A _coup d’état_ feared--Situation in Pekin grave--Messrs. Robinson and Norman murdered--Chinese Christians in serious straits--An interview with Prince Ching--Refusal of the Chinese Government to deal firmly with the Boxers--Difficulties in obtaining an Imperial audience--Hampering formalities--A conference on the flag-ship _Centurion_--Sir Claude MacDonald’s discretion left unfettered by his Government--Evil effects of the Chinese decree in the _Pekin Gazette_ Pp. 72-76