UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN D EGO 
 
 3 1822027726546 
 

 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OP 
 
 CALIFORNIA 
 
 SAN DIEGO 
 
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 31822027726546
 
 SWORD AND PEN 
 
 OR 
 
 A Young War Correspondent's 
 Adventures 
 
 'Centerboard Jim," "Won at West Point," "King of the Island," 
 " Ensign Merrill," etc. 
 
 NEW YORK AND LONDON 
 STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS
 
 Copyright, 190* 
 By STREET & SMITH 
 
 Sword and Pen
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I. In which I Receive an Important Assign 
 ment 5 
 
 II. In which I Meet Alfred Montague Forbes 13 
 
 III. In which I Make an Important Discovery . 21 
 
 IV. In which I Meet Osaki ... 30 
 
 V. In which I Renew an Acquaintance . 39 
 
 VI, In which Osaki Shows His Friendship 48 
 
 VII. In which we are Attacked . . -55 
 
 VIII. In which we are Again in Luck's Way 67 
 
 IX. In which we Meet with a Surprise . . 73 
 
 X. In which we Make the Acquaintance of 
 
 Jack Bunce 79 
 
 XI. In which Osaki Makes an Alarming Dis 
 covery .85 
 
 XII. In which we Prepare for the Rescue. 91 
 
 XIII. In which we Rescue Forbes . . .97 
 XIV. In which we Sight Ping An . . 104 
 
 XV. In which I Forsake the Pen for the Sword no 
 XVI. In which I Help Attack a Fort . .116 
 
 XVII. In which Forbes Receives a Lesson in 
 
 Fencing . . . . . .122 
 
 XVIII. In which Jack and I Take to the River . 128
 
 ii CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 XIX. In which I Lose One Friend and Meet 
 
 Another 134 
 
 XX. In which Danger Again Threatens 140 
 
 XXI. In which I have an Unpleasant Ex 
 perience . . . . . .148 
 
 XXII. In which I Send my First Dispatch 155 
 
 XXIII. In which we Find a Novel Hiding- 
 place 162 
 
 XXIV. In which we are Captured and Carried 
 
 Off to a Mysterious Fate . . 167 
 
 XXV. In which we Prepare to Play a Desperate 
 
 Game 173 
 
 XXVI. In which we are Received with Undue 
 
 Warmth 180 
 
 XXVII. In which I Stumble Upon a Mystery 185 
 
 XXVIII. In which I Make Good My Escape from 
 
 Camp . . .193 
 
 XXIX. In which I Witness a Naval Battle and 
 
 Meet an Old Friend . . .199 
 
 XXX. In which we Run Into Warm Quarters 206 
 
 XXXI. In which the Schooner is Saved . .212 
 
 XXXII. In which I Receive Startling News 218 
 
 XXXIII. In which we are Boarded by an Old 
 
 Acquaintance 224 
 
 XXXIV. In which Jack Bunce Becomes Excited 230 
 
 XXXV. In which we Hear Good News and are 
 
 Placed in Jeopardy .... 236 
 
 XXXVI. In which Forbes Turns Up Unexpectedly 242 
 XXXVII Conclusion 248
 
 SWORD AND PEN. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 IN WHICH I RECEIVE AN IMPORTANT ASSIGNMENT. 
 
 "Stanley, you are a lucky dog." 
 
 "What is up now, Mr. Burnett ?" 
 
 "The old man wishes to see you at once." 
 
 "Well," I laughed, "I hardly see how such a summons 
 should cause you to say that I am a fortunate canine, as it 
 were. Jn fact, I am afraid it means just the opposite. 
 No doubt Mr. Parker has a severe lecture in store for me." 
 
 "Is that so? Well, I only wish I were in your place, 
 that's all," and my companion gave me an unmistakably 
 envious glance. 
 
 This piqued my curiosity. That something out of the 
 common was impending was plainly evident. Mr. Jared 
 Parker, managing editor of a certain well-known New 
 York daily, and president of the newly organized Con 
 solidated Press Association of the United States, was not 
 the man to communicate with his subordinates unless he 
 had something of great importance in hand. 
 
 Added to this was the fact that he had actually sent his 
 private secretary to the reporters' room to request my 
 presence without delay. Such a proceeding was simply
 
 6 An Important Assignment. 
 
 unheard of in the office, and my brother employees cast 
 wondering glances at me as I rose to obey the august 
 summons. 
 
 That Mr. Burnett was in the secret, his official position 
 gave proof, but he paid no attention to my looks, and si 
 lently led the way to the managerial sanctum. 
 
 Mr. Parker was seated at his desk near a broad, open 
 window. He glanced up when we entered, and then im 
 mediately resumed the reading of a paper spread out be 
 fore him. He was a little man, stoop-shouldered, and 
 with a high, bulging forehead which betokened great 
 mental power. 
 
 His main characteristic, as will be seen later, was brev 
 ity. When he spoke, his words were sharp and to the 
 point. So were his writings, as the reading public can 
 testify. 
 
 After a moment of delay he beckoned me to advance, 
 which I did, not without some fear and trembling. Where 
 I stood the light from the window fell full upon my face. 
 
 The great man leaned back in his chair and calmly pro 
 ceeded to make a close scrutiny of my features. His 
 deep-set eyes, piercing in intensity, probed me through 
 and through, and the effect was such that I was on the 
 verge of a mental collapse when he finally motioned me 
 to a seat. 
 
 Referring to a document drawn from a pigeon-hole, he 
 suddenly asked : 
 
 "Stanley Bennett is your name?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," I replied. 
 
 "Hum! American; aged nineteen; an orphan; been
 
 An Important Assignment. 7 
 
 in our employ two years. Hum ! A good writer ; has 
 traveled some ; is brave and " 
 
 He stopped and glanced at me with a frown. I had 
 coughed with embarrassment. I could not help it, being 
 thus compelled to sit and silently listen to my pedigree 
 and supposed attributes. 
 
 "Is brave and discreet beyond his years," continued 
 Mr. Parker, reading the record as if it were the descrip 
 tion of a prize bulldog. "Hum! Let me see. You 
 worked up that affair of the counterfeiter's gang, eh?" 
 
 I nodded respectfully. 
 
 "And you acted as special correspondent for us in 
 Brazil during the last revolution, doing your work very 
 creditably ?" 
 
 I nodded again, wondering what under the sun all this 
 meant. The prospect of a promotion and a consequent 
 increase of salary caused me to smile inwardly with pleas 
 urable anticipation. 
 
 "Well, you will do. You are just what we want. Be 
 ready to leave for Japan by eight o'clock this evening." 
 
 I gave a gasp and half rose from my chair. 
 
 "I I beg your pardon, sir. I " 
 
 "I said, be ready to leave New York for Japan this 
 evening," repeated Mr. Parker, a trifle irritably. "Mr. 
 Burnett will give you your orders and the necessary in 
 formation. Good-day." 
 
 I followed the private secretary into his office as if in 
 a dream. My companion closed the door and then gave 
 me a friendly shake. 
 
 "Stanley, wake up. It is all true. Ha ! ha ! You look
 
 8 An Important Assignment. 
 
 as if you were completely dazed, and small wonder. 
 What do you think of this as an assignment for a young 
 fellow?" 
 
 "Was he joking?" I asked, feebly. 
 
 "Not a bit of it. Now sit down here and pay strict 
 attention to what I am going to tell you, for it is, in truth, 
 most important." 
 
 "Going to Japan to-night. Great Greeley ! what a sur 
 prise. I can hardly believe it." 
 
 "It is so, nevertheless. You are to be sent there by 
 the Consolidated Press Association as war correspondent, 
 and your services in that position begin at once. Mr 
 Parker has given me full details, which I will now trans 
 fer to you." 
 
 "Then I am to leave the employ of the paper?" I in 
 terrupted. 
 
 "Yes. The difficulty of obtaining authentic news from 
 the seat of war has caused the association to resolve to 
 send a reliable man there at once. The hostilities between 
 China and Japan promise to last for a considerable time, 
 and the results are bound to be of the greatest interest to 
 the world." 
 
 "And especially to the Americans, who are simply 
 rapacious for the latest news." 
 
 "That's right. Now, there is one great trouble which 
 you will have to contend against, and which is going to 
 require all your intelligence and wit. Both Japs and the 
 Chinese are doing their utmost to withhold information 
 of the campaign from the outside world. Garbled reports
 
 An Important Assignment. 9 
 
 are sent forth by each country, but what we want and 
 must have is the truth." 
 
 "It will be a difficult job," I remarked, shaking my 
 head. 
 
 "Yes as a war correspondent," pointedly replied my 
 companion. "But you are not going to appear in that 
 capacity. You must assume some disguise and travel 
 incog, as it were. I think the best plan would be to take 
 the part of a rich young American eager to see something 
 of the fighting." 
 
 "A rich young American? Humph! that means lots 
 of money." 
 
 The secretary smiled carelessly. 
 
 "You will have almost unlimited credit, my boy. I 
 will supply you here with enough funds to carry you 
 to Yokohama, and you will find there a further sum 
 awaiting you. Don't worry yourself about that part of 
 it. All you will have to do is to act up to the part in 
 a liberal manner, and keep us supplied with the news." 
 
 "Great Greeley ! why do they intrust me with such a 
 responsible mission, Mr. Bennett? There's Woods and 
 Johnson and Cross. They are all much older than I, and 
 have had more experience." 
 
 "Just the reason why you have been selected. They 
 are entirely too old. Their very age would cause them 
 to be instantly suspected. Who on earth would think that 
 a happy-go-lucky youth of nineteen, chasing around the 
 world for fun of it, was a special correspondent? It is 
 really a splendid scheme, this sending a youngster." 
 
 I admitted the truth of his remark, still the responsi-
 
 io An Important Assignment. 
 
 bility seemed rather more than I cared to bear. How 
 ever, it was a great chance to make a name for myself, 
 and to follow my chosen profession, and I hadn't the 
 least idea of refusing the assignment. 
 
 "Now, another thing which you will have to guard 
 against," continued Mr. Burnett, speaking impressively, 
 "is this : We have recently received information that the 
 British Press Association of London has also sent, or is 
 going to send a correspondent to Corea. You know of 
 the rivalry existing between us. They claim the latest 
 news and so do we. They are in thorough sympathy 
 with China in this war, and we side with Japan. Nat 
 urally they " 
 
 "Will try to prevent us sending dispatches or obtain 
 ing information of any kind," I interrupted, a light break 
 ing over me. 
 
 "Exactly. I see that you understand the situation. 
 Now, what you must do is to look out for this other cor 
 respondent, and use your utmost skill in circumventing 
 him. Mr. Parker has intrusted a great deal to you, but, 
 really, Stanley, I don't think that he has made a mistake." 
 
 I reached over and warmly shook the secretary's hand. 
 He had been a friend of mine ever since I entered the 
 service of the paper, and I owed much of my success to 
 him. 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Burnett. You will excuse me if I 
 fail to express my deep gratitude to you as I should, but 
 
 I am really so confused by this affair that I Great 
 
 Greeley! am I actually going to Japan and Corea and
 
 An Important Assignment. n 
 
 China as a war correspondent? If so, the ambition of 
 my life has been satisfied." 
 
 "You will not find the career altogether a path of 
 roses," kindly replied the secretary, smiling. "You will 
 be in almost constant danger. The responsibility will 
 keep you from sleeping o' nights, and you will find plenty 
 of hardships and little glory. I said a while ago that I 
 envied you, but, by Jove ! I don't know that I do." 
 
 After a moment of further conversation I prepared to 
 leave for my lodgings. I had barely five hours before 
 the departure of my train little enough to make ready 
 for a trip of more than eight thousand miles ! 
 
 Mr. Burnett informed me that I would have several 
 days in San Francisco in which to purchase the clothing 
 and other necessary adjuncts to my disguise as a rich 
 young American. He also said that he would meet me 
 at the train with a letter containing my instructions in 
 detail. 
 
 As I left the office and joined the moving throng out 
 side, I was compelled to pinch myself to see whether I 
 was really awake. A fellow reporter followed me to the 
 door and asked for news. 
 
 "What is up, Bennett?" he queried, curiously. "Been 
 getting in trouble?" 
 
 "No. Going on a little trip for Mr. Parker, that's all," 
 I replied, in a careless tone. "Won't see you for a while, 
 old boy. Say good-by to the rest of the fellows for me, 
 will you?" 
 
 With that I left and took an "L" train to my home. 
 I would have been glad to -tell him all about it in fact,
 
 12 An Important Assignment. 
 
 I was aching to confide in some one, but I recognized 
 the extreme necessity of keeping- my business a secret 
 from the very start. 
 
 There were no home ties to break. Alas ! they had 
 been severed years before. I bade farewell to my few 
 acquaintances, and reached the station in ample time. 
 Presently Mr. Burnett joined me. We conversed until 
 the moment of leaving, then he gave me the written in 
 structions, my ticket, and a large sum of money, in fact 
 more than I had ever had in my possession previously. 
 
 A moment later I was speeding out into the night, 
 bound on a momentous journey, the end of which lay 
 hidden in the mistv realms of the Orient.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 IN WHICH I MEET ALFRED MONTAGUE FORBES. 
 
 As can be imagined, very little sleep visited my eyes 
 that first night of the trip. I lay and tossed in my berth, 
 thinking over the events of <the day and trying to realize 
 my marvelous change of fortune, until a warning snort 
 from above indicated that a greater degree of quietness 
 would be appreciated by my neighbors. 
 
 By the time we reached Chicago I had accustomed my 
 self to the different state of affairs, and began to look 
 forward "to the scenes of my new duties with feverish 
 impatience. 
 
 This was not my first experience as a war correspond 
 ent, as Mr. Parker had stated. I had spent several 
 months in Brazil, but only as an assistant to the regular 
 man, and the position had not allowed much freedom of 
 action or responsibility. 
 
 Now whew ! it made my head whirl to think of it 
 I had been sent forth to face the stupendous task of re 
 porting half-savage battles in a barbarous country, and 
 hardest work of all to see that my dispatches left 
 for their destination despite the hindrance of both com 
 batants ! 
 
 True, I had been intrusted with ample funds, and 
 money can do a great deal, but would the powerful in-
 
 14 Alfred Montague Forbes. 
 
 fluence of the almighty dollar aid me to any extent among 
 the uncivilized tribes of Corea? 
 
 As yet I had not studied my written instructions very 
 carefully. While the train was waiting in the station 
 at Chicago I glanced over the important document given 
 me by Mr. Burnett. 
 
 It is not necessary to quote it in detail. It included 
 a carefully prepared cipher code for cabling, and also 
 letters of introduction to certain bankers and prominent 
 American business men in Yokohama and Shanghai. 
 
 The latter were to identify me in my disguise as a 
 gilded youth in search of adventure, and were written 
 by several well-known New Yorkers, directors of the 
 Press Association. Everything had been foreseen and at 
 tended to by the able president, Mr. Parker. Even a 
 typewritten list of the most common words in the Japan 
 ese, Chinese, and Corean languages had been added. 
 
 This I intended to study on board the steamer while 
 en route tp Japan, but I must confess I had little hope 
 of mastering the intricate sentences. Presently, finding 
 the delay growing monotonous, I left the car and began 
 to walk up and down outside. 
 
 In the Union Depot at Chicago the tracks are laid at 
 a level with the floor, there being no raised platforms 
 between them as in the majority of stations. Passing 
 from one train to another is a process not unaccompanied 
 by danger, as the arrivals and departures are frequent. 
 
 While pacing back and forth, my attention was sud 
 denly called to several coaches which a shunting engine 
 was backing rapidly down the track next to me. At
 
 Alfred Montague Forbes. 15 
 
 the same moment I noticed a young man clad in English 
 tweed advancing toward the train I had just left. 
 
 He was walking slowly and seemed oblivious of the 
 approaching cars. Three more steps and he would be 
 directly in their way. The danger was imminent. A 
 warning shout came from a trainman on the rear plat 
 form, but the youth did not hear it. 
 
 With my heart in my throat, I ran forward, frantically 
 waving my hand. The signal was unnoticed, and in an 
 other moment he would have been beneath the wheels 
 
 if Gathering myself together, I sprang upon him, 
 
 and we rolled in the dust within a few inches of the 
 track over which the coaches were passing. 
 
 A crowd gathered instantly, but we did not require 
 any assistance. I regained my feet first, and picking up 
 a well-filled satchel, which had been knocked from the 
 young man's hands, passed it to him as he scrambled 
 erect. 
 
 He seemed dazed for a moment, then recovering, he 
 produced a single eyeglass and coolly scrutinized me. 
 Finally he said, with a pronounced drawl: 
 
 "By Jove! you are rather abrupt in your manners, 
 don't you know. What do you mean by jostling me, 
 sir?" 
 
 Seeing that he had no realization of his narrow escape, 
 I pointed to the coaches, which had come to a stand-still, 
 and smiled. 
 
 "You will pardon me for being so rude, sir," I said, 
 "but I was compelled to take extreme measures." 
 
 The truth dawned upon him, and he paled slightly.
 
 1 6 Alfred Montague Forbes. 
 
 Then, to my surprise and disgust, he drew a wallet from 
 his pocket and tendered me several bills. 
 
 "My good fellow, I am sincerely obliged to you, don't 
 you know. By Jove! I might have been ground to 
 pieces. Ugh ! it makes me shiver to think of it. What ! 
 you won't accept this trifle ? Then permit me to give you 
 my card. If I have offended you, I apologize, don't you 
 know." 
 
 This last was said in such a frank tone that I was com 
 pelled to accept the bit of pasteboard. A rapid glance 
 showed me that it read: 
 
 ALFRED MONTAGUE FORBES, 
 
 London, England. 
 
 Seeing that the crowd was rapidly increasing, I hastily 
 asked my new acquaintance to accompany me to the train. 
 As we reached the step of the parlor car, a warning signal 
 indicated that the moment of departure was at hand. 
 
 "Are you traveling by this road?" I said, pausing on 
 the platform. 
 
 "Yes. San Francisco is my destination," he replied, 
 lightly gaining my side. "I hope I will have you for a 
 fellow voyager, don't you know. Are you bound West ?" 
 
 "To the Pacific coast," I responded, briefly, leading the 
 way inside. 
 
 He selected a seat near mine, and proceeded to make 
 himself comfortable with the air of one thoroughly ac 
 customed to traveling in all climes. His face was rather 
 prepossessing, but there was a certain peculiar glitter
 
 Alfred Montague Forbes. 17 
 
 about his cold gray eyes that did not set well with his 
 affected actions and speech. 
 
