e added, bitterly.

By this time Captain Ponsberry was on the scene, and those who had gone
below were summoned on deck once more. The captain glared at Semmel, who
lost no time in shrinking behind the Russian officers for protection.

"I can prove the cargo on this ship belongs to the Japanese Government,"
said Ostag Semmel. "My friend can prove it, too," he added, pointing to
Peterson. "It is true we tried to seize the ship--to take her to
Vladivostok, or some other Russian port, as a prize."

"This is assuredly interesting," said the leading Russian officer. "Tell
me your tale in full."

Despite Captain Ponsberry's protests Semmel told his story in his own
way, and Peterson corroborated it in every detail. Then Shamhaven,
thinking to curry favor, came forward.

"They tell the strict truth," he said. "I worked with them. We did what
we could for the benefit of the Russian Government. Every bit of cargo
on this ship belongs to the Japanese Government and was to be taken
ashore at Nagasaki. The last cargo of the _Columbia_ was also sold at
Nagasaki to the Japanese Government."

"When was this?"

"About two months ago."

More questions were put to Semmel, Peterson, and Shamhaven, and at last
the Russian naval officer turned grimly to Captain Ponsberry.

"I have heard their story, and it will be unnecessary to make an
inspection of your cargo, since they have told me of what it consists.
In the name of Russia I claim this ship as a prize of war, and you and
your crew must consider yourselves prisoners."

CHAPTER XIII

PRISONERS ON THE "POCASTRA"

Captain Ponsberry had feared the result ever since the unexpected
appearance of Ostag Semmel, so he was not very much surprised when the
Russian naval officer stated that he should consider the _Columbia_ as a
war prize and place those on board under arrest as prisoners of war.

"This is a high-handed proceeding," said he, as calmly as possible,
although his mind was in a whirl.

"I do not think so," answered the Russian officer. "Do you submit or
not?"

"Since it would be useless to fight, we shall have to submit," answered
the master of the schooner. "But, remember, I shall hold you and the
Russian Government responsible for all you do."

"As you have said that before, there is no use of repeating it, Captain
Ponsberry. We will take command of the vessel at once."

"What are we going to do?" whispered Larry to Tom Grandon.

"I don't know--follow t