CHAPTER IX.

Anticipations of Work--The _Powhattan’s_ Salute--Sail for the Peiho--Excitement on Board--Arrival of Mr. Bruce--Interview with the Chinese Commandant--We embark--Advance to the Taku Forts--Attempt to blow up the Barrier--What old Archie said--Gun-boats under Way--A Jam--Well done, _Opossum_--The saucy _Plover_--We join the _Starling_--Aground hard and fast--The Fight begins--Dodging the Cannon-balls--Well done, _Cormorant_!--Smart Work--We pull to the Admiral--Death at my Elbow--At it again--Lie down, Men!--Unlucky Teapot--The Landing-party--We pull to the Shore--Death in the Mud--Hit by a Shot--The wounded Officer--Death in the Rushes--The Don’t-care Feeling--The Retreat--Light-balls--A terrible Trudge--Don’t care again--A narrow Escape--A Sip of Life--The Boats at last--Sleepers in the Gun-boat 135