with loads which almost placed them out of sight, and huge, awkward camels with their burdens towering skyward. There were also Chinese coolies with packs, and with rickshaws—that is, carriages meant to be pulled by human hands. Everything that could "go" was pressed into service.
"It's on to Pekin now, sure!" exclaimed Captain Banner, as he trudged once more beside Gilbert. "And, in my opinion, we are going to have our hands full."
"I am ready to take what comes," answered Gilbert. "I was getting tired of hanging around Tien-Tsin."
"Sure, an' this marchin' is worse nor the bogs av ould Ireland," broke out Dan Casey, as he splashed through water up to his ankles. "Iviry shtep I take I think I'll go into a hole up to me waist."
"Dot's all right, so long as you ton't vos go in ofer your head, Tan," replied Stummer. "How dis mud does stick to mine poots! Feels like it vos goin' to bull 'em off, hey?"
"You ought to be used to such travelling by this time," laughed Gilbert. "You have had lots of experience in the Phillppines."
