hen Gilbert received an equally warm
greeting.

"We were released this morning," said Ben. "I can tell you I was mighty
glad of it. I haven't had a meal fit to eat in weeks."

"Well, you shall have the best our larder affords," said Gilbert. "My,
but you're a sight for sore eyes!" he continued.

"Don't say a word!" came from Larry. Two tears were glistening in his
honest eyes. "It's almost too good to be true!"

* * * * *

Here let me add a few words more and then bring to a close this tale of
the naval and military adventures "At the Fall of Port Arthur."

After the surrender of the city the army in that vicinity, and also the
fleet near the harbor, had but little to do outside of caring for the
sick and wounded and disposing of the thousands of prisoners. The
Russian officers were allowed to go on parole and the prisoners were
transported to Japan. Many of the mines in the harbor were taken up, so
that ships might come and go in safety.

Larry was anxious to learn what had become of Shamhaven and Peterson,
and through the Japanese guards stationed in Port Arthur located the
rascally sailors at a cheap boarding-house. Both were made prisoners,
and Larry got back a portion of the money stolen from Captain Ponsberry
and himself. It was learned that the big brig had been destroyed by the
Japanese shell fire, so that Ivan Snokoff lost everything he placed in
the venture.

"Well, it served him right," said Gilbert, when he heard of this. "He is
responsible for the time Ben spent in prison."

What had become of Captain Barusky was at first a mystery. But at last
it was learned that he had sneaked aboard of a transport filled with
wounded soldiers and bound for Chefoo. He pretended to be wounded
himself, and was given medical attention until the trick was discovered,
when he was treated as a coward. As soon as Chefoo was reached he
disappeared, and that was the last seen or heard of him for some time.

"We are well rid of that fellow," said Ben. "I hope the Russians read
him out of their army. He isn't fit to hold a commission."

"What do you imagine will be the next move in this war?" questioned
Gilbert.

"It is hard to tell. I think they will try to take Mukden, for one
thing."

"Russia is going to send out more warships," put in Larry. "If they come
this way, it may mean more fighting for me."

"Well, I reckon you'll do your duty, if you are put to it," answered
Gilbert, with a smile.

"