A BRIDGE OF COFFINS.
When the British forces were marching to Pekin in 1860, after the capture of,, the Taku Forts, one of the rivers became so swollen with thei heavy rains that it was rendered almost impassable. While" in this quandary a bright idea suudenly struck one of the officers. Being well aware that the Chinese generally order. their coffins years in advance and' keep them on the premises, and also that they are perfectly airtight, he consulted with his : brother officers, with the 4 result that orders .were: given to search all the houses of the village and collecfc^every coffin./: With; the. aid of a fewi empty casks the soldiers., constructed a pontoon l bridge ; of • coffins, sufficiently sfcrongrto bear the. ..ai? : tillery»'.':and;the river,- was 'thus passed.;in jsafety. ' ' - Vfe, ; ; . ; - .
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Bibliographic details
Star (Christchurch), Issue 6496, 27 May 1899, Page 2
Word Count
131
A BRIDGE OF COFFINS.
Star (Christchurch), Issue 6496, 27 May 1899, Page 2
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