 He appeared to be not more than twenty-one or two 
 years of age and wore a small blonde mustache, which 
 had been carefully waxed and combed. After a while 
 he glanced up and smiled in a most friendly manner. 
 
 "Really, I cannot find words to sufficiently express my 
 gratitude to you, Mr. er " 
 
 "Bennett Stanley Bennett, of New York," I said, 
 hastily handing him my card. 
 
 In the excitement I had forgotten to return his courtesy. 
 
 "Well, Mr. Bennett, as I said, I cannot find words 
 
 tn " 
 
 "Please oblige me by not mentioning it, sir," I inter 
 rupted. 
 
 Then, to change the subject, I added : 
 "Do you intend to remain long in San Francisco?" 
 "Yes. Probably five or six months. Then I think I 
 will take a trip through the Yellowstone. Fine place 
 that, don't you know. You are making a business trip 
 West, I presume? We must see more of each other, 
 don't you know. Shall you make California your head 
 quarters for any length of time ?" 
 
 I saw that he had made up his mind for some reason 
 that I was a traveling salesman or something of that sort, 
 and I resolved to encourage the belief. It would stop 
 awkward questions, anyway, in case I was thrown much 
 with him during the journey. 
 
 I made an evasive reply and then turned the conver 
 sation to other subjects. By the following day we had
 
 i8 Alfred Montague Forbes. 
 
 become quite friendly, and I was in possession of much 
 of his former history. He was very frank in his state 
 ments and permitted me to glean the information that he 
 was the youngest son of an English nobleman, and that 
 he was "doing" a tour of America for pleasure. 
 
 Nothing of interest occurred until we passed Cheyenne. 
 That night, shortly after eleven, I was suddenly awak 
 ened by a terrible crash, which doubled me up in a heap 
 at the foot of the berth. 
 
 Bewildered and alarmed, I attempted to spring to the 
 floor, but had hardly placed my foot on the lower edge, 
 when, with a most frightful jolt, the heavy coach reared 
 in the air and then plunged forward amid a succession 
 of agonized screams. 
 
 I was thrown prostrate, landing violently upon my 
 head, and then darkness! 
 
 When I regained consciousness, it was to find myself 
 lying in the open air. Confused as I naturally was, my 
 first thought was of my belt, in which I carried my money 
 and papers. It did not take me long to find out the 
 dreadful truth. 
 
 It was gone ! 
 
 Almost frantic with despair, I scrambled to my feet. 
 Before I could move from the spot, the sounds of a 
 violent altercation came to my ears, then a familiar voice 
 exclaimed : 
 
 "Give that to me, you scoundrelly thief. Give it up, 
 I say, or I'll fire, don't you know!" 
 
 At almost the same instant a torch flared up, and by 
 its ruddy light I saw the young Englishman struggling
 
 Alfred Montague Forbes. 19 
 
 with several ruffianly men. Snatching up a fragment of 
 iron, I hastened to his assistance. Just then several more 
 torches were ignited, exposing to view the wrecked train, 
 the sleeping coach thrown across the track, and a con 
 fused jumble of passengers scattered around, some in 
 jured and others simply bewildered. 
 
 Some of the latter followed me. The reinforcements 
 put the train robbers to flight, and they disappeared in the 
 darkness, followed by a couple of shots from Forbes' re 
 volver. 
 
 "Hi there, Bennett!" he called out, beckoning to me. 
 "Here is some of your property. I found those beggars 
 going through you, and I caught them just in time." 
 
 To my intense relief and joy, I saw that he held my belt 
 in his hand. I eagerly examined the contents and found 
 them intact. I was profuse in my thanks, but he cut me 
 short with a careless wave of his hand. 
 
 "Tit for tat, old fellow," he said. "You saved my life 
 in Chicago, don't you know, and now I have paid part of 
 the debt. Deuced mess this, isn't it?" 
 
 The wreck was a pretty bad one, but fortunately there 
 was no loss of life. Investigation proved that obstruc 
 tions had been placed upon the track by a gang of train 
 robbers, who were foiled, however, in their attempt to rifle 
 the express car. It was almost morning before a relief 
 train backed down from the division headquarters, and it 
 was past noon when we finally resumed our journey. 
 
 That placed us in San Francisco nearly a day late, so 
 I instantly set about making my preparations for sailing. 
 I managed to escape from the young Englishman at the
 
 2O Alfred Montague Forbes. 
 
 station, and as a further precaution, I engaged quarters 
 at an obscure hotel. 
 
 The following forty-eight hours were spent in pur 
 chasing the various articles needed in my new role as a 
 wealthy American youth, and when I finally boarded the 
 steamer at midnight, it was as a gay and gilded young 
 man of the period. 
 
 As the hour of departure was set at daybreak, I did not 
 appear on deck until we had passed through the Golden 
 Gate, and were well out to sea. Running up for the pur 
 pose of getting a whiff of fresh air before breakfast, I 
 plumped full into the arms of a youth at the head of the 
 companion-stairs. 
 
 The collision sent me reeling backward, but I quickly 
 recovered myself, and glanced up to see the familiar fa.ce 
 of Alfred Montague Forbes staring down at me!
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 IN WHICH I MAKE AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. 
 
 To say that I was surprised and annoyed would not be 
 expressing myself half strongly enough. I glared at the 
 young Englishman for a moment as if he were a personal 
 enemy, then I advanced and held out my hand with a 
 well simulated gesture of pleasure. 
 
 "Well, what under the sun brings you here?" I asked, 
 trying to speak cordially. "Really, this is a er a most 
 unexpected meeting." 
 
 Slowly and with consummate coolness, he screwed his 
 glass into his eye, and favored me with a prolonged stare. 
 Then, to my astonishment, he drawled: 
 
 "I beg your pardon, but I am afraid you have the ad 
 vantage of me, don't you know. Case of aw mistaken 
 identity, I suppose." 
 
 "Is not your name Alfred Forbes?" I asked, rather 
 warmly. 
 
 "Ha ! ha ! This is the second time I have been mistaken 
 for that person. Queer, isn't it? A man back at the 
 hotel addressed me as you have, don't you know. But he 
 didn't half floor me first." 
 
 "Did he rescue you from certain death under a car- 
 wheel?" I asked, sarcastically. 
 
 I was certain of my man, and it made me rather angry 
 that he should deny the acquaintance.
 
 22 An Important Discovery. 
 
 The shot took effect. The young Englishman red 
 dened visibly, and hesitated, then, with a supercilious 
 stare, he bowed politely and strolled to the rail. I glanced 
 after him with my surprise still unabated. Why had he 
 refused to recognize me? It was certainly very queer. 
 
 While on the way to San Francisco he had told me that 
 he intended to remain in California for five or six months, 
 and then go to the Yellowstone, but there he was on board 
 a steamer bound for the Orient. In my excitement I had 
 forgotten that I was also sailing under false colors, as it 
 were, and should be an unassuming commercial traveler 
 selling dry goods or nutmeg graters instead of occupying 
 the best stateroom on a Pacific liner. 
 
 After thinking it over, I concluded that nothing better 
 could have happened. His refusal to acknowledge our ac 
 quaintance would save me from an awkward explanation, 
 still I could not help thinking that something was behind 
 his mysterious actions. 
 
 During the rest of the long voyage to Yokohama I 
 furtively watched Mr. Alfred Montague Forbes, but 
 gained nothing for my pains. The excitement of our 
 arrival in the principal sea-port of Japan drove all 
 thoughts of him from my mind. 
 
 My first task after securing quarters at the best hotel, 
 was to call on the American Consul, and present my let 
 ters. When he learned that it was my intention to pro 
 ceed to Corea at once, he tried to dissuade me, pointing 
 out the extreme danger of the course. I persisted. Fi 
 nally he shrugged his shoulders, and disclaimed all re 
 sponsibility.
 
 An Important Discovery. 23 
 
 This had its effect, as I was pointed out next day as 
 an American youth with a great deal more money than 
 brains, and suspicion if any existed was lessened. The 
 war fever was at its height, and rumors of all kinds were 
 rife. From a quantity of chaff I managed to glean some 
 important information concerning the massing of Chi 
 nese troops in the northern part of Corea. 
 
 I also acquired a bit of news which rather discouraged 
 me. It was to the effect that both the Japanese and 
 Chinese governments had established a strict censorship 
 on all correspondence for foreign papers, and that they 
 had obtained complete control of the wires. 
 
 This was calculated to add immensely to my responsi 
 bility and labor, as can well be seen. It was therefore 
 with a rather gloomy view of the future that I walked 
 toward the cable office to send my first message to the 
 Press Association. 
 
 Since arriving in Yokohama, I had seen nothing of my 
 peculiar acquaintance, Alfred Montague Forbes. Other 
 and more important matters had driven him from my 
 mind, but the man and his mysterious actions were speed 
 ily recalled by my suddenly seeing the young Englishman 
 himself rapidly proceeding down the street in front of 
 me. 
 
 He halted at the door of the telegraph office and dis 
 appeared inside. A disinclination to meet him caused 
 me to step into a shop next door. A few moments later 
 he passed by, and vanished in the throng. While enter 
 ing the cable office, my foot struck against a small leather- 
 bound note-book resting upon the door-sill. It was of
 
 24 An Important Discovery. 
 
 European make, and bore the initials, "A. M. F." on the 
 cover. 
 
 Thinking to find some trace of the owner, I opened 
 the clasp and glanced over the first page. Upon it was 
 written, in a bold hand, a list containing the following 
 words : 
 
 "Partridge Chinese. Hawks Japanese. Hertford 
 Corea. Grange Gulf of Pe-chi-li. War ships feathers. 
 Transports wings." 
 
 I had read thus far when I noticed a slip of paper pro 
 jecting from between the leaves. Somewhat mystified, I 
 extricated it to see if it bore any name that would reveal 
 the loser of the volume. It was a copy of a cablegram 
 addressed to "Lady Mary Algernon, London, England," 
 and read as follows : 
 
 Letter received. Am glad to hear partridges are gathering in 
 Hertford, and that hawks are on the wing north in force. Hawk 
 feathers will be flying at the Grange within three days, I sup 
 pose. Have written. (Signed) ALFRED. 
 
 The truth suddenly flashed over me. The list was a 
 secret code for cabling information, and the message was 
 one evidently recently sent from Yokohama. It did not 
 take me a second to translate it with the aid of the code. 
 Stripped of all disguise, it meant that the Chinese (part 
 ridges) were gathering in Corea (Hertford), and that 
 the Japanese (hawks) were on the way north in force. 
 
 "Hawk feathers will be flying at the Grange within 
 three days" could mean nothing else except that the 
 Japanese war-ships would enter the Gulf of Pe-chi-li in 
 that time.
 
 An Important Discovery. 25 
 
 Now greatly excited, I again looked at the initials. 
 They were no longer a secret. The astute correspondent 
 could be none other than Alfred Montague Forbes. And 
 he I laughed aloud with very joy could only be the 
 young Englishman I had been warned against by Mr. 
 Burnett the correspondent sent out by the rival com 
 pany, the British Press Association ! 
 
 At that moment I chanced to glance up, and saw Forbes 
 approaching at a hurried walk. My plan was formed in 
 stantly. Dropping the tell-tale volume upon the step, I 
 entered the cable office and calmly proceeded to send my 
 dispatch. A moment later the English youth appeared 
 and picked up his property with every manifestation of 
 relief. Then he again vanished without seeing me. 
 
 I was simply overwhelmed with joy at thus having the 
 advantage of my antagonist for such he intended to be, 
 I was certain and I felt very grateful for the accident 
 (that had placed me in possession of such important in 
 formation. 
 
 One thing was positive it behooved me to reach the 
 scene of my labors without delay. Forbes had commenced 
 work in earnest, and I saw that I must do the same, or 
 lose in the contest of wits. On my way back to the hotel 
 I learned that a coasting vessel would sail that same even 
 ing for Chemulpo. 
 
 A liberal use of gold secured me a passage, and five 
 days later I found myself in the Corean sea-port, happy 
 in the knowledge that my rival correspondent was a vast 
 distance behind me. My disguise as a wealthy American
 
 26 An Important Discovery. 
 
 youth, not overburdened with brains, stood me in good 
 stead, and my presence excited little comment. 
 
 Learning that the Chinese army was pouring down the 
 peninsula in force, and that the Japanese were in pos 
 session of Seoul, I resolved to proceed to the latter city at 
 once. Several Americans in Chemulpo tried to persuade 
 me to remain near the coast, but I replied, with a super 
 cilious stare : 
 
 "No, by Jove! I have traveled thousands of miles to 
 see the fighting, and I am not going to be balked of my 
 pleasure at this stage of the game. The beggars wouldn't 
 dare to touch an American, don't ye know. I intend to 
 wear the Stars and Stripes on my cap where they can 
 see it plainly. Ha! ha!" 
 
 I heard one of the gentlemen mutter : 
 
 "Let the fool go. These natives may be like the In 
 dians not in the habit of harming imbeciles and luna 
 tics." 
 
 I laughed to myself as I walked away to engage my 
 carriers, serene in the knowledge that my disguise was 
 perfect. But I took pains to see that my brace of revol 
 vers were in working order. 
 
 There are no railroads in Corea, and the prevailing 
 mode of traveling is by sedan chairs, a most comfortable 
 method, as my aching bones soon testified. I secured 
 four lusty porters, not very prepossessing as to appear 
 ance, but giving great promise of endurance, and set 
 forth early in the morning of my second day in the Her 
 mit Kingdom. 
 
 The distance from the coast port to the capital is very
 
 An Important Discovery. 27 
 
 short, but when noon arrived we were still on the road. 
 This surprised me, as my carriers had been covering the 
 ground at a long, swinging trot for fully six hours. 
 
 It was certainly strange. I concluded to investigate, 
 and produced my book of Corean words. Addressing 
 the head carrier, I asked a question in the loud voice 
 persons always use when they attempt to speak in an 
 unknown tongue. The experiment was a dismal failure. 
 
 The natives glanced at me stupidly, and did not lessen 
 their pace. Another hour passed without anything ap 
 pearing to indicate the vicinity of Seoul. Becoming 
 alarmed at last, I sprang from the chair and demanded 
 an explanation of the delay as well as I could by signs. 
 
 Suddenly the head carrier gave a furtive signal, and 
 all four instantly advanced on me with hostile gestures. 
 Their meaning was plain. I had been brought to some 
 out-of-the-way place for the purpose of being robbed, and 
 possibly murdered. 
 
 They were upon me before I could draw my revolvers. 
 One lusty scoundrel raised a club to strike me, but, be 
 fore he could use it, a dull booming sound came from in 
 front. It was immediately succeeded by a prolonged 
 rattle of musketry and the unmistakable noises of a des 
 perate conflict. 
 
 The effect on the would-be assassins was miraculous. 
 With one accord they turned and fled down the narrow 
 road at the top of their speed, soon disappearing in the 
 distance. The sedan chair with my luggage was left 
 overturned in the dust. 
 
 For a moment I paused, irresolute. I was vastly re-
 
 28 An Important Discovery. 
 
 lieved to find myself still alive and in possession of my 
 freedom, but I soon began to see that my present situa 
 tion was not devoid of danger. I had not the slightest 
 idea of my whereabouts, nor in which direction lay my 
 destination. 
 
 All conjectures were suddenly dispersed by the ap 
 pearance of a cloud of dust in the road ahead of me. It 
 settled presently, exposing to view a mob of armed men 
 running in my direction. Not stopping to investigate 
 further, I hastily concealed myself behind some bushes. 
 
 A few moments later the air became filled with the 
 shrill reports of small arms, the tumultuous cries of ex 
 cited hosts, and the sullen booming of cannon. It did not 
 take me long to discover that I was in the very center of 
 a battle-field, and the unbidden spectator of a fierce com 
 bat between two opposing forces of Chinese and Japanese. 
 
 My eagerness for news the never-dying spirit of a 
 journalist getting the better of my discretion, I sallied 
 forth from behind the bushes, unconsciously taking out 
 my notebook at the same time. The road was filled with 
 a struggling mass of soldiers fighting tooth and nail. At 
 first I could distinguish nothing but flashing sabers, gun- 
 barrels, and an indescriminate collection of yellow faces, 
 pig-tails, and red emblazoned banners. 
 
 Finally I saw a line of men in showy uniform, march 
 with the precision of veterans upon the scene. They 
 broke into a run presently, and swept down upon the 
 combatants with irresisible force. Just then several blood 
 stained Chinamen near me turned and darted in my di 
 rection. They were shouting hoarsely, and among the
 
 An Important Discovery. 29 
 
 words I recognized one which I knew meant "foreign 
 devil/' 
 
 It was enough. I saw they intended to attack me, 
 and I prepared to defend myself as best I could. Snatch 
 ing a sword from the nerveless clutch of a decapitated 
 wretch, I stood on guard, and just in time. A second 
 later they surrounded me, and the foremost aimed a 
 furious blow at my head with a sharp-pointed spear !
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 IN WHICH I MEET OSAKI. 
 
 I do not know how it happened, but I managed to 
 ward off the spear-thrust with my sword, and then to 
 give the fellow a shrewd cut that he fell back howling 
 with pain. This successful resistance seemed to work 
 his companions into a perfect frenzy. 
 
 They closed in on me with their weapons, and made 
 such a determined attack that I would have undoubtedly 
 succumbed if aid had not arrived at that opportune 
 moment. 
 
 It came from an unexpected quarter. 
 
 While I was fighting for dear life, and expected every 
 moment to receive the coup de grace that would put an 
 end forever to my journalistic career, a young Japanese, 
 clad in the uniform of a sub-officer, had detached him- 
 self from his company, and was hastening toward where 
 I was struggling with my assailants. 
 
 The first notification I received of his presence was in 
 seeing one of the Chinese soldiers stagger back, and 
 then fall to the ground, laid low by a sword-thrust from 
 a skillful hand. 
 
 The others took to their heels with great promptness, 
 and I saw, shrouded in the smoke from guns, an intelli 
 gent-faced Japanese peering at me with friendly eyes.
 
 I Meet Osaki. 31 
 
 Still somewhat bewildered, I remained on guard, but my 
 fears were soon dispelled. 
 
 "You are an American?" my rescuer suddenly asked, 
 in excellent English. 
 
 "Yes," I briefly replied. 
 
 "Come with me. You are not safe here," he added, 
 taking me by the arm. 
 
 I hesitated. Strange to say, my recent experience 
 had not quenched my desire to gain the latest news, and 
 I instinctively opened by notebook, which I had re 
 tained in my left hand during the brief struggle. 
 
 I knew by the widespread sounds of combat, and the 
 distant retort of field-pieces, that is was not a mere 
 skirmish, but that the little road in which I stood was a 
 small portion of an extensive battle-ground. 
 
