“His excellency says that his troops are upon the walls of the yamen ramparts.”
“Does his excellency believe that his troops are going to be able to defeat the thousands of rioters who are marching here rapidly?” Dave asked.
After more conversation in Chinese Sin Foo explained:
“His excellency says he will guarantee the safety of all within the yamen precincts.”
“Even if the rebels attack resolutely?” Dave insisted.
“In spite of any attack,” Sin Foo assured him.
The missionaries who had been sent for were entering, but ahead of them darted a sailor who saluted the young officer and cried:
“Ensign Dalzell reports, sir, that the ramparts are being fired upon from the streets beyond. Ensign Dalzell believes, sir, that a general attack upon the yamen is about to begin.”
“Tell Ensign Dalzell,” Dave answered, “that he is to open fire as soon and as heavily as he deems best.”
Then, to the astounded under secretary Darrin added: