The few rusty cast-iron ten-pounders that lie _hors de combat_ in the mud have long since become useless.

There may be ammunition in the fort; but there is none to be seen.

It is more probable, and more in accordance with Chinese practice in such matters, that the ammunition left by his predecessor (if any were left, which is doubtful) has long ago been sold by the colonel in command, whose perquisite this would naturally be.
The fort of Nantien is a fort in name only--it has no need to be otherwise, for peace and quiet are abroad in the valley.

Besides, the mere fact of its being called a fort is sufficiently misleading to the neighbouring British province of Burma, where they are apt to picture a Chinese fort as a structure seriously built in some accordance with modern methods of fortification.
I was given a comfortable room in a large inn already well filled with travellers.

All treated me with pleasant courtesy.