 It was a chance not to be lost. I forgot my role as 
 a gilded youth, and only thought of the splendid oppor 
 tunity thus presented for reporting an engagement from 
 the scene of action. 
 
 "From our special correspondent in the field," I mut 
 tered, writing the words. "Thrilling description of the 
 battle of by an eye-witness. On the tenth day of 
 
 I was suddenly interrupted by an exclamation of as 
 tonishment from my companion. 
 
 "Heavens ! what are you doing?" he cried. "Put that 
 book away before you are seen. What are you? A 
 correspondent?" 
 
 I instantly saw the folly of my action. My eagerness 
 had caused me to expose my true character. And this
 
 32 I Meet Osaki. 
 
 early in my career, too. Thoroughly angry with my 
 self, I hastily returned the notebook to my pocket, 
 meanwhile endeavoring to think of some plausible ex 
 cuse. 
 
 Fortunately, at that moment a fresh detachment of 
 Chinese troops appeared on the scene from down the 
 road, and the fighting waged fiercely on all sides of us. 
 The Japanese were splendidly officered, and they met 
 the attack with a coolness that wrung an exclamation 
 of admiration from my lips. 
 
 Suddenly, while I was watching the blood-stirring 
 struggle, a shell from a distant gun struck the ground 
 not three paces from me. The metal cylinder spun 
 around in the dust, and then settled quietly into a slight 
 depression of the road. 
 
 Crouching almost prostrate, I glared at it with fas 
 cinated eyes, expecting with every passing second that 
 it would explode and scatter death in every direction. 
 
 One minute two minutes I tried to step back 
 
 away from its circle of destructive force, but I could not 
 move. Presently I heard a low laugh, and turned to 
 see the young officer standing with folded arms, gazing 
 toward the threatening missile. 
 
 "Humph! Chinese ammunition," he said, contempt 
 uously shrugging his shoulders. "No good like them 
 selves. Come." 
 
 I followed him without a word. Before we had 
 walked twenty feet, a terrific explosion shook the earth. 
 The shock hurled me against my new acquaintance, and 
 together we stumbled prostrate.
 
 I Meet Osaki. 33 
 
 I was deafened by the terrible noise, and blinded for 
 the moment by a thick volume of dust. Staggering to 
 my feet, I looked back and saw a hideous pile of maimed 
 and dying soldiers heaped up in that part of the little 
 road we had just left. 
 
 The shell had finally exploded. 
 
 "That was a narrow escape, eh?" said a voice in my 
 ears. "We both must have been born under lucky stars. 
 It seemed as if that fuse waited until we got out of the 
 way." 
 
 "It is terrible simply terrible," I replied, addressing 
 the speaker, my Japanese friend. "So this is war?" 
 
 "Yes, and you will be an unwilling victim of it if you 
 don't take my advice and follow me to a safe place." 
 
 "But you?" I queried. "Your duty calls you here, 
 does it not?" 
 
 "I am an unattached volunteer, and can go where I 
 please," he replied. 
 
 A tinge of sadness in his voice caused me to glance 
 at him. He was looking beyond me at a distant com 
 pany of Japanese. For one of his nationality, he was 
 tall and well-formed, and had a countenance expressive 
 of great intelligence. 
 
 Even in the tumult and uproar of the battlefield, I 
 noticed this ; then, before I could carry my impressions 
 any further, he beckoned me to follow. I took a last 
 look at the stirring spectacle, and silently obeyed. 
 
 As we dodged along through bushes, and past open 
 spaces carrying traces of the sanguinary combat in the 
 shape of little heaps of bodies, I thought what a won-
 
 34 I Meet Osaki. 
 
 derful luck was mine to be thus dropped down right in 
 the center of hostilities on my second day in the country. 
 
 I also thought of the Press Association, and of Mr. 
 Parker, and of their flattering comments when they 
 would read my description of the scene. Then I re 
 membered, with a feeling of exultation, the British cor 
 respondent, Alfred Montague Forbes, in distant Yoko 
 hama. 
 
 "I am afraid, my dear Alfred," I murmured, with a 
 chuckle, "that your fair correspondent, Lady Mary Al- 
 geron, alias the British Press Association, will have to 
 get this news second-hand." 
 
 Just then my guide halted, and, pointing across a de 
 serted paddy-field to where a small bamboo hut stood 
 at the other edge, he said : 
 
 "You can remain there until the fight is over. Then, 
 if you will take my advice, you will return to the coast. 
 You are an American newspaper correspondent, I am 
 sure your actions show that. As such, you will not 
 be permitted to follow either army; nor can you send 
 dispatches if it be found out. You had better give it 
 up." 
 
 He spoke in a grave voice, but his manner was so 
 friendly that I resolved to make a clean breast of it, and 
 tell the truth concerning myself. To offer a denial 
 under the circumstances would be useless, anyway. 
 
 "I am a correspondent," I replied, frankly, "and as 
 such I throw myself on your mercy. If you have ever 
 been to the United States, as I suspect " 
 
 He interrupted with a gesture of assent.
 
 I Meet Osaki. 35 
 
 ''Yes, I have been there, and for several years. I like 
 the Americans," he said, hastily, "and for that reason I 
 wish to save you from harm. Wait, I will tell you my 
 story. Go to the hut and hide till I return. I think 
 
 the battle is almost over, as Listen ! do you hear 
 
 that music? It is our march of victory being played by 
 the staff band. We have won again ! Hurrah !" 
 
 I joined in his joyful cheer, almost as excited as him 
 self. Again bidding me wait in the bamboo hut, he 
 darted away, and disappeared behind a fringe of bushes. 
 
 Watching my chance, I hurried across the field to the 
 little house. It was a small, rudely made structure, and 
 contained only one room. The door was gone, and I 
 could see the whole interior. It was empty, and bore 
 the appearance of having been long abandoned. 
 
 Before entering, I gave a cautious glance around. 
 The exposure of my real business to the young Japanese 
 had taught me the necessity of carefulness. It would 
 be humiliating in the extreme to find myself politely 
 warned to leave the country at the very beginning of 
 the war. 
 
 "By Jove ! I'll enlist as a common soldier first, if they 
 will take me," I muttered. And I meant it. 
 
 I instinctively felt that I would have nothing to fear 
 from my new friend. Something in his actions appealed 
 very strongly to me, and I was impatient to hear his 
 story. 
 
 The sounds of battle had died away, with the excep 
 tion of an occasional cannon shot from the distance. It 
 indicated that the Chinese were in full retreat toward
 
 36 I Meet Osaki. 
 
 the north, and that for that day at least, there would be 
 no further fighting in the vicinity. 
 
 Entering the hut, I took out my notebook and pen 
 cil, and jotted down a hurried description of my recent 
 eventful experiences. Leaving a space for the number 
 of troops engaged, I gave a more or less glowing ac 
 count of the fierce hand to hand combats, not forgetting 
 my own little affair with the four Chinese soldiers. 
 
 I was just spreading myself on the shell incident when 
 I heard footsteps outside. I had barely time to replace 
 my book when my new acquaintance appeared. His 
 face was wreathed with smiles, and he walked jauntily, 
 as if well pleased. 
 
 "A glorious victory!" he cried, exultantly. "A glori 
 ous victory, my friend. The enemy are in full retreat 
 northward, and have left all the cannon and ammuni 
 tion." 
 
 My book was out in a second. 
 
 "How many prisoners have been captured?" I asked, 
 eagerly. "What Japanese troops were engaged. Who 
 is the general in command? W r hat is the name of this 
 part of the country? How far is it from " 
 
 "Hold ! Great heavens ! what a torrent of questions," 
 interrupted the young officer, in mock dismay. Then 
 he leaned against the side of the hut and laughed until 
 the tears came into his eyes. 
 
 I bit my lip in vexation. My professional ardor had 
 again gotten the better of me. At this rate I would 
 either land in some military prison, or be driven from 
 the country, and that soon.
 
 I Meet Osaki. 37 
 
 "You can't help it," exclaimed my companion. "If 
 you were going to be shot, you would want to report the 
 details leading up to the execution. Oh, you Ameri 
 cans !" 
 
 "There isn't any use in my trying to hide it from you," 
 I replied, with a smile. "I have been sent here by a 
 syndicate of newspapers to report this war, and I intend 
 to do it if I am not killed or thrown out of Corea. As 
 it stands now, it all rests with you. You saved my life 
 this afternoon, and I am deeply grateful, but I intend 
 to add to the debt by asking you to keep silent and not 
 expose me." 
 
 "I will promise that, friend, but if you will take my 
 advice '' 
 
 "No, no !" I cried, firmly. "Don't ask me to give up 
 my work and leave the country. I cannot do it. I 
 would rather risk my life a thousand times than return 
 home without accomplishing my task." 
 
 "So be it," finally replied the young officer. "If you 
 wish to take the risk you can do so. You need fear 
 nothing from me. As I said before, I have only friendly 
 feelings for Americans. I was educated among them, 
 :;nd I like them, one and all." 
 
 "You were educated in America?" I echoed. "That 
 explains " 
 
 "Aly excellent English, eh?" he smiled. "I presume 
 I speak it plainly. Why not? I graduated from your 
 naval academy at Annapolis." 
 
 I glanced at him in profound surprise. He a grad 
 uate of our naval school ! Then why was he simply a
 
 38 I Meet Osaki. 
 
 subordinate officer in an infantry regiment instead of 
 walking the quarter-deck of a man-of-war? 
 
 My face must have betrayed my thoughts as he smiled 
 in a melancholy manner. 
 
 "I will explain how it is that I wear these clothes," he 
 said, indicating his rough uniform. "In the first place 
 mv name is Osaki."
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 IN WHICH I RENEW AN ACQUAINTANCE. 
 
 I bowed, and made myself known in return. 
 
 "I was sent to America seven years ago to take 
 the naval course at your academy by direction of the 
 Japanese Government," he continued. "And when I 
 finally graduated, I was given a position as navigator 
 on board one of our smaller gunboats. I studied hard, 
 and at last was ordered in the same capacity to an ar 
 mored battleship. One night, a certain officer, high 
 in rank, had the course changed without consulting me, 
 and the vessel struck a rock outside of Yokohama. 
 She was saved with little damage, but I was court- 
 martialed and dismissed in disgrace." 
 
 "But it was not your fault," I exclaimed. "You 
 knew nothing of the change of orders." 
 
 Osaki shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "What was done with the high officer you men 
 tioned?" I asked. Then the truth flashed over me, 
 and I added, impulsively: "You did not inform on 
 him. You took the blame yourself." 
 
 The young officer silently nodded, and then walked 
 to the door of the hut. After a moment he returned 
 with a serene smile upon his face. 
 
 "What matters it?" he said. "Am I not fighting
 
 40 An Acquaintance. 
 
 for my country? I am a soldier in the service of his 
 majesty, the emperor. I am ready to shed my blood 
 at his bidding. Can an admiral say more than that?" 
 
 I looked at the speaker in silent admiration. I could 
 not find words to express my appreciation of his in 
 nate nobleness, but I did that which means more than 
 empty phrases I warmly grasped his hand! 
 
 He understood me. Tears came into his eyes, and 
 he again turned away. Thus we stood for a brief 
 while, and in that moment there sprung up a friendship 
 which I know will last for all time. 
 
 A sudden noise outside the hut recalled us to our 
 position. Voices and the tread of many feet sounded. 
 A body of men was approching our retreat. Osaki 
 made a gesture of alarm. Bidding me keep in the 
 rear, he peered forth. 
 
 Curiosity getting the better of me, I glanced over 
 his shoulder, and saw a company of Japanese soldiers 
 marching across the field. I could not refrain from 
 uttering an exclamation of consternation. 
 
 "Great Scott! we will be surrounded!" I said. "That 
 means capture for me." 
 
 "It is a search party looking for refugees," hurriedly 
 replied the young officer. "Haven't you a disguise? 
 Can't you palm yourself off as " 
 
 I gave a cry of relief. His words caused me to re 
 member my role as a rich American youth. By shrewd 
 acting, I might possibly deceive the officer in com 
 mand of the soldiers. It was worth trying, anyway.
 
 An Acquaintance. 41 
 
 Hastily giving Osaki my notebook and a sum of money, 
 I explained my plan in a few brief words. 
 
 "I will appear to be badly frightened," I added. "You 
 can pretend to have discovered me here, and be on the 
 point of making me a prisoner. Understand?" 
 
 "Good!" replied my companion. "Crouch down 
 there in the corner. Quick! they are almost here." 
 
 "Wait. One more word," I said. "If I am impris 
 oned, use your utmost endeavors to send that note 
 book to John Rodgers, the American merchant, at Yo 
 kohama. He will cable the contents to my employers 
 in New York. Promise me, please." 
 
 Osaki hesitated. Time was precious. I made a 
 stronger plea. 
 
 "Remember the friendship you owe Americans," I 
 urged. "They are on the side of your countrymen. 
 The truth will hurt no one. Why try to hold back 
 the news of a glorious victory? Promise!" 
 
 There was no time for reply. He nodded, and thrust 
 the book into his blouse. I had barely time to re 
 treat to the far end of the hut, and to toss up my 
 arms in apparent terror, when an elderly officer, with 
 the distinguishing stripes of an infantry captain, en 
 tered the little apartment. 
 
 He started back on seeing us, and called loudly for 
 some of his men. Osaki drew himself up in military 
 style, and saluted respectfully. Then he uttered sev 
 eral sentences in Japanese. 
 
 The captain glanced at me curiously, and smiled.
 
 42 An Acquaintance. 
 
 He said a few words to Osaki, who translated the mean 
 ing in a rough voice. 
 
 "He wants to know what you are doing here," he 
 said. "I have told him that I found you concealed 
 in this hut. Be careful and tell a plausible story." 
 
 I pretended to recover from my fright, and advanced 
 toward them. Drawing a card, which I had had en 
 graved in San Francisco, and which bore the high- 
 sounding name, "Clement De Ruyter De Ruyter Van- 
 derpoel," from my pocket, I gave it to the newcomer 
 with a profound flourish. 
 
 "Tell him that I am an American traveling for 
 pleasure, and that I came here to see a little sport," 
 I said. "Say that I would like to see the king if he 
 would kindly show me the way to the palace." 
 
 I saw a smile flit across the young officer's face, but 
 he translated my words with the utmost seriousness. 
 They were received with a hearty laugh. I saw by 
 the captain's face that he was completely deceived, and 
 I was on the point of mentally congratulating myself 
 when one of the soldiers stepped forward, and after 
 saluting, whispered something to his superior. 
 
 The latter gave a start, and then turned on Osaki 
 with such a torrent of harsh sounding words that I 
 instantly felt that the true facts had been discovered. 
 
 My worst apprehensions were soon realized. 
 
 The young Japanese paled, and after a moment's 
 hesitation, folded his arms in silent submission. In 
 obedience to a command, several privates sprang to 
 my side, and I soon found myself a prisoner.
 
 An Acquaintance. 43 
 
 I expostulated in an indignant tone, and demanded 
 the meaning of the outrage. Osaki speedily enlight 
 ened me. 
 
 "That soldier has told the captain that he saw you 
 back" in the road writing in your book/' he explained. 
 "He also stated that he observed us walking away 
 together from the battlefield. You are suspected of 
 being a correspondent, and I of aiding you." 
 
 "Heavens! is it as bad as that?" I exclaimed. "What 
 will they do with us ?" 
 
 "They will take you to headquarters and search you 
 for proof," he replied. "Then, if they are satisfied, 
 you will be expelled from the country at once." 
 
 "And you?" 
 
 "I will be tried and sent home to prison," Osaki 
 replied, bitterly. 
 
 "No! This must not be," I exclaimed, vehemently. 
 "You are not to blame. Let them do as they wish to 
 me, but I will not see you unjustly punished. Tell the 
 captain that I am guilty that I am a foreign corre 
 spondent, and that I ask of him, beg of him, to re 
 store you to duty." 
 
 "It is useless," the young officer answered. "He is 
 bound to take us before the general commanding this 
 division. However, if they find nothing on you, they 
 will release you with a warning." 
 
 This conversation excited the captain's curiosity, and 
 he imperiously demanded an explanation. I do not 
 know what Osaki told him, but it was evidently satis-
 
 44 An Acquaintance. 
 
 factory, as the command to march was given without 
 further comment. 
 
 On reaching the road, I saw that my luggage and the 
 sedan chair had been taken away. The loss did not 
 make very much difference, as I had made up my 
 mind that '"roughing it" would be my portion during 
 the rest of my stay in Corea. 
 
 I thought it would help my case to make an out 
 cry, however, and I did so to such good effect that 
 the captain again showed signs of doubt. At my re 
 quest, made in a doleful voice, Osaki asked his supe 
 rior officer to institute a search in the neighborhood. 
 
 "Tell him that I cannot appear before the general 
 without my dress suit," I added, with a sly wink. 
 
 The missing baggage was not forthcoming, and we 
 set off for an adjacent village where a temporary head 
 quarters had been established. While on the way, I 
 managed to exchange a few words with my new friend, 
 and found, to my astonishment, that we were far to 
 the northward of Seoul. 
 
 My recreant carriers had given the capital city a 
 wide berth, and had taken an entirely different road. 
 I kept my eyes open while on the march, and saw, on 
 all sides, evidences of the greatest activity on the part 
 of the Japanese. 
 
 Every little while, after we struck a wider path, we 
 would be compelled to turn out to give room for the 
 passage of regiments of infantrymen and field artillery. 
 Our party excited little attention, the stolid-faced pri-
 
 An Acquaintance. 45 
 
 vates merely glancing at us, and then continuing on 
 ward at a rapid walk. 
 
 Their discipline was perfect so much so that I was 
 compelled to congratulate Osaki. He showed his 
 pleasure, and immediately translated my glowing words 
 to the captain, with visible effect. 
 
 "He says it is a pity you cannot follow these troops 
 and witness the decisive battle which is bound to take 
 place near Ping An by day after to-morrow," replied 
 the young officer. 
 
 A decisive battle! My right hand instinctively 
 moved toward the inside pocket of my coat in search 
 of the notebook, but I recollected myself in time. A 
 decisive battle, and I not there to witness it for the 
 Press Association. The very thought was humiliating, 
 and I made a firm resolution to be present if it was 
 within the power of man. 
 
 I now became feverishly impatient to meet the gen- 
 eral-in-chief, and I thanked my lucky stars for the 
 forethought that had caused me to turn over to Osaki 
 my incriminating notebook. 
 
 They would hardly search him, while such a course 
 was certain with me. In case suspicion was aroused, 
 and I was ordered to leave the country, I intended to 
 charter a coaster at Chemulpo, and proceed north in 
 that manner. As it happened, however, this last re 
 sort was not found necessary. 
 
