I have spoken." At these words many of the more courageous among the bowmen became destructively inspired, and raised shouts of defiance against the enemy, enumerating at great length the indignities which they would heap upon their prisoners.

Cries of distinction were also given on behalf of Ling, even the more terrified exclaiming: "The noble Commander Ling will lead us! He has promised, and assuredly he will not depart from his word.

Shielded by his broad and sacred body, from which the bullets glance aside harmlessly, we will advance upon the enemy in the stealthy manner affected by ducks when crossing the swamp.
How altogether superior a person our Commander is when likened unto the leaders of the foemen--they who go into battle completely surrounded by their archers!" Upon this, perceiving the clear direction in which matters were turning, the Chief of Bowmen again approached Ling.
"Doubtless the highly-favoured person whom I am now addressing has been endowed with exceptional authority direct from Peking," he remarked with insidious politeness.

"Otherwise this narrow-minded individual would suggest that such a decision does not come within the judgment of a Commander." In his ignorance of military matters it had not entered the mind of Ling that his authority did not give him the power to commence an attack without consulting other and more distinguished persons.

At the suggestion, which he accepted as being composed of truth, he paused, the enlightened zeal with which he had been inspired dying out as he plainly understood the difficulties by which he was enclosed.