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ON TO PEKIN

out the Spanish fleet. But one of her men told me that she makes a first-class hospital and relief ship."

There was not much to do, excepting to watch where the supplies were placed and to keep tab on them, so that some Italian soldiers in the vicinity would not walk away with the things; and Gilbert took it easy under a big shed built of logs and split bamboo. Presently, much to his astonishment, a Chinaman appeared, wearing the uniform of a British soldier.

"Please you slay where him Cap'n Wilbur land," said the Chinaman, after saluting in true military fashion.

"What's that?" asked Gilbert, who found it hard to understand the Celestial.

"Me lookee for him, Cap'n Wilbur,—Englees officer. You know where him land?"

"The English are landing something down the stream a bit. You may find him there."

"Thlankee, lieutenant." And the Chinaman saluted again.

"Hold on!" cried Gilbert, curiously. "Are you a British soldier?"