The last news was that they were collecting a large flotilla of junks, for carrying up their provisions.

Lucky beggars! Wouldn't I like to change places with one of them! I hope all the different troops will pull well together for, with a force of half a dozen nationalities, it is almost certain that there will be some squabbling." "I should hardly think that there would be any trouble, Hallett.

Of course, it was reported in the last mail that the Russians, French, and Germans were all behaving somewhat nastily; but as the Japs have the strongest force of all, and the Americans stick to us, I should think that things will go on well.

It would be a disgraceful thing, indeed, if troops marching to the relief of their countrymen could not keep the peace among themselves.

Of course, there may be fighting; but it is morally certain that the Chinese cannot stand against us, and I imagine that, in proportion to the numbers, their casualties will enormously exceed ours.
"Britain has her hands pretty full, at present, what with the big war in the Transvaal, and the little one here, and another in China.