Head-quarters at Lanfang--Entry of troops into Pekin to be opposed--Murder of the Chancellor of the Japanese Legation--Conciliatory visits and orders to slaughter--Customs buildings wrecked--European graveyard desecrated--A specified date--Danger of the relief force being cut off--The advisability of capturing the Taku forts--On June 13--A skirmish of Americans and Boxers--An attempt to destroy the armoured trains--An Italian picket cut off--Chinese vitality--Rushing quick-firing guns Pp. 92-95