y at Manila?"
questioned the staff officer.

"We are," answered Larry.

"Admiral Togo wishes you to come to him."

"Oh, Luke, we are going to be presented to the admiral!" cried Larry.

"Great pewter!" groaned the Yankee tar. "I didn't expect this nohow. But
I don't care," he added, bracing up. "He ain't no bigger nor Dewey. Come
along."

He followed the staff officer and Larry did the same. They felt that the
eyes of many of the sailors and marines were on them, and stepped out as
firmly as possible. Coming up to the admiral, they took off their caps
and saluted.

Admiral Togo surveyed the two Americans with interest. He had heard how
they had come to serve under Dewey at Manila and he smiled pleasantly as
he held out his hand, first to Larry and then to Luke.

"Let me give you a welcome, my men," said he. "I have been told your
story. I hope this visit to my ship has interested you."

"Very much, sir," answered Luke.

"I liked the drill, sir," answered Larry, with a smile. "It was fine.
And everything is so clean! Really, I don't think it could be cleaner!"

At this Admiral Togo smiled again. "That is a compliment,--since it
comes from one who has served in the American navy."

He then asked them to remain where they were, while some of the men went
through an exercise with their cutlasses. There was also a gun drill,
and they were asked to show how they had handled a gun during the battle
of Manila Bay.

"You are well drilled, I can see that," said the admiral, on dismissing
them. "They tell me you think of entering our navy. If you wish to do so
I think likely we can find suitable openings for you."

CHAPTER XXI

LETTERS OF INTEREST

The enlistment of Larry and Luke Striker into the Japanese navy came
sooner than anticipated. A new warship was being fitted out at a harbor
some forty miles from Nagasaki, and Steve Colton and Bob Stanford were
transferred to this. Two new gun crews were badly needed on the new
ship, and inside of forty-eight hours our friends had signed the muster
roll and were put into training, under Colton. The positions occupied
were those of gunner and gunner's mate.

"Hurrah for Nippon!" cried Larry, enthusiastically. "Luke, after this we
have got to learn to yell _Banzai!_ in true Japanese style."

"This gun is a beauty," replied the Yankee tar, as he looked the piece
over. "I reckon as I can make her do considerable damage if I get the
chance."

"And I'll help a