hese had returned to Manila without
having even seen a rebel soldier. It was not surprising, then, that the
general was becoming discouraged, and that he was anxious to try a new
policy.

No one knew what the new plan would be until one day several cruisers
and gunboats made their appearance in the harbour. There had been no
war-ships at Manila for several weeks, and every one was surprised that
so many should arrive at once. There were rumours of a German onslaught,
and also gossip saying that Japan had decided to interfere, but all
these were set at naught when the general announced that the war-ships
were to be sent around the islands to bombard the rebel villages, and to
drive the rebel troops to the interior of the islands, where it would be
hard for them to receive supplies.

This news made Archie very happy, and a plan at once occurred to him.
Why shouldn't he and Bill Hickson be allowed aboard a cruiser? It would
be the best thing possible for their health, and he set about getting
the necessary permit from the admiral.

Bill Hickson was able to be about now, and he was overjoyed when Archie
said he thought they could arrange to go. "I'd like nothing better than
a voyage in the good salt air. I believe it will do me more good than
a month in the hospital," he said. Archie secured a very strong letter
from the general, and one day he stepped aboard the flag-ship in the
harbour. He had no difficulty in seeing the admiral, and found him to be
a very pleasant man to talk with. He read the letter carefully, and then
shook Archie cordially by the hand. "Yes," he said, "I've heard of
you, and of your friend, too. Every one in Hong Kong knows how you two
together bearded old Aguinaldo in his den, and robbed him of most of his
troops. It did me good to read about it in the New York papers, too, and
to know that you are both getting your just measure of credit for the
achievement."

Archie blushed, and assured the admiral that he didn't do very much,
that it was all owing to Bill Hickson's bravery. "Oh, yes, I know,"
laughed the admiral, "you lay it to him, and he will most likely give
you the credit. I've seen your kind before. But I like you all the
better for your modesty, lad. Of course you and your friend can have a
berth aboard ship, and aboard the flag-ship, too, where I can see you
both very often. You can come aboard whenever you wish, and stay as long
as you like."

Archie could hardly thank the good offic