Thus preceded, the Tsung-li Yamen secretary advanced to the main-gate blockhouse of the British Legation, where he was curtly stopped, given a chair, and told to await the arrival of the Ministers, or such as proposed to see him.  Seated just outside this evil-smelling dungeon—­for the blockhouse, encased in huge sandbags, is full of dirt and ruins and has many smells—­the feelings of this representative of the Chinese Government must have been charmingly mixed.  Near by were grimy and work-worn men, in all manner of attire, with their rifles; in the dry canal alongside were rude structures of brick and overturned.  Peking carts, line upon line, thrown down and heaped up to block the enemy’s long-expected charges; and on all sides were such stenches and refuse—­all the flotsam and jetsam cast up by our sea of troubles.  Until then I did not realise how many carcases, fragments of broken weapons, empty cartridge cases, broken bottles, torn clothing, and a hundred other things were lying about.  It was a sordid picture.  Presently the British Minister, in his capacity of commander-in-chief and protector of the other Ministers, came out and took his seat by the side of his guest, an interpreter standing beside him to help the interview.  Then the French Minister approached and insinuated himself into the droll council of peace; the Spanish Minister, as doyen, also appeared, and one or two others.  But those Ministers who are without Legations, who so uncomfortably resemble their colleagues at home—­those without portfolios—­formed a group in the middle distance, humble as men only are who have to rely upon bounty.  I saw the Belgian Minister and the Italian Charge for the first time for several weeks.  My own chief was also there, rubbing his hands, trying to seem natural.  The interview proceeded apace, and as far as we could judge there were no noticeable results.

There were assurances on both sides, regrets, the crocodile tears of diplomacy, and vague threats.  All our Ministers seemed comforted to feel that diplomacy still existed—­that there was still a world in which protocols were binding.  And yet nothing definite could be learned from this Yamen secretary.  He said that everyone would be protected, but that the “bandits” were still very strong.  After this official interview, other private interviews took place.  Buglers and orderlies from the Chinese generals around us trooped in on us for unknown reasons.  Three came over the German barricades, and were led blindfolded to the British Legation to be cross-questioned and examined.  One trumpeter said that his general wished for an interview with one of our generals at the great Ha-ta Gate, where were his headquarters.  He wished to discuss military matters.  Other men came in a big deputation to the little Japanese colonel, and said they wanted an interview too.  It means the temporary resumption of a species of diplomatic life.  I suppose it is in the air, and everybody likes the change.  Yesterday, too,