioned it again. The times are difficult indeed. May the Lord guide us all!"
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.