 An hour later we reached the village. The young 
 officer and I were immediately escorted before the 
 general, an elderly Japanese, profusely decorated with
 
 46 An Acquaintance. 
 
 gold lace and medals. He received the captain's re 
 port which I felt had been greatly modified by my re 
 cent actions and then turned to me with an indulgent 
 smile. 
 
 "Our little trouble is attracting a good deal of at 
 tention in other countries it seems," he said, in Eng 
 lish. "You Americans are not satisfied with the news 
 we give out, I suppose, but needs must send your own 
 newspaper men." 
 
 "Sir," I replied, haughtily. "Please do not class me 
 with such low-born persons. I am a member of the 
 Vanderpoel family, and am here to further my own 
 pleasures. I have been arrested by your fellows, and 
 dragged about the country like a common prisoner, sir. 
 I will appeal to the aw representative of my country 
 if you do not order me released forthwith." 
 
 The general chuckled, placidly, and jerked his thumb 
 toward a rear door. 
 
 "So said the other one," he replied. "Your words are 
 almost identical. I think we have made a very nice catch 
 to-day." 
 
 "What do you mean, sir?" I asked, greatly puzzled. 
 
 "You will soon see," the general answered, meaningly. 
 "I am not hard-hearted. I will let you condole with each 
 other until I am ready to send you back to Chemulpo." 
 
 He gave an order in an authoritative voice. The cap 
 tain took me by the arm, and led me to the door previously 
 mentioned. A soldier standing on guard unlocked it, and 
 I was thrust into another apartment. 
 
 The room was rather dark, and it was some time before 
 i
 
 An Acquaintance. 47 
 
 I could see plainly. Finally my attention was attracted to 
 the figure of a man seated upon a low chair. I stepped 
 forward. The figure rose from its seat. We gazed at 
 each other for one brief second, and then a simultaneous 
 cry of astonishment echoed through the apartment. 
 
 It was the young Englishman, Alfred Montague 
 Forbes !
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 IN WHICH OSAKI SHOWS HIS FRIENDSHIP. 
 
 "You?" I exclaimed. 
 
 "You here ?" he shouted, in the same tone. 
 
 "How did you make such quick time from Yokohama ?" 
 I asked, after a moment's pause. 
 
 By that time his coolness had returned, and to my dis 
 gust, he produced the inevitable eyeglass, and scrutinized 
 me in a most provoking manner. Then he smiled, va 
 cantly, and replied: 
 
 "Really, don't you know, I believe you are the same 
 person I met on board the Pacific steamer. The one 
 aw who addressed me by the name of of " 
 
 He stammered, as if vaguely trying to remember some 
 unimportant word. I speedily supplied the deficiency. 
 
 "Alfred Montague Forbes," I said, grimly. 
 "F-o-r-b-e-s, Forbes, with a big F. That is the name 
 you gave me in Chicago when I was enabled to do you 
 a slight service." 
 
 "I aw really cawn't understand you, don't you 
 know," persisted my companion. Then he added, plaint 
 ively: "It's a beastly shame that an English gentleman 
 cawn't travel without meeting with such annoyances. 
 Here I have been arrested really arrested by these beg 
 garly Japs as a writer, or something of that sort. I I
 
 Osaki Shows His Friendship. 49 
 
 shall lodge a complaint with the British Minister, and 
 have a couple of Her Majesty's gunboats come over here 
 and teach them a lesson, don't you know." 
 
 "Good! That's splendid acting," I said, ironically. 
 "Did you do as well before the general out there?" 
 
 My words disconcerted him. Dropping the glass from 
 his eye, he asked, in a more business-like voice : 
 
 "Who are you, anyway?" 
 
 "Stanley Bennett, and I always have been," I replied, 
 coldly. "I told you my name in Chicago, but you refused 
 to recognize me on board the steamer." 
 
 "Yes, I did. I'll confess that, and I'll apologize at 
 the same time," said Forbes, in a friendly tone. "My 
 dear fellow, I am sorry, but it was a case of necessity. 
 I have a little story to tell you, and I think you will for 
 give me when you hear it. Let's sit down and make our 
 selves comfortable. They probably won't disturb us for 
 several moments." 
 
 I obeyed, wondering what plausible lie he intended to 
 relate. He was in a rather desperate situation, and I 
 felt that he would resort to any means to conceal his iden 
 tity. He was really a splendid actor, and played his part 
 so well, that, if I had not discovered his true character in 
 Yokohama he would have undoubtedly deceived me. 
 
 The finding of the code-book and cablegram in front of 
 the telegraph office was most fortunate, and I fully appre 
 ciated the value of the weapons it placed in my hands for 
 use in this war of wits. What puzzled me, however, was 
 how Forbes had managed to follow me so closely. I re 
 solved to obtain an explanation from him.
 
 50 Osaki Shows His Friendship. 
 
 After I had seated myself, he walked up and down the 
 little apartment for a moment, doubtless trying to weave 
 his story, and then began by saying: 
 
 "You probably feel angry at me for refusing to recog 
 nize you, but I had good cause, or I thought I did. I 
 told you on the train that I was traveling for pleasure, 
 and that I intended to make a trip to the Yellowstone re 
 gions. That was not true." 
 
 "Then you lied," I remarked, bluntly. 
 
 Forbes' face reddened to the temples, and he shot a 
 glance at me which did not seem very friendly. He 
 gulped something down in his throat, and continued : 
 
 "Yes, if you wish to speak so crudely, I lied. Now, 
 look here, my dear fellow, don't make this confession so 
 hard for me. I only tell you because I wish to make 
 amends for my actions, and because I am in a deuce of a 
 box, and misery loves company, you know. The fact is, 
 I got into a little trouble in London, and " 
 
 "What was it, check or bank notes?" I interrupted, 
 stifling a laugh. 
 
 "What do you " he commenced, fiercely, then recol 
 lecting his part, he laughed feebly, and added : 
 
 "Oh, yes, I see. Ha! ha! a good joke. It was er 
 bank notes. Now we understand each other, I suppose. 
 I had to clear out from the old country at once. I went 
 to San Francisco, and there took steamer for Japan. 
 When I met you aboard the vessel I was so taken back 
 that I refused to recognize you. Thought you were a 
 detective, by Jove! Ha! ha! ha!" 
 
 During this speech I had rapidly evolved a plan. I
 
 Osaki Shows His Friendship. 51 
 
 could see that Forbes was very proud in disposition, and 
 that even the admission of a theft hurt him, but at the 
 same time I believed that he was unscrupulous. I there 
 fore resolved to punish him, and also to protect myself 
 from suspicion. Springing to my feet, I grasped his hand 
 and shook it warmly. 
 
 "By George! old boy, we are in the same boat," I ex 
 claimed, with a boisterous laugh. "You made away with 
 somebody's bank notes for the purpose of having a good 
 time, and I played the little game for the same reason. I 
 have been traveling for an Eastern house, but becoming 
 tired of work, I collected a lot of funds and skipped for 
 parts unknown. Ha ! ha ! Birds of a feather, you know. 
 You what's up?" 
 
 He had jerked his hand from mine with a muttered 
 ejaculation. 
 
 "What's up?" I repeated. "Don't you want to 
 shake " 
 
 "Yes, yes, that's all right," Forbes hastily replied. "I 
 have er a sore ringer, and it hurts when you touch it. 
 So you have been in a little trouble, too, eh? How did 
 you get to Corea ?" 
 
 "I was just on the point of asking you the same ques 
 tion," I replied, evasively. "How did you happen to 
 strike this out-of-the-way village?" 
 
 "I was brought here by those confounded Japanese sol 
 diers," he answered, grimly. "After reaching Yokohama, 
 I found so many Englishmen that I concluded it wouldn't 
 be safe to remain there, so I secured passage on an 
 English gunboat, whose captain very obligingly carried
 
 52 Osaki Shows His Friendship. 
 
 me to Chemulpo. I arrived there yesterday morning, and 
 immediately went to Seoul. Something told me it would 
 be best to conceal myself in a smaller city, so I started 
 north, but was arrested by a company of Japanese soldiers 
 this morning, and brought here. Just because they found 
 a notebook on me they concluded I was a correspondent, 
 or something of that sort. Deuced ridiculous, isn't it ?" 
 
 ''Very," I replied. "It's a shame two gentlemen like 
 you and me (?) cannot enjoy ourselves without such an 
 noyances. My experience has been similar to yours. I 
 came here on a coaster for the same reason, and in trying 
 to find my way to Seoul was picked up as a spy or some 
 thing. I wonder what they will do with us ?" 
 
 "Turn us over to our respective governments, I sup 
 pose," Forbes replied, with a groan. 
 
 During the conversation, darkness had fallen. As yet, 
 no lights had been placed in the room, and we sat in the 
 gloom without speaking for a while. Now that the ex 
 citement of meeting the young Englishman had subsided, 
 I began to wonder how the present adventure would turn 
 out. 
 
 My thoughts reverted to Osaki. What had become of 
 him? Was he also locked up in the village, or had he 
 been sent away? The unselfish nature of the Japanese 
 youth had affected me strongly, and I resolved to continue 
 our friendship if possible. 
 
 Becoming restless, I rose to my feet, and began to pace 
 up and down. Presently, in nearing the rear wall, I 
 thought I heard a voice. I asked Forbes if he had spoken,
 
 Osaki Shows His Friendship. 53 
 
 but he made a negative reply. My curiosity aroused, I 
 crept close to the bamboo partition, and listened intently. 
 Suddenly a warning whisper came to my ears from the 
 other side. 
 
 "Hist! Bennett, do you hear me?" came the words in 
 Osaki's voice. 
 
 I instantly replied in the same tone. A moment later 
 the sounds of a sharp knife cutting through wood were 
 heard, and presently a dark figure slipped through a 
 jagged opening in the wall. 
 
 The next second, the young officer for it was he and 
 I were shaking hands as if we had known each other for 
 years. This friendly ceremony was speedily brought to 
 an end, however. 
 
 "Come. There is not a moment to lose," whispered 
 Osaki. "If you do not escape now you will be sent to 
 Chemulpo in the morning. Hurry ! Follow me. I will 
 explain everything later." 
 
 He turned to retrace his steps, with the intention of 
 leading the way, when suddenly a hand touched him on 
 the shoulder, and the drawling voice of the English youth 
 came through the gloom. 
 
 "Just wait a moment, please," it said. "I think I'll 
 make a third member of your little party. If you offer 
 any objections, I'll be compelled to call " 
 
 With a muttered imprecation, Osaki wheeled swiftly, 
 and gave the speaker a violent shove backward. Forbes 
 fell against a chair and overturned it with a crash. At 
 the same time, he shouted, lustily:
 
 54 Osaki Shows His Friendship. 
 
 "Help! help! Help! help!" 
 
 An echoing cry came from the outer room, the door 
 was violently dashed open, and the general, at the head 
 of several soldiers, rushed toward us, brandishing their 
 swords !
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 IN WHICH WE ARE ATTACKED. 
 
 If it had not been for Osaki's coolness and presence 
 of mind, all would have been lost. The situation was 
 critical. 
 
 When Forbes gave the alarm, it did not seem more 
 than a moment before the door was thrown open and 
 the general, at the head of his soldiers, appeared. 
 
 During that short space of time, however, the Jap 
 anese youth had grasped my arm and we were half 
 way through the opening in the wall. A loud yell 
 behind us indicated that we were seen. 
 
 The sound acted as a veritable spur, and we were 
 soon outside. I have a confused recollection of run 
 ning swiftly across a small garden, of hearing a hubbub 
 of shouts and shrill outcries, then we were brought to 
 a sudden stop by a tall bamboo fence. 
 
 It is a queer thing, but in that supreme moment of 
 peril, a recollection came to me of how a boyish chum 
 and I had overcome sudi an obstacle while in pursuit 
 of forbidden apples. 
 
 Hurriedly bidding Osaki stand firm, I crawled up on 
 his shoulders, and grasped the top of the wall. Draw 
 ing myself up, I obtained a secure hold, and then 
 reached down and helped my companion to a position
 
 56 We are Attacked. 
 
 beside me. From there we leaped into a narrow road 
 just as a party of soldiers darted after us. 
 
 A shot was fired, but it whistled harmlessly through 
 the air. It served its purpose, however, in giving an 
 alarm. In what seemed less than a moment the vil 
 lage was alive. Lights flashed here and there from the 
 various cottages in which the different troops had been 
 quartered, doors were dashed open, and the entire pop 
 ulation poured into the streets. 
 
 A drum sent out a harsh rat-a-tat somewhere on the 
 right, and then immediately following came the sullen 
 boom of a cannon. I heard my companion mutter 
 some forcible Japanese word, but still we sped on, on 
 through the darkness. 
 
 Presently I espied several shadowy forms ahead, and 
 pointed them out to Osaki. We halted and then re 
 sumed our flight in another direction. After running 
 three or four blocks, we heard the tramping of many 
 feet in front, and again changed our course. 
 
 Thus twisting and turning like a fox pursued by 
 hounds, we made the best of our way without mishap 
 to the outskirts of the village. Then, just as we con 
 cluded to rest for a second, there came the sound of a 
 man running behind us. 
 
 We barely had time to crouch in the shadows of a 
 lofty moharae bush when a ruddy glare illumined the 
 crooked street, near the end of which we had taken 
 refuge. 
 
 The light came from a score of torches, and outlined 
 against it was the figure of a youth clad in European
 
 We are Attacked. 57 
 
 costume. He was running at his utmost speed, and 
 dashed past us, disappearing in the darkness of the 
 surrounding paddy-fields but not before we had rec 
 ognized in him the young English correspondent, Al 
 fred Montague Forbes. 
 
 Before I could do more than utter an exclamation, 
 a squad of soldiers followed in close pursuit. We bur 
 rowed ourselves in the tall grass, and escaped discov 
 ery. But it was such a close call that I could feel my 
 companion trembling like an aspen with the excitement 
 and strain. 
 
 "Come, now is our chance," he muttered, hoarsely. 
 
 Grasping my arm, he arose to his feet, and together 
 we turned and fled in a direction at right angles from 
 that taken by the soldiers. Fortune favored us, and we 
 sped on for almost an hour without meeting a soul. 
 
 When we finally reached a place out of sight and 
 hearing of the village, Osaki called a halt, and we threw 
 ourselves upon the ground for a-brief rest. I was glad 
 of the opportunity, as the long run and the excitement 
 had exhausted me. 
 
 As yet not a word had passed between us. The sud 
 den and totally unexpected appearance of the young 
 Japanese officer, the escape from the room, and the 
 subsequent flight through the village had all occurred 
 so quickly that conversation was impossible. 
 
 Osaki's actions in rescuing me from prison rather be 
 wildered me, to tell the truth. That he had taken 
 desperate chances and had incurred the peril of death 
 was evident. What had prompted him? I was on the
 
 58 We are Attacked. 
 
 point of asking him several questions when he sud 
 denly sprang erect and said: 
 
 "This spot is too exposed, Bennett. Detached 
 squads of the regiment may happen along at any mo 
 ment. I think I know a place where we can conceal 
 ourselves for a couple of hours. We must have time 
 to talk over matters and arrange our plans." 
 
 "You are right," I replied. "That is absolutely nec 
 essary. Where are you going now?" 
 
 "Follow me," he responded, briefly, starting off at a 
 fast walk. 
 
 I obeyed in silence. Leaving the country lane, at the 
 side of which we had halted, we struck across a stretch 
 of field belonging to some farm. The intense darkness 
 of the night had given way to a fainter gloom, and pres 
 ently a full moon struggled from behind a bank of 
 clouds, flooding the scene with a mellow light. 
 
 With a short imprecation, Osaki crouched down, and 
 then measured his length upon the ground. I followed 
 his example, wondering what he had discovered. 
 Touching me on the arm, he pointed to where a small 
 bamboo hut was perched up on a skeleton frame. 
 
 I recognized it at once. It was one of the peculiar 
 lookouts constructed by the farmers of the country for 
 the purpose of watching their crops guarding the 
 growing rice and grain against plunderers, both human 
 and feathered. 
 
 I now saw what had alarmed my companion. De 
 scending a notched stick forming the primitive ladder
 
 We are Attacked. 59 
 
 was a native Corean. He appeared to be in a hurry, 
 and soon reached the ground. 
 
 "Has he seen us?"I whispered. 
 
 "I don't know," replied Osaki, in the same tone. 
 "We were half-way across this field before the moon 
 came out, and he would surely have caught sight of us 
 if he had been glancing in our direction. If I thought 
 
 A significant movement of his right hand, in which 
 was grasped a keen-edged knife, completed the sen 
 tence. 
 
 There was no necessity for violence, however. The 
 fellow walked away in an opposite direction, and we 
 soon lost sight of him. I was glad of it, as the poor 
 native might have fallen an innocent victim to curiosity 
 or to his own duty if he had discovered us. 
 
 We remained stretched out between two earthy fur 
 rows for several moments, then my companion signified 
 an intention of resuming the march toward the place 
 of concealment he had suggested. 
 
 Waiting until the tell-tale face of the moon was ob 
 scured by a cloud, we started off at a rapid pace. While 
 passing the watchman's rude tower-like hut a sudden 
 thought struck me. 
 
 Why should it not make a good hiding-place for the 
 time being? I was so pleased with the idea that I im 
 mediately asked Osaki if the farmers remained in them 
 all night." 
 
 "Sometimes, but not often," he replied. "When the 
 crops are ready to harvest they stand watch, and watch
 
 60 We are Attacked. 
 
 the whole twenty-four hours. At this season of the 
 year they are not so particular." 
 
 "Then that fellow has gone home for the night ?" 
 
 "Yes, I think so. Why?" 
 
 "What is the matter with concealing ourselves up 
 there for several hours or so?" I said, suggestively. 
 "If the soldiers happened along they would hardly think 
 of searching it." 
 
 "By George ! I believe it is a good idea," replied the 
 young officer, quickly. "You wait here for a second, 
 and I'll see if it is tenanted. There may be a fellow 
 up there now." 
 
 He left me and climbed up the notched beam with 
 surprising rapidity. After a while I heard him calling 
 me to ascend. A moment later I crawled through the 
 little opening forming the doorway, and just in time to 
 escape being exposed by the rays of the moon. Its light 
 showed me that we were in a small apartment with 
 bamboo walls and floor and a dry thatched roof. It was 
 flimsily constructed, and- swayed to and fro with every 
 passing breeze. 
 
 "Be careful when you walk around," smiled Osaki, 
 "as the floor might give way to the ground with an un 
 pleasant suddenness." 
 
