The Princess of the Purple Palace

"No, but that's where I'm bound for now," said Alec. "I have a letter for the American minister," feeling to make sure that the precious missive was safe. "It is from my father, who is military instructor to the viceroy of Shan Se."

"And my father," replied Alec's new acquaintance, "is one of Mr. Conger s secretaries. We've only been over here six months. Do you know Washington --that's where we lived?"

"Never been there," said Alec. "But we mustn't stand here any longer, or we may stop living altogether. It's not a healthy neighborhood for us."

They left the shelter of the temple and were soon mingling with the crowd at the lofty Chien Men gate, which had been kept open, for the arrival of the troops, beyond the usual hour.

They passed through into the Tartar city, and with lessened anxiety, reassured by an occasional glimpse of a foreign soldier, they made their way toward the legation quarter.

"We're all right now," said Alec. "I'm sur