early in 1868, were induced to believe that an independent Mohammedan kingdom was in all truth about to be set up, including in its embrace Yün-nan, and even parts of Ssŭch'uan. "It seemed," wrote Dr Anderson, the chronicler of the mission, "at this period almost certain that Yün-nan would become an independent kingdom, if indeed Ssŭch'uan and the northern provinces were not also formed into a great Mohammedan empire."
We now know that the power of the Mohammedans was more apparent than real, for we have seen how it crumbled and gave way when once a determined attack was made upon it. There is little doubt that the visit of the British mission and its friendly intercourse with the Mohammedan leaders was the spur required to rouse the energy of the somnolent Chinese authorities. The prospect of assistance being given by Great Britain to the insurgents "so alarmed the Chinese Government as to lead them to make a supreme effort to stamp out the rebellion. Certain it is that such effort was successfully made; and it dates from the arrival of Major