 "I don't think I will tempt fortune, but I'll just sit 
 down and ask you a few questions," I replied, suiting 
 the action to the word. "In the first place, my good 
 friend, have you any definite plan?" 
 
 "Yes, or I may say, a part of one," he responded. "I
 
 We are Attacked. 61 
 
 suppose I had better begin at the beginning, as it were, 
 and tell you all." 
 
 "That's the best idea, because I haven't yet recovered 
 from my surprise at seeing you come through that wall. 
 What did the general do with you after he sent me into 
 the next room ?" 
 
 "Placed me under arrest," grimly replied Osaki ; "and 
 he didn't hesitate long about it, either. General Su- 
 matka is one of our most brilliant officers, but he has, 
 as one of your authors puts it, 'a heart of iron under an 
 exterior of velvet.' ' : 
 
 "I found that out," I said, with a half laugh at the 
 recollection. "When I was taken before him, I thought 
 he intended to become a personal friend of mine. Why, 
 he smiled in the most good-natured manner when he 
 told me that he would send me from the country, or 
 words to that effect." 
 
 "Well, I hadn't been in the guardhouse an hour be 
 fore I learned that my sentence had been pronounced," 
 continued the young officer. 
 
 "And without a trial?" I asked, indignantly. 
 
 "A trial was not needed. I had been caught in a 
 flagrant attempt to shield a foreign correspondent from 
 discovery, so nothing remained but to fix the punish 
 ment, which was transportation back to Japan as a 
 court-martial prisoner." 
 
 "That was hard," I murmured. "And I am to blame 
 for your misfortune, Osaki. In the goodness of your 
 heart you saved me from those Chinese soldiers, and 
 because I am an American, you did not wish to see me
 
 62 We are Attacked. 
 
 get into trouble. What I should have done was to let 
 them deport me, and then return." 
 
 "You are determined to carry out your orders," my 
 companion replied, with a slight smile. 
 
 "That is what I was sent here for. But go ahead 
 with your explanation." 
 
 "As soon as I learned my sentence, I made up my 
 mind that I would not be sent back like a common 
 criminal, but would remain to fight the battles of my 
 country despite General Sumatka. I knew what such a 
 course meant, but it did not shake my resolve. I have 
 friends among the soldiers of the regiment, and I per 
 suaded one of the sentries to permit me to escape. 
 That was just after dark. It did not take me long to 
 make my way to where you were confined. I knew the 
 locality, and well, you know the rest." 
 
 "I do not know the rest!" I exclaimed, gratefully; 
 "and I couldn't tell you in a hundred years how much 
 I appreciate your kindness to me. You knew that I 
 would never give up my duty, and you have sacrificed 
 yourself for my sake. I will never forget it, Osaki. 
 But tell me, you will be treated as a deserter if you 
 are caught, will you not?" 
 
 "Yes, as a deserter," replied my companion, in a low 
 tone. 
 
 "And the punishment is " 
 
 "Death!" 
 
 Neither of us spoke for a while. Finally I reached 
 over and touched Osaki upon the shoulder. He 
 glanced at me, and I saw by the bright light of the
 
 We are Attacked. 63 
 
 moon that his face wore an expression of stern deter 
 mination. 
 
 Nevertheless, I said, firmly: 
 
 "My good friend, you must not do this. If you re 
 turn now and confess your fault, perhaps the authori 
 ties will not be severe. Leave me. I can manage to 
 find my way north to this place where the next de 
 cisive battle is to be fought. You " 
 
 "Say no more, Bennett, my mind is made up," he 
 interrupted. "I will not be sent back to Japan while 
 my country needs the help of her sons. I have a plan. 
 We will join forces and follow the army. I will act 
 as a spy, and make frequent trips among the enemy, 
 and you can write your correspondence. You will 
 help me, and I will help you. Is it a bargain?" 
 
 "You are determined in this?" I asked. 
 
 "Yes, emphatically so!" he replied. 
 
 "Well, you know that I would like nothing better on 
 earth," I said, gladly. "With you as a companion, I 
 will, indeed, be in fortune's way. We will form an 
 alliance, offensive and defensive, and from now on we 
 will work, each for the other's interest. My sympa 
 thies are with the Japanese, anyway, and I would do 
 a great deal for them, and for you. It is settled." 
 
 "What weapons have you?" asked Osaki, after a 
 moment's pause. 
 
 "None," I replied. "That kind-hearted general had 
 me searched and his men took a splendid brace of 
 revolvers from me. Have you anything?" 
 
 "Nothing but this short knife. We will secure a
 
 64 We are Attacked. 
 
 gun or two later on. Now, I think we had better be 
 moving. I know the roads about here pretty well, and 
 we can manage to cover a dozen miles or so before 
 daylight. By the way, what about that Englishman 
 who gave the alarm? Who is he?" 
 
 Without the slightest hesitation, I gave the young 
 officer a full description of all that had taken place since 
 I met Forbes in Chicago. It was breaking my rule of 
 silence, but Osaki surely deserved all confidence. 
 
 "Then he really is a rival correspondent against 
 whom you have been warned by your people, eh?" he 
 said. "He represents the British Press Association, 
 too, which means that every report sent by him will be 
 in favor of China." 
 
 "That is true," I replied. "England is not a friend 
 of Japan, and naturally your successes in the field will 
 be belittled by that government." 
 
 "This is another way in which I can help my coun 
 try," said Osaki, thoughtfully. "It is just possible that 
 Japan will have to negotiate a foreign loan before the 
 end of this war. If derogatory reports are sent out, 
 my government will find it a hard matter to secure 
 the money, or will, in all events, be compelled to pay 
 an enormous interest. Bennett, I am with you, heart 
 and soul now, and it will be very peculiar, or, as you 
 Americans call it, very 'funny/ if we don't circumvent 
 this British correspondent." 
 
 "There is one thing about it," I said. "I am afraid 
 we will find it rather difficult to get our dispatches to 
 the States. I should send one now, giving the descrip-
 
 We are Attacked. 65 
 
 tion of this morning's battle, and also a notification of 
 the conflict impending at Ping An. What is your ad 
 vice? It won't do to attempt to use the Japanese 
 military telegraph from Seoul to the front?" 
 
 "That is out of the question," replied Osaki, slowly. 
 "By the way, I heard this afternoon that the emperor 
 has given orders to permit all foreign correspondents 
 to follow the army of occupation. He intends to sup 
 ply them with rations, and to treat them with the ut 
 most consideration." 
 
 "Including a strict scrutiny of their dispatches," I 
 said, laughingly. 
 
 My companion smiled. 
 
 "I presume you are right," he answered. "The au 
 thorities will naturally not let anything through of 
 which they don't approve." 
 
 "Well, I came here to obtain authentic news, so I 
 think I will remain incog, for a while longer, despite 
 the risk," I replied, firmly. "But about this present 
 dispatch. It ought to go to Shanghai or Yokohama 
 at once, but if we make a detour toward Chemulpo, 
 we may lose the battle at Ping An. I guess it had 
 better wait." 
 
 Osaki agreed, so we prepared to leave our place of 
 concealment. He returned me the notebook and 
 money I had given him in the deserted hut, where 
 we had been captured, then he crawled to the little 
 opening of the watch-tower with the intention of de 
 scending. 
 
 As he moved away, a peculiar noise came to my ears.
 
 66 We are Attacked. 
 
 My companion also heard it, and he stopped in alarm. 
 There was a moment of silence, then a subdued mur 
 mur of voices came from below. 
 
 Quick as a flash, we both wormed our way to the 
 little door and looked down. The sight that met our 
 gaze was terrifying in the extreme. Grouped about 
 the lower timbers of the structure were at least two- 
 score natives, armed with ancient spears and bows and 
 arrows. They had come to attack us!
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 IN WHICH WE ARE AGAIN IN LUCRES WAY. 
 
 "What in Heaven's name does this mean, Osaki?" 
 I asked, hurriedly. "Are they after us?" 
 
 My companion drew his knife with a gesture which 
 spoke more plainly than words. It told me that we 
 were in deadly peril, and I glanced around the little 
 apartment for a possible weapon of defense. 
 
 It was bare, with the exception of a fragment of stick 
 lying in one corner. I darted over to secure this, when 
 crack! went the flimsy bamboo floor, and down I 
 fell, through the jagged opening. 
 
 Involuntarily throwing out my hands, I managed to 
 grasp a short supporter or girder, about midway be 
 tween the lookout and the ground. The shock caused 
 by the sudden stop almost dislocated my arms, but I 
 held tight, and after swinging back and forth for a 
 moment, contrived to draw myself up on the beam. 
 
 A wild yell came from below when I made my theat 
 rical appearance. The crowd scattered in alarm, then 
 reassembled, and began to threaten me with their long 
 spears. 
 
 Two or three of the most daring discharged several 
 arrows at me. The slender shafts whizzed perilously 
 near my head, and I dodged with the greatest alacrity.
 
 68 In Luck's Way. 
 
 At that moment I heard a noise above, and looked up 
 to see the figure of the young Japanese officer de 
 scending the notched ladder hand over hand. 
 
 "Go back, Osaki!" I shouted. "You can't fight 
 them alone. Go back!" 
 
 "No use," he replied, grimly. "We might as well 
 have it out now. Can you swing down from there?" 
 
 "Easy enough," I said, measuring the distance with 
 my eye. "We are in a pretty bad fix, old fellow, 
 but here goes." 
 
 It was taking desperate chances, but nothing else 
 remained. I was entirely unarmed, and my compan 
 ion had only a short knife, while the mob of natives 
 beneath were well provided with bows and spears. 
 Still they had us entrapped, and we were compelled to 
 fight. 
 
 Even while preparing to drop down among them, 
 I could not help thinking of the peculiar change in my 
 life a few short weeks had caused. Two months pre 
 vious I was leading a life of the most humdrum de 
 scription, with only the few diversions common to the 
 lot of a reporter, while now I breathed a short prayer, 
 set my teeth firmly, and shot down into the very midst 
 of the yelling horde of Coreans. 
 
 I fortunately landed upon my feet; otherwise I prob 
 ably would have never arisen again. The mob closed 
 in around me, but at that moment Osaki swung him 
 self from the primitive ladder, and alighted at my 
 side. 
 
 I just had time to notice him when a grizzly whis-
 
 In Luck's Way. 69 
 
 kered native rushed at me with a short spear. Strik 
 ing out blindly, I dashed it away, and then turned to 
 grapple with another assailant. 
 
 He was armed with a bow, which he attempted. to 
 use at close quarters, but before he could draw the 
 string I had him by the throat. I had never realized 
 what strength I really possessed until that second. 
 
 It seemed that he was but a child in my hands. 
 Forcing him backward with one hand, I grasped a short 
 native sword from his girdle, and then flung him to 
 the ground in a lifeless heap. 
 
 "Good for you!" I heard Osaki gasp. 
 
 After that the scene was a confused jumble of cuts 
 and thrusts, of shouts of rage, and cries of anguish, 
 of struggling back and forth over a ground made slip 
 pery by the life blood of more than one man, and then 
 just as the young Japanese officer and I found our 
 selves back to back, fighting with falling strength against 
 overwhelming odds, a shrill cry came from one of the 
 natives. 
 
 In much less time than it takes to write it, those 
 of the Coreans who were not lying either dead or 
 wounded in the field took to their heels. I looked after 
 them in blank astonishment, hardly believing my senses. 
 
 A sharp exclamation from my companion caused me 
 to glance in the opposite direction, and I saw, bathed 
 in the rays of the moon, a party of Japanese soldiers 
 coming toward us from the little road. 
 
 "Quick! Follow me!" almost shouted Osaki. "Run 
 for your very life, man, or we'll be captured."
 
 7O In Luck's Way. 
 
 I did not need a second bidding. Still holding my 
 sword, I darted after the young officer. A hoarse com 
 mand came from behind us, but we only ran the 
 faster. 
 
 Suddenly Osaki stumbled and fell. I was so close 
 to his heels that I tripped over his prostrate body and 
 measured my length upon the soft ground. We were 
 up almost instantly, and a moment later reached a 
 fringe of woods at the edge of the field. 
 
 In and out among the trees we sped, now bumping 
 into fallen logs, and then forcing our way through 
 prickly bushes on, on, until at last I was compelled to 
 stop from sheer exhaustion. 
 
 My companion was equally distressed, and he halted 
 at the same time. Leaning against the smooth bark of 
 a soduri tree, we listened intently for sounds of pursuit. 
 
 All was quiet, however. We had escaped a second 
 time. 
 
 "It won't do to remain here any longer than we can 
 help," I said. "That last call was entirely too close." 
 
 Osaki evidently agreed with me, as we speedily re 
 sumed our march, striking off at as good a gait as our 
 tired legs would permit. 
 
 "It was our impression that the coming of a party 
 of soldiers would mean the direst misfortune for us," I 
 said, after a while, "but in the present case I really be 
 lieve we owe our lives to their appearance." 
 
 "You are right. We couldn't have lasted much 
 longer."
 
 In Luck's Way. 71 
 
 "How in the deuce did those natives know we were up 
 there, anyway?" I asked. 
 
 "That fellow we saw descend the ladder when we en 
 tered the field must have espied us," replied the young 
 officer. "He was shrewd enough not to give an alarm 
 until he had reached a safe distance. All's well that 
 ends well, but I should have obeyed my first inclination 
 and captured the farmer. I'll not take any risks next 
 time." 
 
 "What is your present plan ? How far can we travel 
 before daylight?" 
 
 "I think it is about midnight," replied the Japanese 
 youth, squinting at the sky through the tree branches. 
 "We ought to make at least twelve miles before sunrise. 
 I should judge we are now about three English leagues 
 from the village we left in such a hurry." 
 
 "Can we travel during the day?" 
 
 "Yes, but we must strike off toward the eastern 
 coast," replied Osaki, thoughtfully. "It will take us out 
 of our way, but we can't afford to keep near the field 
 telegraph line." 
 
 "Advices of our escape must have been sent to every 
 station, eh ?" 
 
 "Yes. It is known clear to Won San by this time. 
 That is the extreme outpost of the army." 
 
 "How far is it to Ping An from here?" 
 
 "Not less than one hundred and fifty miles by the 
 way we will have to travel." 
 
 "Whew!" I whistled, in surprise. "We surely can't 
 make it in time to see the fight."
 
 72 In Luck's Way. 
 
 "Easy enough if nothing happens," replied the young 
 officer, confidently. "We can cover thirty miles a day 
 without trouble. That will bring us there in five days, 
 and I hardly believe our forces can be in readiness be 
 fore then." 
 
 "Is there no way of riding? No horses, or mules, or 
 animals of some kind ? I have plenty of -money, both 
 Japanese and Corean, you know." 
 
 "I am afraid we will have to depend upon Shank's 
 mare, as your people call it," smiled Osaki. "On foot 
 we can cross fields, cut through forests, and thereby 
 keep out of sight. Awkward questions would be asked 
 of a Japanese soldier and a well-dressed young Ameri 
 can traveling together." 
 
 I glanced down at my soiled and torn garments with 
 a laugh, but I could see that my companion was right. 
 Secrecy was the safest course.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 IN WHICH WE MEET WITH A SURPRISE. 
 
 We plodded along without speaking for fully an hour. 
 Osaki seemed confident of the proper course to pursue, 
 as he led the way through wooded lands, across tilled 
 fields, and by the banks of several running streams with 
 out hesitation. 
 
 My thoughts were busy. I went over the many 
 thrilling events of the past twenty hours, and exulted 
 over the splendid material for a story they presented. 
 My literary ambitions aside from a journalistic nature 
 received an added impetus, and I pondered deeply on 
 the size of the forthcoming volume, which publisher I 
 would honor with my work, and then just as I was in 
 imagination reading the glowing words of an approv 
 ing public, my foot caught in a creeper and I stumbled 
 headlong into a thorny bush. 
 
 It was a rude awakening, but it served to bring me 
 back to my present position. The young officer laughed 
 shortly at my predicament, and I resumed the march 
 fully aware of the fact that I was a fugitive in the center 
 of the Hermit Kingdom, and needs must have my wits 
 about me. 
 
 There was one thing that troubled me greatly. I had 
 safely made the journey from New York to the scenes
 
 74 We Meet With a Surprise. 
 
 of my labors. I had succeeded in witnessing a battle 
 between the Chinese and Japanese forces, I was in pos 
 session of much valuable news, but as yet I could see no 
 way to send my material to the Press Association. 
 
 My mission would result in dire failure if I could not 
 transmit the results of my observations to my employ 
 ers. In fact, I might as well be in the States if I failed 
 to attend to that important duty. 
 
 I was just beginning to realize the difficulties con 
 fronting me, and I was not half as confident of success 
 as I had been while on my way West. 
 
 True, I had been provided with plenty of money, but 
 I had already found out that gold was not such a potent 
 factor in Corea as it was at home. The more I thought 
 over the matter the greater the necessity of establishing 
 some means of communication with Shanghai the 
 cabling station of China became. 
 
 "By Jove ! something must be done at once !" I said, 
 half aloud. 
 
 "What is the matter now?" asked my companion, 
 halting and trying to catch a glimpse of my face. 
 "What is up?" 
 
 I explained as briefly as I could, adding: 
 
 "I may as well return home, Osaki, as to stay here 
 without an opportunity to send my dispatches to the 
 office in New York." 
 
 "That is certainly true," he replied, reflectively. 'T 
 can well understand that. By the way, what arrange 
 ments have you made for cabling? You have a corre 
 spondent in Yokohama, haven't you?"
 
 We Meet With a Surprise. 75 
 
 "Yes, John Rodgers, the American merchant," I re 
 plied. "I also have one in Shanghai. His name is 
 Walton, and he has a trading factory in the foreign 
 bund. If I could only get a message to him, it would 
 be all right, as he has a supposed commercial cipher, 
 which he could use without exciting suspicion. But the 
 deuce of it is, how am I going to communicate with 
 him?" 
 
 "You have plenty of money, you say?" asked Osaki, 
 thoughtfully. 
 
 "Yes, I have a large sum with me, and I can com 
 mand an almost unlimited amount." 
 
 "Well, the only plan under the circumstances I can 
 think of is to wait until after this impending battle is 
 fought, and then try to buy a coasting junk in one of the 
 little ports . on the coast. The nearest to Ping An is 
 Kiang Tsiu." 
 
 "That is a splendid idea," I eagerly replied. "If we 
 can only secure a trusty crew, we can establish a regular 
 service, as it were, between that port and Shanghai or 
 Nagasaki. By Jove ! what a lunkhead I was not to do 
 that before." 
 
 "I suppose you were anxious to get to the front," 
 smiled Osaki. "I think we can find a Japanese trading 
 captain honest enough for our purposes. It will take 
 money, but, as you say, that is no object." 
 
