ned to the youth. "Larry, you're a
brave one, and always was. I ain't going to forget this!"

"Oh, don't say anything about it," came from the young second mate,
modestly. "I know you'd do as much for me, if I needed it."

"Well, I would, an' there's my hand on it," cried Captain Ponsberry,
heartily, and gave Larry a grip that made him wince.

The storm kept up for the remainder of the day. But its worst fury was
spent, and during the night the wind went down to nothing more than a
stiff breeze, which was just what was wanted. All of the sails were
again set; and the schooner resumed her course as before.

Before leaving Manila Larry had purchased a number of newspapers printed
in that city in English. So far he had had no chance to look the sheets
over, but now came two days in which there was little to do, and he
spent several hours in devouring the news, while he also let his friend
Luke do some reading.

"Tell ye what, this 'ere war between Russia and Japan is goin' to be a
big thing," said Luke, after reading an account of the first fights on
land and on sea. "It ain't goin' to be no such short affair as our
little rumpus in Cuby."

"You are right, Luke; this war is going to be a long and bitter one."

"Who is goin' to win, do you think?"

"I'm sure I don't know. Russia is a vast country, with millions of
people and with an immense army and navy. I suppose she can put five
times as many men in the field as Japan can."

"But them Japs know how to fight."

"Indeed they do--they have proved that already. And what is to their
advantage, they are closer to Korea and Manchuria than Russia is. They
can get on the fighting ground quicker,--which counts for a good deal."

"How those Russians must have been astonished when the Japanese warships
sailed into 'em at Port Arthur last February. I don't believe they were
expecting an attack."

"Hardly, for war had just been declared. But you wouldn't have caught
Uncle Sam napping like that, Luke."

"Right ye are, lad; it ain't his style. An' then to see how them Japs
have been a-blowin' up the Russian warships ever since. They must have a
fine navy."

"Yes, and good gunners, too. I was told in Nagasaki that quite a few
American gunners were on their ships--fellows who served under Dewey at
Manila and under Sampson and Schley off Cuba."

"I believe you, lad. When a feller gits it in his bones to fight on a
warship there ain't no life on a merchantman goin' to sati