ONE STORY OF THE BOXER UPRISING



The story of the Boxer uprising in China, in 1900, supplies instances of the signal deliverance of Christian workers in peril from the heathen. One of the most striking of many similar experiences was that of a little company that fell into the hands of the Boxers after fleeing to the mountains of Chihli. They were dragged mercilessly to and fro by their captors.

“On seven successive occasions the Boxers determined to put them to death. But their time was not yet; each time it was prevented until at length their captors said, ‘These people live a charmed life; we cannot kill them. We had better let them go.’ ”

Finally it was determined that no further respite should be allowed. There was none to stay their hand, thought the blood-maddened mob, and why should they be so held back from carrying out their purpose?

Made weary and perhaps superstitious by the difficulty already experienced in trying to kill their victims, it was determined to adopt a method that would insure success. The small party, were sent on a boat,

down the river, with a guard, under secret orders that all were to be slain in a secluded spot where no blame could ever after be attached to any particular city or authority.

“As they floated down the stream, the callous soldiers sharpened their swords before the eyes of their victims. Remonstrance was useless. The boat was brought to anchor, and they were told to go ashore.

“Mr. Green, carrying baby John in his arms, left the boat first, in order to help the ladies ashore; and little five-year-old Vera and the ladies followed. When they reached the bank, Mr. Green turned and gave the captain of the boat a bow in Chinese style, saying, as he did so, ‘Thank you, sir.’ Little Vera then crossed her hands; and, making the captain a charming bow (like a little Chinese lady), she repeated her father’s words and said, ‘Thank you, sir.’

“All this was too much for the burly captain. He turned to his men, and said, ‘Look here, men, we cannot kill these people; we had better leave them alone.’

And he sprang on his boat and called off his followers. Again the missionaries were saved.

“At last God raised up a friend in a Chinese gentleman who, after secretly conveying a message of sympathy to them, announced his plan and good wishes, went down to Tientsin and brought a rescue party, by whom, at last, they were escorted to the coast.”