 I felt considerably lighter in spirits when we resumed 
 the march. It was as if a great load had been removed 
 from my mind, and I actually attempted a cheerful whis 
 tle as we plodded along.
 
 76 We Meet With a Surprise. 
 
 In the course of time a grayish light in the eastward 
 proclaimed the near approach of day. We had been 
 marching almost steadily for five hours, and the pace 
 began to tell on me. I also suddenly found out that I 
 was hungry. 
 
 "Where in the deuce will we get breakfast?" I finally 
 asked. "Do you know of any Corean Delmonico 
 around here?" 
 
 "Hardly," laughed Osaki. "And I am mightily afraid 
 that we will have to steal some food if we get a chance. 
 We will strike in toward a road and see what we can 
 pick up." 
 
 At the end of another half hour it had grown light 
 enough for us to see some distance in advance. My 
 companion finally espied a bamboo house in the middle 
 of a primitive garden. After reconnoitering the sur 
 roundings he led the way straight to the door. 
 
 Placing his shoulder against it, the young officer 
 forced it open with but little effort. I caught a glimpse 
 of a gloomy interior, then the half-clad figure of a native 
 rushed toward us in alarm. 
 
 Osaki reached out and, grasping him by the throat, 
 forced the fellow back into the hut. He then hurriedly 
 bade me close and fasten the door. I promptly obeyed, 
 and then turned to see that my companion had twisted 
 the folds of his sash around his prisoner's hands. 
 
 A glance showed that we were the only tenants of the 
 room. It was bare of furniture, with the exception of 
 a rude pallet in one corner, and a couple of earthen 
 crocks, which I hoped contained food and drink.
 
 We Meet With a Surprise. 77 
 
 "Now, what I intend to do is to compel this fellow to 
 give us something to eat, and to provide a place where 
 we can sleep for three or four hours," said the young 
 officer. "I think he lives here alone, so if we secure 
 him so he cannot escape and give the alarm, we shall 
 be all right." 
 
 After stipulating that we pay the fellow well, I agreed 
 to the plan. We found a quantity of boiled rice and 
 some cold yumasi a species of pancake and satisfied 
 our hunger. Then, after fastening the poor wretch to a 
 stake driven in the earthen floor, we soon fell asleep. 
 
 It was nearly dark when we awoke at last. Everything 
 remained as we had left it. The native was slumbering 
 placidly where we had tied him. Taking the balance of 
 the food, we left a few coins upon the floor, and de 
 parted, confident that one of his neighbors would re 
 lease him from his predicament in good time. 
 
 For the better part of that night and the following 
 day we kept up the march, only halting now and again 
 to snatch a brief rest, or to repeat our experiment in 
 search of food. 
 
 The morning of the fifth day found us within sight of 
 a broad road, which Osaki stated was the main highway 
 from Seoul to the Chinese border. We proceeded very 
 cautiously, owing to the appearance of several Japanese 
 regiments on the march to the front. 
 
 Finally my companion said that we were drawing near 
 Ping An. I was glad of it, as both my shoes and my 
 strength were worn out. Shortly after noon we again
 
 78 We Meet With a Surprise. 
 
 left the vicinity of the road, and struck through a broad 
 forest. 
 
 "We will find a river at the edge of these woods," 
 said Osaki. "I think our best plan is to camp on its 
 banks until after dark, and then make a sortie toward 
 Ping An, which lies about ten miles toward the right." 
 
 A few moments later we caught sight of the river 
 through the trees. I was for rushing forward at once to 
 lave my face, but the young officer advised caution. 
 Creeping ahead, we suddenly came upon an object lying 
 in the grass. I gave a start of surprise, and almost cried 
 out. It was a sailor's cap one of those road affairs 
 commonly worn by American seamen. At the same mo 
 ment, Osaki grasped my arm and pointed to where, stand 
 ing upon the bank of the river, was the figure of a white 
 man, evidently an American by his appearance. 
 
 Dumb with astonishment, we gaped at him for a mo 
 ment, and then were on the point of advancing toward 
 him, when, suddenly, I saw a couple of bushes fringing 
 the top of a little knoll beyond, pressed back, and several 
 Chinese soldiers crept stealthily into view.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 IN WHICH WE MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF JACK BUNCE. 
 
 On catching sight of the Chinese soldiers, Osaki and I 
 instantly dropped to the ground behind a decayed log 
 near which we had been standing. 
 
 "By Jove! they are after that fellow," I heard my 
 companion mutter. "We must save him if we can." 
 
 "Do you think we have been seen ?" I asked, in a simi 
 lar tone. 
 
 "No; they are still looking in his direction," replied 
 the young officer, peering above the fallen tree. 
 
 I followed his example, and glanced from behind a 
 projecting branch. The Chinamen had halted a dozen 
 yards from their intended prey, and were holding an 
 animalcd council of war. 
 
 There were four of them, villainous-looking fellows, 
 clad in dusty blouses, and the flat, broad sandees used by 
 their race while traveling. Each was armed with a short 
 sword and an ancient, large stock pistol. 
 
 "Scouts," whispered Osaki, laconically. 
 
 He was evidently right. They appeared to be a party 
 sent out in search of information, and chance had brought 
 them to the river at the same time as ourselves. 
 
 But what of the mysterious stranger in the sailor uni 
 form ?
 
 8o Jack Bunce. 
 
 I transferred my gaze to him. He stood near the 
 water's edge, leisurely washing his face, apparently totally 
 unaware of the near presence of an enemy. We could 
 hear him puff and splutter in the midst of his ablutions, 
 and the familiar sound caused me to smile, although the 
 situation was grave enough. 
 
 Suddenly, Osaki gave utterance to a sharp "Ha!" and 
 drew his knife. 
 
 "They are moving," he said. "Quick! follow me. 
 We must skirt around and attack them from the rear. 
 A complete surprise is half a battle. Come on." 
 
 With the military axiom upon his lips, he stealthily 
 arose to his feet and crept along with his body almost 
 bent double. I followed at his heels in the same position. 
 
 We speedily gained a spot where the bushes and trees 
 were more dense. They afforded a secure shelter, and 
 we were enabled to move more rapidly. Presently the 
 young officer stopped and placed his finger upon his 
 mouth as a signal of caution. 
 
 I caught sight of the Chinese soldiers about six paces 
 in advance of us. They were almost within reach of the 
 stranger. 
 
 "Get ready," whispered Osaki. "When I give the 
 word, yell like an Indian, and rush at them." 
 
 I grasped my sword in my right hand, and bent for 
 ward in readiness. My companion gave the signal, and 
 together we darted upon the scouts with ear-piercing 
 howls. 
 
 The results proved the sagacity of the young officer's 
 tactics. Two of the soldiers were so astounded and terri-
 
 Jack Bunce. 81 
 
 fied that they dropped their weapons and fled up to their 
 middle in the river. The others were not so chicken- 
 hearted, however. 
 
 They faced about, and met our onslaught with deter 
 mined opposition. I aimed a blow at the nearest, but he 
 parried with his sword, and struck back so quickly that I 
 only saved myself by an agile leap to one side. 
 
 Just then the stranger clad in the American naval uni 
 form took part. He had wheeled around, and, for the 
 moment, stood gaping at us with an open mouth. Sud 
 denly he straightened up. Then, with a shout like a pent- 
 up steam-whistle, he started toward us. 
 
 "Whoop ! Give it to 'em ! Wollup the yaller niggers ! 
 Don't let 'em escape, strangers. Hold 'em till I git there ! 
 Wough !" 
 
 A moment later he flung himself upon the Chinaman 
 I had been fighting, and in much less time than it takes 
 to describe it, he had snatched the fellow's weapons from 
 his grasp. 
 
 The soldier's pigtail fairly stood on end with sudden 
 fear. Gurgling a prayer to Buddha, he turned, and with 
 a prodigious leap gained the water's edge, then splash 
 ing into the river, he swam off to join the former pair, 
 who had meanwhile struck out for the opposite shore. 
 
 Thus deserted by his companions, the remaining soldier 
 incontinently fled up the bank and disappeared from sight 
 in the bush. The stranger stood irresolute for a brief 
 space, as if undecided which to pursue, then, with a hoarse 
 cry, he boldly entered the water.
 
 82 Jack Bunce. 
 
 "What in the deuce does he mean to do?" exclaimed 
 Osaki, in surprise. Then he added in a louder tone : 
 
 "Hi, there ! Come back ! Don't follow them !" 
 
 The sailor paid no heed, but swam lustily after the 
 trio of fleeing Chinamen. He had placed the captured 
 sword between his teeth, and it was plainly evident that 
 he meant to attack them in the water. 
 
 The young Japanese and I looked at each other in 
 comical amazement. 
 
 What to do we did not know. The American, or 
 whatever he was, undoubtedly had intended to either re 
 capture or slay the three soldiers. The fact that he was 
 alone and unaided did not seem to deter him one whit, 
 and he continued the pursuit with unabated vigor. 
 
 "Did you ever see anything like this in all your ex 
 perience?" I asked, with a gasp of laughter. 
 
 "Never," replied Osaki. "He must be a regular fire- 
 eater. But how on earth did he get to this part of the 
 world? I wouldn't have been more surprised had we 
 met the Chinese emperor here." 
 
 "What shall we do?" I asked. "We must not let him 
 tackle these soldiers alone. They'll kill him." 
 
 "We'll have to follow. Can you swim?" 
 
 "Like a fish. Come on." 
 
 We both entered the water at the same time, and were 
 soon swimming after the American. I followed his 
 example and carried my sword between my teeth. It was 
 very awkward, but I yielded to necessity, and held to the 
 weapon. 
 
 As it happened, we were not destined to proceed very
 
 Jack Bunce. 83 
 
 far. When about fifteen yards from shore, we heard an 
 exultant yell. Then came a most horrible screech of 
 agony. 
 
 Raising ourselves from the water, we glanced ahead 
 just in time to see the glint of the sun's rays upon a shin 
 ing object. It vanished, and another cry of mortal pain 
 came to our ears. 
 
 "Heavens ! what has happened ?" gasped Osaki. 
 
 Before I could reply, we both caught a glimpse of the 
 stranger. No further comments were needed. He was 
 alone ! 
 
 With one accord we turned and made our way back 
 to the bank. Crawling from the water, we glanced out 
 over the river and saw the American swimming toward 
 us with his sword still grasped between his teeth. 
 
 Several discolored spots dyeing the surface of the water 
 told the grewsome tale. He had succeeded in his object, 
 and he had not made any prisoners, either. 
 
 A few moments later the hero of the exploit landed 
 close to where we stood. Giving his body a shake, he ad 
 vanced and, clutching the sword in one hand, asked, 
 seriously : 
 
 "Where did t'other fellow go, stranger? Ye didn't let 
 him git away, did ye?" 
 
 "For goodness' sake, haven't you done enough?" said 
 my companion, holding up his hands in amazement. 
 "Who in the deuce are you, anyway ? An American ?" 
 
 "That's just what I am ; an American, from California," 
 was the hearty reply. "I'm a man-o'-war's man, or was 
 gome weeks ago. Who be you?"
 
 84 Jack Bunce. 
 
 While he was speaking, I eyed him closely, my curiosity 
 intensely aroused by his astounding feats in the river. He 
 seemed to be about thirty-five years of age, was splendidly 
 built, had a broad, good-humored face, and sported two 
 tufts of whiskers in front of his ears. Taking it all in all, 
 he was a peculiar specimen of humanity, and the last per 
 son in the world one would take for such a daring fire- 
 eater. 
 
 "Who be you, if I may ask?" repeated the sailor, in 
 quisitively. 
 
 "I am an American, from New York," I responded, 
 "and my companion is a young Japanese officer. His 
 name is Osaki. Mine is Stanley Bennett." 
 
 "I am right glad to meet ye. Shake, pardners," said 
 our new acquaintance, extending a brawny hand. "Ye 
 can call me Jack Bunce. That is the name I signed to 
 Uncle Sam's articles."
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 IN WHICH OSAKI MAKES AN ALARMING DISCOVERY. 
 
 "To tell the truth," continued Jack Bunce, "I've had 
 so many names that I actually disremember the one my 
 old mother christened me with. Hum! I'm sorry that 
 other pigtail got away. Ye don't think he's hanging 
 around the vicinity, do ye ?" 
 
 "Hardly, Mr. Bunce," I laughed. "If he is still trav 
 eling at the same rate as when he disappeared, he must 
 be across the border by this time." 
 
 "I am real sorry. I got three of 'em, but the fourth 
 one gitting away kind of sp'iles my enjoyment," replied 
 the sailor, shaking his head. "But I say, mates I guess 
 I can call ye by that title, being as we are strangers in a 
 strange land it seems kind of funny to meet an Ameri 
 can man-o'-war's man in these parts, now don't it?" 
 
 "It is no less than remarkable," spoke up Osaki, curi 
 ously. "Would you mind telling us how you happen 
 to be in this part of Corea so far from your vessel ?" 
 
 "You speak good English for a Jap," returned Bunce, 
 eying the speaker, good-naturedly. "Where did ye learn 
 it, if I might ask?" 
 
 "At the Naval Academy, and on board two American 
 cruisers as a cadet officer," quietly replied Osaki. 
 
 The sailor's right hand went up to his forehead with a 
 military salute, and he stood at attention.
 
 86 An Alarming Discovery. 
 
 "Oh, lordy !" I heard him mutter, "I am in for it now. 
 He'll arrest me as a deserter, sure." 
 
 I laughed outright. 
 
 "Don't be alarmed, Mr. Bunce," I said. "This gen 
 tleman is not now an officer in the navy. If you left your 
 ship between roll calls, you need not fear being hauled 
 up for it here." 
 
 "I'm right glad to hear that, sir," he replied, looking 
 vastly relieved. "Ye see, it was this way: I 'listed in 
 the service in Frisco, thinking as how there might be 
 a chance to see a little scrappin'." 
 
 "That is where you should find it," I remarked. 
 
 "But I didn't," retorted Bunce, emphatically. "I made 
 a mighty big mistake. Fightin' in the American navy? 
 Not much, friends. There ain't been any since the war. 
 Humph ! I was fooled nicely. Why, I might as well j'ined 
 a gospel ship." 
 
 The speaker looked so genuinely distressed that Osaki 
 and I fairly shouted with laughter. We had certainly 
 stumbled upon a queer character. And in the interior of 
 Corea, of all places under the sun ! 
 
 "Well, I was there, and I had to stick," continued 
 Bunce, reminiscently. "I tried to skip, but it was no 
 go. By and by we sailed for Chemulpo, down on the 
 coast here. During the voyage over I kept my hand 
 in scrappin' about decks, but it was a poor sort of sport. 
 When we reached this side I heard there was trouble 
 between the pigtails and Japs. That just suited me. I 
 watched my chance, and scooted, and here I am. Say,
 
 An Alarming Discovery. 87 
 
 mates, d'ye think there'll be any fun in these parts be 
 fore long?" 
 
 "If you mean fighting, yes," replied the young officer, 
 highly amused. "But do you mean to say that you left 
 your ship and came all the way up here for the purpose 
 of seeing a battle ?" 
 
 "Seeing a battle!" echoed Bunce, emphasizing the 
 first word. "Seeing a battle? Humph! not much. 
 What would I want to look at one for, eh ? I came here 
 to take a hand. I am spoiling for a scrap, that's all 
 about it. Which way is that town they call Pink Annie, 
 or something like that?" 
 
 "Ping An, you mean, I suppose," corrected Osaki. 
 "It's about ten miles down the river. We are bound 
 in that direction ourselves. But what bothers me is 
 how you succeeded in traveling almost two hundred 
 miles through a country like this without mishap." 
 
 "The same way as you did, I reckon, afoot and after 
 dark," replied Bunce, shrewdly. "Now, ye've asked me 
 a lot of questions, suppose I do the same by you. How 
 is it I find a young American, who, by his clothes, seems 
 almost a dude, and a Japanese officer away from his 
 regiment, here on the bank of this river ? I ain't curious 
 by nature, but the whole thing seems kind of queer." 
 
 "No doubt," I replied, heartily. "You shall have an 
 explanation, Mr. Bunce. I am " 
 
 "Hold on there !" suddenly interrupted the sailor. 
 "You'll oblige me if you will call me plain, everyday 
 Jack. Humph! I ain't used to having a handle put to 
 my name."
 
 88 An Alarming Discovery. 
 
 "All right, Jack," I said, smilingly. "It'll be that 
 hereafter." 
 
 I explained my presence in Corea by telling the old 
 story about looking for sport, adding that Osaki was 
 on detached service as a spy. Bunce seemed entirely 
 satisfied with the statement. 
 
 "I hope ye ain't a-going to hang around here long," 
 he said, after a short pause. "It's wasting valuable 
 time. Why, there might be some fightin' going on 
 near the town this very minute. Suppose we make a 
 move?" 
 
 I exchanged glances with Osaki. From this speech 
 it was evident Mr. Jack Bunce had concluded to join us. 
 His self-invitation was hardly displeasing to me. He 
 seemed an honest, sturdy fellow, and would possibly 
 make a valuable ally. 
 
 I saw from the young officer's face that he shared my 
 opinion, so I resolved to ask the American to become 
 one of our little party. This I did, in a few brief words, 
 adding : 
 
 "Both you and I are here for the fun of the thing, and 
 it matters little where we go or what we do, so we see 
 the fighting. Osaki is on a roving commission. His 
 main duty is to pick up information of the enemy's 
 movements. You say you are in favor of the Japanese, 
 why not lend him a hand, and thereby help his coun 
 try?" 
 
 "Certainly I will," heartily replied Jack, extending his 
 hand. "There ain't nothing I'd like better. The only 
 stipulation I will make is that you gentlemen lead me
 
 An Alarming Discovery. 89 
 
 where I'll find plenty of scrappin'. If ye don't, we'll 
 part purty quick." 
 
 "You need not be alarmed," interposed the young 
 Japanese, dryly. "I'll guarantee you will have plenty 
 during the next week, anyway." 
 
 "Now, that is settled, and our forces augmented by 
 such a powerful volunteer, we must arrange a plan of 
 action," I said, "We don't want to remain idle longer 
 than is necessary. What do you know about the situa 
 tion, Osaki?" 
 
 "Very little," replied the youth. "I know that Ping 
 An is still in the hands of the Chinese, and that our 
 troops are marching toward it from Asan and Gensan, 
 but that is all. I think I had better make a hurried trip 
 toward the city and see how the land lies." 
 
 "And we remain here ?" I asked. 
 
 "You can come part of the way. Then while I am 
 gone you can forage for food among the farms." 
 
