the young
lady told of the horrors of the siege.

"One cannot understand it unless you are in the midst of it," she said.
"Papa says business is at a standstill, the hospitals are filled with
the sick and the wounded, and we are in constant dread that the next
moment will be our last. The suspense is so great that in one or two
cases the inhabitants have gone crazy."

"I can well believe that, Miss Chase. During the war in the Philippines
I saw----"

Ben paused, as a heavy footstep sounded on the porch of the residence.
Other footsteps followed, and then came a loud knock on the door.

"Open here!" demanded a voice in Russian. "Open, in the name of the
Czar!"

CHAPTER XXX

A SURPRISE FOR LARRY

As the days passed, the watch upon Port Arthur from the sea became
closer and closer. Admiral Togo gave strict orders that no ships should
be allowed to enter or come from the harbor under any circumstances, and
each commander of a warship was on his mettle, knowing full well that if
he was derelict in his duty he would speedily hear from his superior in
a manner far from pleasant.

Blockading became something of a monotony to Larry and Luke, and after
several weeks had passed both wished something would happen.

"I'd rather put up with a stiff sea fight than this," declared the young
gunner's mate.

"Right ye are, lad," replied the old Yankee tar. "Ain't no use o' bein'
ready for a tussle if it ain't comin'. As it now is, life in the navy
ain't no more excitin' nor life on the old _Columbia_."

During that time Larry received a letter from Captain Ponsberry, similar
in contents to that sent to Gilbert. The Japanese Government had
released the cargo of the schooner and then bought the same at a good
round price. The ship had also been released, Captain Ponsberry having
to pay a nominal sum for this action.

"I think the captain is lucky to get off so easily," said Larry. "I
suppose the Japanese Government might have scooped in everything."

"Well, the Japs think it best to remain friendly to the United States,"
answered Luke, and it is likely that the old sailor was more than half
right.

Cold weather had come in earnest and work on deck was far from pleasant.
Yet each man on the _Shohirika_ had to do his full duty as before, and,
be it said to their credit, not a sailor or marine did any shirking. Gun
drills and various exercises were kept up constantly.

One day the warship ran close to a big tradin