"What was his crime?" asked one of the fascinated spectators of another.
"He was that member of the Tsung Li Yamen who, before circulating the palace edict, 'Feng yang jen pi sha'" (whenever meeting foreigners, kill them), "dared alter 'pi'" (kill) "into 'pao'" (protect).
"It is enough, and his punishment is righteous," declared the other.
Rob did not quite understand this, but Jo did, and, seizing his comrade's arm with so fierce a grip that the latter winced, he dragged him from the awful scene. As they gained the street he whispered, in choking voice:
"From this moment I am with you and with the foreign people, until the Empress is overthrown. Let us get to your legation."
"Was it any one you knew?" asked Rob, not yet comprehending.
"He was my father."