 "That suits me to a tee," spoke up our new acquaint 
 ance, emphatically. "I am hungry enough to eat a dead 
 Chinaman. Haven't touched a mouthful of anything 
 since yesterday noon." 
 
 "Did you dine table d'hote or a la carte f" asked Osaki, 
 with a sly wink in my direction. 
 
 Jack stared at his questioner as if not understanding 
 the words. 
 
 "Are them words Japanese?" he asked, slowly. "If 
 ye mean what did I eat, it was a pot o' rice I took from 
 a Corean chap back on the road a bit. He was very
 
 90 An Alarming Discovery. 
 
 polite about it. Told me I could have the grub after 
 I give him a good licking." 
 
 It was finally decided that we should start at once in 
 the direction of Ping An, following the bank of the river 
 as far as possible. This we did for three or four miles ; 
 then, as the stream made a sharp turn to the right, we left 
 it and struck across country. 
 
 Finally reaching a wooded hill, which seemed to afford 
 a good rendezvous, Osaki left us with the understanding 
 that he would find us there on his return. Before he de 
 parted I stipulated that we would wait until the follow 
 ing morning only, and if he did not make his appearance 
 by that time, we would set out in search of him. 
 
 After a while, Jack and I hunted up a native's farm 
 house in an adjoining valley, and secured, by threats and 
 purchase, enough food, such as it was, for a couple of 
 meals. 
 
 Toward dark, just as we were building a fire for the 
 purpose of warming our provisions, I caught sight of the 
 young Japanese officer at the lower end of the little clear 
 ing. 
 
 He was running, and seemed greatly excited. Bunce 
 and I snatched up our swords and advanced to meet him. 
 When within speaking distance, Osaki shouted, at the top 
 of his voice: 
 
 "Hide your provisions and come with me. We have 
 work to do. A lot of Chinese scouts have captured a fel 
 low back there, and are taking him to Ping An. Quick ! 
 don't lose a moment. It is that English correspondent, 
 Arthur Montague Forbes!"
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 IN WHICH WE PREPARE FOR THE RESCUE. 
 
 I stared at the Japanese youth in amazement. The 
 young Englishman in this part of Corea, and captured 
 by a band of Chinese scouts? It was simply incredible. 
 
 "What?" I exclaimed, blankly. "You don't mean " 
 
 "Yes, the same fellow who was confined with you in 
 that room," interrupted Osaki, impatiently. "Come on, 
 or we'll be too late. I'll explain as we go along." 
 
 A hoarse cry of joy attracted our attention to Jack 
 Bunce. He was leaping up and down, cutting off imag 
 inary heads with his sword, and seemed simply beside 
 himself with ecstasy. 
 
 "Whoop ! a fight, did ye say ?" he yelled. "Where, oh, 
 where ? Lead me to the place if ye love me. How many 
 was there? Ten, or a dozen, or fifty? The more the 
 merrier, say I. Come a-running, mates." 
 
 It only took a moment to hide our few articles of food 
 in a neighboring bush. Then together we hurried off in a 
 direction indicated by the young officer. While descend 
 ing the hill I asked for the promised explanation. 
 
 "I have been clear to our camp," replied Osaki, "but of 
 that more anon. While on my way back, I happened to 
 catch sight of a small party of the enemy moving toward 
 Ping An at a rapid rat-. Their haste excited my suspi-
 
 92 For the Rescue. 
 
 cion, and I followed them long enough to discover that 
 they had a prisoner with them. You can imagine my as 
 tonishment when I recognized the English correspondent. 
 I have no love for him, but I would not see the fellow 
 barbarously executed by the Chinese." 
 
 "No, certainly not," I exclaimed, warmly. "We must 
 rescue him if we possibly can. Which way are they 
 traveling ?" 
 
 "They will pass a little valley about a quarter of a 
 mile from here in ten or fifteen minutes," replied Osaki. 
 "I think we can ambuscade them there. Jove ! I would 
 give anything for a couple of good magazine rifles." 
 
 "I can't promise ye that," spoke up Jack, grimly, "but 
 if them yellow heathens have any other weapons, I'll give 
 ye the pick of the lot before we're through with them." 
 
 "Perhaps they'll add that sword of yours to their col 
 lection instead," replied I, laughingly. 
 
 "No fear," retorted the sailor, sturdily. "My time 
 ain't coming yet a while. A mate o' mine aboard the 
 ship told my fortune before I skinned out, and he said 
 that I'd get away with a hundred and three Chinamen 
 before I turned up my toes. I'm keepin' track of 'em, and 
 I've only got these ; see ?" 
 
 While speaking he had thrust one hand into his jacket, 
 producing a roll of long, black, rope-like objects. These 
 he untwisted, revealing to our astonished gaze three Chi 
 nese queues. 
 
 "You don't mean to say you scalped those scouts in 
 the river?" I inquired, horrified. 
 
 "N-no, not exactly ; but I cut off their hair close to the
 
 For the Rescue. 93 
 
 skin," Bunce replied, reluctantly. "I didn't have time 
 to take any more, d'ye see. I want 'em as mementoes." 
 
 "Well, as long as you travel with us, just refrain from 
 that kind of business," said Osaki, severely. I saw his 
 eyes twinkling with suppressed merriment though, and, 
 in fact, I had hard work to keep from laughing myself. 
 
 Jack half stopped, as if for the purpose of arguing the 
 question, but he thought better of it, and ran along at 
 our side. We presently reached the base of a tall, spur- 
 like elevation, which evidently overlooked a considerable 
 portion of the surrounding country. 
 
 "I think I will climb up there and see if those Chinamen 
 are in sight," said the young officer, indicating the hill 
 with a wave of his hand. "They were moving in this 
 direction, but they may have changed their course. Just 
 wait a moment." 
 
 "I'll go with you for a little exercise," I remarked. 
 
 "So'll I," added Jack. 
 
 After a great deal of hard climbing we managed to 
 gain the summit. The results rewarded us for our efforts. 
 Within plain view, not a mile away, and just in the act 
 of crossing a small field, was the band of scouts. They 
 were moving rapidly, and in such a direction that they 
 would pass the very hill upon which we were concealed. 
 
 I contrived to count at least ten soldiers, but they were 
 so close together that I could not see the prisoner. He 
 was evidently there, however. My blood boiled at the 
 very thought of his threatened fate, and I resolved to fight 
 to the last gasp rather than see him remain in their hands. 
 
 It promised to be no easy task. There were three of
 
 94 For the Rescue. 
 
 us to almost a dozen of the enemy. We could muster 
 only two swords and a knife, while they were possibly 
 armed with spears and pistols. 
 
 On the other side, both Jack Bunce and Osaki could 
 fight like veritable tigers, and were worth three or four 
 times their number of Chinamen, and even I could do my 
 share, when battling for a just cause. The impending 
 affray would certainly be interesting, anyway, from Jack's 
 point of view. 
 
 After a short deliberation, we concluded to wait where 
 we were until the band neared us, then to descend and 
 form an ambuscade behind a clump of bushes near the 
 base of the hill. 
 
 Seizing the opportunity, I asked Osaki to explain the 
 details of his visit to the camp of the Japanese forces. 
 At the same moment I signaled him not to reveal my 
 identity as a correspondent. I had not made up my mind 
 whether it would be advisable to confide in our new ac 
 quaintance. Time enough for that when we knew him 
 better. 
 
 "After I left you I struck across country to where I 
 thought I would find our camp," began the young officer. 
 "I ran upon an outpost about six mlies from here, but, 
 fortunately, the captain in command was an old friend 
 of mine. He recognized me at once, but I knew I was 
 safe in his hands." 
 
 "That was certainly very lucky," I remarked. "Jove! 
 you had a narrow escape. You would " 
 
 "Were them people Japs?" suddenly interrupted Jack 
 Bunce, eying us narrowly.
 
 For the Rescue. 95 
 
 I exchanged glances with Osaki. We had totally for 
 gotten the fact that the sailor was in complete ignorance 
 of the true state of affairs. Quickly seeing that it would 
 be useless to continue the deception, the young officer 
 explained. 
 
 "Didn't want to trust me at first, eh?" commented the 
 sailor, reproachfully. "I don't like that, to tell ye the 
 truth. It kinder hurts me to think that gentlemen like 
 you should harbor suspicions about Jack Bunce. I 
 guess I'd better leave and shift fur myself." 
 
 He arose to his feet, and was on the point of moving 
 away when Osaki and I checked him. 
 
 "Come back here at once!" I exclaimed, with mock 
 sternness. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Jack. 
 It was perfectly natural for us to conceal such a se 
 rious matter until we became better acquainted with you. 
 Osaki's recapture would mean trial by court-martial, and 
 probably death." 
 
 "That is so," coincided the young officer. "It is all 
 right now. I feel perfectly safe in your hands, Bunce. 
 Say no more about it." 
 
 "Right ye are, sir," replied the ex-man-o'-war's man. 
 "Go ahead with your yarn. I'll stand here and keep my 
 peepers on the road so we won't let 'em pass unbeknown 
 to us." 
 
 "Well, I learned from my friend, the captain of the 
 outpost, several very important bits of intelligence," con 
 tinued Osaki, mainly addressing his words to me. "He 
 says orders have arrived from the commanding general
 
 96 For the Rescue. 
 
 to be ready for the attack on Ping An at three this 
 afternoon." 
 
 "Great Scott! is that so?" I cried. "Then we are 
 just in time. By the way, do you know anything about 
 the number of troops to be engaged?" 
 
 "We will have about thirty thousand all told. Twenty 
 thousand from Asan, and the balance from Gensan. The 
 latter have marched across the mountains, and their ar 
 rival has been expected for over a week. They reached 
 the camp yesterday. This is going to be a glorious fight, 
 I can tell " 
 
 He was interrupted by a cry of excitement from Jack 
 Bunce. Turning quickly, we saw that the sailor had 
 sprung to the edge of the summit, where he stood, eagerly 
 staring at some object below. Before we could ask for an 
 explanation, he began to descend, at the same time shout 
 ing, hoarsely: 
 
 "Come on, mates! Get a move on ye, or we'll be too 
 late. Them yellow fiends have stopped, and they're git- 
 ting ready to crucify their prisoner on the spot."
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 IN WHICH WE RESCUE FORBES. 
 
 Jack Bunce's words startled Osaki and me into in 
 stant activity. The sailor had disappeared down the 
 side of the steep hill before he had finished his cry of 
 warning, but we were soon at his heels. By the time 
 the base was gained we were together. 
 
 I caught a brief glimpse of the band of Chinese scouts 
 while leaping from rock to rock, and saw that they had 
 halted and were fashioning a rude cross from a couple 
 of tree branches. 
 
 Standing a little apart from them was a solitary figure 
 clad in European costume. It did not need a prolonged 
 scrutiny to tell me that it indeed was my rival corre 
 spondent, Alfred Montague Forbes. 
 
 His peril was immediate and deadly, and all thoughts 
 of professional enmity instantly left me. It was now a 
 case of the man, not his position a case of humanity, 
 and not the petty jealousies of the trade. 
 
 After reaching the bottom we halted for a brief coun 
 cil of war. Jack Bunce was for charging upon them 
 without more ado, but that was not to be thought of 
 under the circumstances. 
 
 "There are too many of them," expostulated the 
 young officer. "The odds are too great for that. We
 
 98 We Rescue Forbes. 
 
 must adopt the same tactics as we did at that little fra 
 cas on the bank of the river." 
 
 "Charge with whoops and yells, you mean?" I asked. 
 
 "Yes, that is the idea." 
 
 "I think I can suggest a slight improvement," I added. 
 "How would it do to separate and swoop down on them 
 from three sides and make the beggars think they are 
 being attacked by a large force." 
 
 "Splendid! Just the thing!" exclaimed Jack and 
 Osaki in a breath. 
 
 "By Jove ! you should be a military officer," continued 
 the latter, "instead of a er youthful sport. We'll try 
 your plan at once." 
 
 "I will also make it my duty to free Forbes as soon 
 as possible," I said. "He can turn to and help us, and 
 four fighters are better than three, you know. Come 
 on." 
 
 Keeping a wary eye out for pickets, we hastened 
 toward the little clearing in which the scouts had halted. 
 When within several hundred yards we separated, and 
 proceeded, each in a different direction. 
 
 No signal had been arranged, simply ample time 
 being given for each to reach his post. Jack branched 
 off to the right and Osaki took the left, leaving me to 
 walk straight ahead . 
 
 On finding myself alone, I slackened my pace, and 
 dodged from tree to tree, trying to keep in concealment 
 as much as possible. After a while I saw that I had 
 gained a spot near enough for the purpose. 
 
 A confused murmur of voices came to my ears, and
 
 We Rescue Forbes. 99 
 
 occasionally one of the soldiers would break forth into 
 a sing-song chant, horribly unmusical. Creeping closer, 
 I caught sight of the band through the interlacing 
 branches of a stunted alder. 
 
 One glance showed me that we had not arrived a 
 .moment too soon. Lying upon the ground was the 
 finished cross, and, as I watched, four of the scouts 
 moved toward the prisoner, evidently for the purpose of 
 seizing him. 
 
 Forbes was deadly pale, but he eyed his captors with 
 a fearless gaze. I saw him brace himself as if for the 
 purpose of offering a final resistance, then, just as the 
 first Chinaman grasped him, I noticed Jack Bunce's 
 head appear above a fallen tree on the opposite side of 
 the little glade. 
 
 I could wait no longer. Clutching my sword in my 
 right hand, I darted forward with a shrill cry. An an 
 swering shout came from the sailor, then at almost the 
 same moment I heard Osaki's voice. 
 
 From three sides we rushed upon the scouts, and be 
 fore they could recover from their surprise or secure 
 their weapons, we were in .their midst hacking and 
 thrusting with all our skill. Neither did either of us 
 forget our agreement as to noise, and the little clearing 
 fairly rang with our cries. 
 
 It was but a brief second before the soldiers were in 
 full retreat, and that without striking a blow in defense. 
 I managed to give a burly fellow a sharp cut across the 
 chest, but he outran me, so I returned and released the 
 young Englishman.
 
 ioo We Rescue Forbes. 
 
 He never opened his lips until the ropes dropped from 
 his arms, then, without a trace of his former affectation, 
 he grasped my hand, and exclaimed, brokenly : 
 
 "God bless you, Bennett ! you have saved my life. 
 This is the second time you have performed a like 
 service for me. I I can never repay you enough." 
 
 "Don't mention it, old fellow," I replied, heartily. 
 "You would have done as much if our positions had 
 been reversed. Come, arm yourself, and let's follow my 
 mates. They may run into danger and need our assist 
 ance." 
 
 Forbes willingly obeyed. Selecting a spear from the 
 pile left by the fleeing soldiers, he followed me from the 
 glade. Both Osaki and Jack had instantly pursued the 
 scouts, leaving the task of releasing the prisoner to me. 
 
 As we started in quest of them I heard a shrill shriek 
 from beyond a clump of trees. It was followed almost 
 immediately by the sounds of a lively struggle. 
 
 Increasing our speed we reached the spot just in time 
 to see Osaki defending himself against three of the fugi 
 tive soldiers. Another was writhing upon the ground, 
 evidently sent there by the doughty young Japanese. 
 
 At our appearance the latter gave a cheer, and re 
 newed his efforts to such good effect that his antagon 
 ists broke and fled before we could use our weapons. 
 The injured man regained his feet with surprising 
 agility, and also beat a retreat. 
 
 "Where is Jack?" I asked. "Have you seen him?" 
 
 "He disappeared over there in chase of about six 
 Chinamen," replied Osaki, wiping his sword. "He'll
 
 We Rescue Forbes. 101 
 
 return before long with an addition to his collection of 
 pigtails I suppose. Well, how are you?" 
 
 The latter question was addressed to Forbes. 
 
 "I am as well as the circumstances will permit," 
 drawled the young Englishman, with a smile. "Thanks 
 to you and your companions, I am considerably better 
 in health than I would have been had you not made 
 your appearance. Ah ! by the way, aren't you the per 
 son whom I met back in that village ?" 
 
 "The identical person," replied my friend, coolly. "I 
 
 believe I had the honor of seeing you then. In fact, 
 j 
 
 "Gave me a deucedly unfriendly shove," interrupted 
 Forbes. "Yes, I remember it. Well, that's forgotten 
 now. I am aw extremely obliged to you for your 
 assistance this afternoon, and I hope I will be able to 
 prove my gratitude some day." 
 
 The words were very friendly, but something in the 
 tone grated on me. The young officer also noticed it, 
 as he merely replied by a cold bow. Fortunately, at 
 that moment Jack Bunce came sauntering toward us, 
 thereby creating a welcome diversion. 
 
 The sailor carried several pikes over his shoulder, 
 and I could see that he was in great good humor. 
 Throwing the weapons to the ground, he said to Osaki : 
 
 "There ye are. Didn't I tell ye that I'd give ye the 
 pick of them yellow heathen's arms. Help yourself." 
 
 "Thanks. How many did you get away with?" re 
 plied the young officer, smilingly. 
 
 Jack coolly produced his roll of mementoes, as he
 
 IO2 We Rescue Forbes. 
 
 called it, and showed us that he had added two to the 
 collection of queues. 
 
 "I couldn't git any more," he said, apologetically. 
 "The beggars scooted so fast that I couldn't catch 'em. 
 Hello, stranger! See ye are free. Mighty narrow es 
 cape for you, wasn't it ?" 
 
 Forbes stared at the speaker in astonishment. 
 
 "By Jove ! if it isn't a marine," he drawled, then turn 
 ing to me, he added, facetiously : 
 
 "Been recruiting your forces from your Uncle Sam's 
 navy, Bennett, or where did you pick up this peculiar 
 specimen of the genus blue jacket?" 
 
 "I beg your aw lordship's pardon, don't ye know," 
 suddenly drawled Jack Bunce in reply, "but ye are mak 
 ing a mighty bad mistake criticising those who've just 
 rescued ye from death. In the first place, I ain't no 
 marine, and I don't like to be called one, don't ye know? 
 I am a sailor, and don't ye forget it." 
 
 The young Englishman flushed, and was on the point 
 of retorting when I interposed. I felt indignant at his 
 treatment of my friends, and I resolved to have an 
 understanding with him at once. 
 
 "Forbes, this conduct is entirely uncalled for from 
 you, and if I may say it, it is deuced bad taste," I said, 
 warmly. "You ought to show a little gratitude instead 
 of insulting your rescuers. I think the best plan is for 
 you to go your way, and we'll go ours. Come on, fel 
 lows." 
 
