Developments at Taku and Tientsin--A strong Chinese force advancing on Taku--A council of Admirals convened on board the _Rossia_--Mines and torpedoes laid at the mouth of the Pei-ho--A defensive attitude to be adopted by the Allies--The Taku forts the key of the position--Japanese to guard the railway station--A second council on the _Rossia_--Prince Tuan--Chinese friendliness regarded with distrust by naval commanders--Remonstrances--The Governor of Chili commanded to hand over the Taku and Tong-ku forts--Chinese refusal--Plans for an attack--Big ships of the Allies--Gunboats up-stream--Mines laid across the bar--The U.S.S. _Monocacy_ Pp. 112-117