CHAPTER III.
THE RISING IN THE VILLAGE.
"Teacher, they are coming—burning, looting, killing!"
"Not our people, surely?" said Mr. St. John.
"No; but they will join, never fear, when their blood is up; they will forget all your kindness. The lady and the children should retire."
"Yes, yes, Christine," said Mr. St. John, hurriedly; "go into the blue room and remain there with the children until I join you; but if I am not able to do so you know what we arranged—put on the Chinese dress, escape through the house, which will bring you out on the road to Wei-hai-wei, and may God bless and be with my dear wife and children."
"Paul, a wife's place is by her husband's side."
"Yes, yes, my dearest, but the children!"
"Oh, Paul, I am torn in two. I do not know what to choose.
"Darling, you have not to choose, God has chosen for you; only one way lies open."