e,
starting from the time the schooner left Manila with a cargo intended
for the Japanese Government. He told of the trouble with Semmel and of
the mutiny, and then of the capture by the _Pocastra_.

"You have assuredly been unfortunate," said Captain Tonkaka. "Have you
any idea where your schooner is now?"

"I have not, but I thought she must be close to the Russian ship--she
and that Chinese junk, too. The _Pocastra_ was taking them to
Vladivostok as prizes."

"Ah!" The Japanese captain mused for a moment. "I dare say you would
like to gain back your ship?" he continued.

"Indeed I would!" cried Captain Ponsberry. "I'd give a pretty dollar to
do so!"

"I shall interview the captain of the Russian warship again to-morrow.
It may be that he will tell us where she is--although I doubt it."

After this a few questions were put to Larry and Tom Grandon and both
corroborated what Captain Ponsberry had said. They were also questioned
concerning the treatment they had received while on the _Pocastra_.

"You may be thankful that the treatment was no worse," said Captain
Tonkaka. "Of late some of the Russians have treated their prisoners in a
most brutal fashion."

"We are thankful," replied the master of the _Columbia_.

The majority of the staterooms aboard of the _Mimora Juri_ were occupied
by the officers of the cruiser, but one small room was turned over to
Captain Ponsberry, and a larger apartment was turned over to Tom Grandon
and Larry. At Larry's solicitation Luke Striker was allowed to "bunk in"
with the first and second mates.

"This 'ere ship is jest about next to a palace," was Luke's comment.
"Ain't seen nothing so fancy in a long time."

The Japanese warships were bound for the nearest naval station with
their prize. They could readily have made eighteen knots an hour, but
the crippled Russian cruiser could not make over ten, and so this was
the rate of speed set for all three.

The Americans were allowed the freedom of the ship and Larry and Luke
spent many hours in inspecting the guns and other equipments, and in
watching the Japanese jackies in the gun and cutlass drills, their
physical exercises, and in their drills to fight fire and to lower the
small boats. Everything on board ran as smoothly as clockwork, much to
their delight.

"I can tell you what, Luke!" cried Larry, enthusiastically, "this beats
the Russians all hollow! I never saw anything so well done!"

"Almost beats our own navy,