Page:On to Pekin.djvu/22

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ON TO PEKIN

"If they don't want any foreigners, why did they allow them in the country in the first place?"

"I presume they didn't imagine the foreigners would pour in so rapidly, or that they would advocate so many changes in business, religion, and other things. You see, the Chinaman sticks to ancient things, and wants to do just as his father, his grandfather, and his great-grandfather did."

"Has there been any fighting there yet?"

"I can't say as to that. But the other nations are hurrying troops to the scene; and, when we get there, we are to form part of an Allied Army, composed of English, German, French, Japanese, and other nations."

"Then it will be China against the world."

"That's about the size of it. If we fight side by side with the other nations, it will be rather a new experience for our troops."

"Right you are, major." The young lieutenant gazed doubtfully at his dirty and ragged khaki uniform and the shoes which had been patched until there was hardly any of the original leather left. "But we ought to have new outfits before we go."

"No doubt General Mac Arthur will see that we