 Neither Jack nor Osaki needed a second bidding. As 
 I walked away they followed, without a word to the
 
 We Rescue Forbes. 103 
 
 English youth. The latter seemed thunderstruck at 
 my actions, and hastily called out: 
 
 "I say there, Bennett, what in the deuce is the matter? 
 What do you want to fly off like this for? What have 
 I done that you should leave me alone in this con 
 founded place?" 
 
 "You managed to come here alone," I replied, coldly, 
 "and I suppose you can take care of yourself right 
 enough." 
 
 "Now, friends, don't be angry with me," exclaimed 
 Forbes, walking up to us and holding out his hand in a 
 frank manner. "I meant no harm. If I have said any 
 thing out of the way, forgive me, will you ?"
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 IN WHICH WE SIGHT PING AN. 
 
 He spoke so winningly that Osaki and I shook hands 
 with him, but Jack held aloof. I signed to him to make 
 friends, and he finally obeyed, but in a very reluctant 
 manner. 
 
 "Now, as all differences are settled, we don't want to 
 waste any more time," I spoke up, cheerfully. "There 
 is a big battle on for this afternoon, and \ve must not 
 miss it. We have a walk of at least six or seven miles 
 before us, so we had better start at once." 
 
 "What about the grub?" suddenly asked Jack. 
 "Can't we stop at that bush and take a bite on the way?" 
 
 In the excitement of the past few hours all thoughts 
 of hunger had been forgotten. The sailor's question re 
 called the fact to us, and by unanimous consent we 
 hastened to where the scanty supply of provisions had 
 been left. 
 
 A half hour later we were again on our way toward 
 the camp of the Japanese forces. While walking along, 
 I managed to drop behind with Osaki. I wanted to ask 
 him several questions about the impending fight, also 
 his opinion as to our new companions. 
 
 I hadn't the slightest doubt about Jack Bunce. I had 
 put him down as a light-hearted, happy-go-lucky Califor-
 
 We Sight Ping An. 105 
 
 nian, whose only desire was to find himself mixed up in 
 a scrimmage, but, as to Forbes that was a different 
 matter. 
 
 I did not like the youth, although I confess that he had 
 appeared very pleasant to me during- our earlier ac 
 quaintance. Then the fact that he was a rival corre 
 spondent had its effect. That feeling had vanished when 
 I knew that he was in peril of his life, but now it re 
 turned four-fold. 
 
 I had no desire to keep him from sending dispatches to 
 his people in London, but at the same time I did not 
 wish him to interfere with mine. I felt that I held the 
 whip hand, knowing that he was a correspondent, while 
 he was evidently entirely ignorant of my true position. 
 
 Then I had the friendship of the young Japanese 
 officer, which meant a great deal under the circumstances. 
 Taking it all in all, I could afford to be magnanimous. 
 Nevertheless, I resolved to part company with Forbes as 
 soon as possible. 
 
 This I communicated to Osaki, and it met with his 
 unqualified approval. He even went further, and said 
 that it would be best to leave him before reaching the 
 camp, but I hesitated. 
 
 "No, let him accompany us that far," I said. "During 
 the excitement of the battle we can easily lose him. Now, 
 what plans have you formed in regard to this fight, 
 Osaki? Do you intend to take part in it?" 
 
 "Most assuredly," replied the young officer, heartily. 
 "I have arranged matters with my friend, the captain of 
 the outpost, to join his company during the engagement.
 
 io6 We Sight Ping An. 
 
 I spoke about you, and he advised me to tell you to keep 
 out of sight, as special orders have been sent to every 
 commander to arrest you and the English correspondent." 
 
 "Confound it! that's pretty hard," I groaned. "I must 
 see the battle, but I do not care to be placed under arrest 
 at this critical part of the war. Couldn't I disguise my 
 self in some way ? I wouldn't be noticed during the ex 
 citement." 
 
 Osaki laughed, good-naturedly. 
 
 "That is out of the question," he replied. "You will 
 have to remain in concealment, and trust to me for the 
 necessary information. I'll collect all the facts possible, 
 and you can make up your dispatches after the engage 
 ment." 
 
 "I am heartily obliged to you, old fellow," I said, grate 
 fully. "But you know it won't be like reporting from the 
 field. However, I suppose it is the only course. Can you 
 give me a few preliminary points ? How is Ping An situ 
 ated?" 
 
 As Jack and Forbes were some distance ahead, I took 
 out my notebook and prepared to jot down Osaki's reply. 
 As I ran over the leaves I saw with a sigh that they were 
 still blank. I had been at the seat of war for nearly eight 
 days, and had not succeeded in sending one message to the 
 syndicate. 
 
 "The city known to you as Ping An, or Ping Yang, 
 is a fortified place of about thirty thousand inhabitants, 
 and is located close to the northern bank of the Tatong 
 River," began the young officer. "After we drove the 
 enemy from the lower part of Corea they retreated to
 
 We Sight Ping An. 107 
 
 Ping An, and have been making every preparation to de 
 fend it." 
 
 "A sort of final stand in this country," I remarked, 
 sharpening my pencil. 
 
 "Exactly. They know what it means if we capture the 
 northern cities, and those on the frontier. It will open a 
 road to Moukden, in Manchuria, and then with that place 
 in our hands, we can swoop down upon the very heart 
 of the empire Pekin." 
 
 In his enthusiasm Osaki had raised his voice. The 
 words must have reached Forbes' ears, as he turned and 
 glanced back at us inquiringly. I hastily replaced my 
 notebook, but not before he had observed it. 
 
 "Taking points for your swell friends in New York, 
 Bennett ?" he called out. 
 
 There was a tinge of suspicion in his tones, and I bit 
 my lips in vexation. How to explain it without lying out 
 right I knew not, and that I did not wish to do. Fortu 
 nately, Jack came to my assistance by saying, with a 
 boisterous laugh : 
 
 "Ho, ho ! Speaking about swell friends, I have an ac 
 quaintance in Frisco what keeps a grog shop on Water 
 street. He's a dandy, and wears a plug hat every day. 
 He made a cruise in these parts on a man-o'-war once, 
 an' he's interested in the Japs and pig-tails. He asked me 
 to write him about the scraps, but I ain't no hand at sling 
 ing a pen. Guess I'll have to get one of you gents to do 
 it for me." 
 
 "I'll write it if you post it, Jack," I said, with a laugh, 
 trying to divert Forbes' attention from his discovery.
 
 io8 We Sight Ping An. 
 
 The sailor scratched his head and glanced around at the 
 trees. 
 
 "That'll be a purty hard job, I'm thinking," he replied. 
 "There don't seem to be many letter boxes around here. 
 Well, you write it, anyway, and, by gum! I'll mail it if 
 I have to trot back to Chamulpo." 
 
 On hearing his words a sudden thought struck me. 
 My greatest trouble was the fact that I had no means to 
 send my dispatches to the cable offices in either Japan or 
 China. I was acquiring a vast quantity of valuable in 
 formation, but it would prove utterly useless if I could 
 not communicate with the Press Association in New York. 
 
 If I left the field for the purpose of chartering a coaster 
 at one of the adjacent ports, something of vital importance 
 might occur during my absence. Jack's speech attracted 
 my attention to him. He seemed to be honest, and was 
 apparently grateful to us for the little affair with the 
 Chinese scouts on the bank of the river. 
 
 Why not engage him as a courier or messenger? He 
 had shown his ability in traveling from Chemulpo. It 
 was well worth considering. During the next few hours 
 but little conversation was carried on. We walked rap 
 idly, and at the expiration of that time Osaki said we were 
 almost within sight of the Japanese camp. 
 
 A half hour later the young officer led us up the side of 
 a small range of hills. Just before reaching the top, the 
 distant booming of artillery came to our ears. 
 
 "Jove ! they have commenced the attack !" I exclaimed, 
 breaking into a run. 
 
 "It's General Oshima's batteries bombarding some of
 
 We Sight Ping An. 109 
 
 the outer forts," replied Osaki. "He has been here for 
 several days, waiting until the forces arrive from Gensan. 
 My friend, the captain, told me an attack would be made 
 from three sides at once. Four thousand troops from this 
 point, and about double that number from the other 
 flanks." 
 
 "Dp they intend to begin the assault in the daytime?" 
 
 "'No, not until after dark. Probably in the early morn 
 ing hours. Ah ! we will soon reach a place whence we can 
 see the city and the surrounding forts. A few feet fur 
 ther. Just around that spur of rock, and ah !" 
 
 I stopped short and echoed the young officer's exclama 
 tion of excitement. We were on the brink of a steep de 
 clivity, which led down to a valley of about a mile in 
 width. On two sides were other ranges of hills, and on 
 the remaining edge flowed a broad river, uncrossed by 
 aught but a clumsy pontoon bridge. 
 
 Beyond this, and stretching almost from the water's 
 edge, was a large, peculiarly constructed city with mass 
 ive stone walls and a never-ending series of powerful 
 earthworks. 
 
 Forts and battlements, towers and redoubts, were scat 
 tered in a seemingly haphazard manner as far as the 
 eye could reach, and swarming over all were thousands 
 upon thousands of Chinese soldiers, moving restlessly, 
 like the warrior ants of an African colony. 
 
 It was Ping An!
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 IN WHICH I FORSAKE THE PEN FOR THE SWORD. 
 
 It was an inspiriting sight, and it drew ejaculations of 
 wonder from my companions and myself. For once, 
 Jack Bunce could not find apt words with which to ex 
 press himself. He was forced to stand and stare at the 
 animated scene with open mouth and startled eyes. 
 
 Forbes took it rather coolly, and I could see his fingers 
 moving, as if itching to use his notebook and pen. Osaki 
 eyed the innumerable forts with apparent scorn, and 
 speedily drew my attention to the valley directly below us. 
 
 "Look yonder," he said, pointing downward. "That is 
 not a fourth of our forces. Wait ! Wait until morning, 
 and that city will present a different sight, I assure you." 
 
 Directly beneath us a huge body of troops clad in neat 
 European uniforms were resting on their arms, waiting 
 for the long expected order to begin the fray. 
 
 There were at least thirty-five hundred of them, the 
 majority being infantry. Here and there were little 
 troops of cavalry, with their small, hardy-looking animals 
 tethered in groups. 
 
 No tents were in sight, but the men were lying around 
 in the soft grass near their stacked rifles, and giving the 
 impression that but a word was needed to place them on 
 the march in readiness for any foe.
 
 The Pen for the Sword. in 
 
 Over near a clump of trees a number of gayly-dressed 
 officers were engaged in an animated conversation. Every 
 now and again one of them would leave, and hasten to 
 another part of the camp, evidently with important or 
 ders. 
 
 These were minor points in the scene, however. 
 Mounted on three or four hills, slightly lower than that 
 upon which we were standing, were formidable batteries 
 of mounted howitzers in action. 
 
 Spurts of flame and clouds of puffy white smoke came 
 from them at rapid intervals, and the air was filled with 
 the smell of sulphur and the thunderous discharge of 
 cannon. 
 
 The enemy were not idle by any means. At least six 
 forts were keeping up a continual fire, but, as far as I 
 could see, with but little effect. To me it seemed war 
 itself, but Osaki shrugged his shoulders in quiet con 
 tempt. 
 
 "Wait," he exclaimed. "This is merely a little prac 
 tice. Before morning that valley will be inferno indeed. 
 You will see warm times before you are many hours 
 older." 
 
 And I did, as the succeeding pages will show. 
 
 Calling my attention to three large earthworks, crowded 
 with the enemy and evidently equipped with modern 
 Krupp three-inch rifles, the young Japanese explained 
 that they would have to be captured before the force near 
 us could cross the river. 
 
 ''Just beyond that is the bridge, as you can see," he 
 added. "It looks to be a difficult task, but I prophesy
 
 H2 The Pen for the Sword. 
 
 that it will be in our hands before dark. General Oshima 
 has been here for two days hammering away at them, 
 and they are on the verge of evacuating now." 
 
 I shook my head in some doubt. To me the earth 
 works seemed almost invulnerable. The sides were at 
 least fifteen feet in height, and each was built upon a hill 
 that seemed difficult of ascent. 
 
 The walls were simply alive with soldiers, but I no 
 ticed that a preposterous majority were simply standard- 
 bearers, and were apparently unarmed. In fact, the dif 
 ferent redoubts seemed to be dotted with huge silken 
 banners and queer shaped flags. 
 
 Suddenly, Jack, who had been feasting his eyes upon 
 the scene in silent admiration, called out that the Japanese 
 forces were preparing to march. Osaki and I rushed to 
 his side, and looked down into the valley. 
 
 Just then the faint notes of a bugle came to our ears, 
 and presently it was caught up by a score of others. With 
 the precision of veterans, the various regiments and troops 
 fell into line, then the order was given to march, and 
 without the least sign of confusion, the army moved 
 swiftly toward a ravine, and disappeared from sight. 
 
 "They are going to attack the outer forts," cried the 
 young officer, excitedly. "I must join them at once. We 
 should appoint some rendezvous where we can meet after 
 the engagement. Where shall it be? On this spot?" 
 
 "Are you going to fight?" interrupted the sailor. 
 
 "Of course," replied Osaki. 
 
 "Can't ye take me with ye? Don't say no; please don't 
 say no. I've come all the way from Chemulpo to see a
 
 The Pen for the Sword. 113 
 
 little scrimmage, and this is the first real good chance I 
 have had. If ye'll take me and git me in one of them 
 companies, I'll guarantee to do five men's fighting. What 
 d'ye say?" 
 
 The young officer laughed at Jack's earnest pleading, 
 but he shook his head. 
 
 "It's utterly impossible," he replied. "You will be ar 
 rested the moment you show your face. But it'll be dark 
 by-an-by, and if you really wish to risk your life you 
 might be able to accompany some part of the army." 
 
 Jack cut a pigeon-wing in an ecstasy of delight. 
 
 "I'll be there, you can bet your bottom dollar," he 
 shouted. "If I'm not in the thick of the scrap it'll be be 
 cause I lose the number of my mess mighty early in the 
 evening. Oh ! I'll be there." 
 
 "And so will I, don't you know?" suddenly drawled 
 Forbes, flourishing his spear, which he had brought from 
 the little glade. "I have traveled from London to see 
 the fun, and, by Jove! I'm not going to miss it. If the 
 Japanese succeed in capturing that city, I won't be the last 
 one in." 
 
 "And neither will I," I muttered to myself. And I 
 meant it. 
 
 : . I had listened calmly to Osaki's suggestion that I 
 should remain idle while he was fighting, and collecting 
 the necessary details, but, as a matter of fact, I hadn't the 
 slightest intention of obeying. 
 
 The very sight of the martial scene spread out before 
 us was enough, and it was only the danger of premature
 
 1 14 The Pen for the Sword. 
 
 arrest that prevented me from insisting on accompany 
 ing Osaki at once. 
 
 "We will make this place the rendezvous," I said, aloud. 
 "It seems to be isolated enough for the purpose. Under 
 stand, it is now settled that we meet here after the battle 
 is over." 
 
 "That is, if the Japs are victorious," spoke up the 
 young Englishman. "If they are compelled to retreat 
 the Chinese will swarm over this entire neighborhood." 
 
 "I don't think you can anticipate any such result," 
 coldly replied Osaki, "although there is little doubt but 
 that you prefer it to end in that manner." 
 
 Forbes flushed, and was on the point of retorting, when 
 our attention was suddenly called to the three forts men 
 tioned before, by a series of cheers in that direction. 
 
 The young officer rushed to the edge of the hill, gave 
 one look, and then vanished down the side with a farewell 
 wave of his hand. Jack instantly followed him, and when 
 Forbes and I reached the brink they had disappeared from 
 view. 
 
 One glance showed me why they had left in such haste. 
 The Japanese troops we had seen disappear in the ravine 
 were again in sight. They had emerged close to the 
 nearest Chinese fort, and were in the very act of storming 
 the southern breastworks. 
 
 The spectacle presented was simply sublime. Company 
 after company of the Japs, in their picturesque uniforms, 
 left the main body, and, hurling themselves upon the outer 
 ramparts, charged up to the very muzzles of the enemy's 
 guns.
 
 The Pen for the Sword. 115 
 
 Utterly oblivious of my surroundings, I leaned far over 
 the edge of the hill, and watched the thrilling scene with 
 fascinated eyes. I saw the first assault repulsed. I saw 
 a company of sharpshooters emerge from a corner re 
 doubt, and pour such a deadly fire into the ranks of the 
 Japanese that the first two lines were cut down like rip 
 ened grain. 
 
 I watched reinforcements hurried forward under the 
 command of a white-haired officer ; saw him lift his flash 
 ing sword with the signal to charge, and then, just as 
 I clapped my hands with a sob of excitement, I beheld 
 him tossed into the air, literally blown to pieces by a 
 shell at short range. 
 
 A deep-toned shout of anger rose above the frightful 
 din of battle, and then, with the irresistible force of a 
 whirlwind, the Japanese soldiers swept over living and 
 dead, and straight into the earthworks. 
 
 One fort was taken! 
 
 Wild with excitement, I turned to speak to the young 
 Englishman. He was gone. I did not tarry to search 
 for him. The delirium of battle was in my veins, and, re 
 gardless of consequences, I darted down the steep sides 
 of the hill toward the thick of the fray.
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 IN WHICH I HELP ATTACK A FORT. 
 
 The sun had vanished behind the western range of hills 
 several moments before I started down to use my sword 
 on the side of the attacking forces, and by the time I 
 gained the ravine leading to the little plain it had grown 
 dusk. 
 
 This meant the near approach of darkness, a fact I 
 welcomed, as it would enable me to join the troops with 
 little danger of discovery. While stumbling along the 
 course taken but a half hour previous by General Oshima's 
 command, I came upon a military blouse lying partially 
 concealed behind a clump of millet. 
 
 It had doubtless been thrown aside by some enthusi 
 astic officer while on the hurried march. With an eye to 
 the main chance, I picked it up and speedily exchanged 
 my own fashionably cut garment for one less calculated to 
 attract attention. 
 
 Thus partially disguised, I hurried through the short 
 ravine, presently emerging upon the open ground occu 
 pied by the Japanese troops. I saw, to my surprise, that 
 a most important transformation had taken place in the 
 meantime. 
 
 When I left the summit of the hill the first fort had sur 
 rendered, to all intents ; now I saw it was still being de-
 
 I Help Attack a Fort. 117 
 
 fended by the Chinese forces, the Japs having fallen back 
 some distance. 
 
 Not three hundred yards from me, several distin 
 guished-looking officers were in the midst of a consulta 
 tion. As I watched, one of them hurried away, and a mo 
 ment later the entire command, with the exception of sev 
 eral companies advantageously located on a hill, began a 
 retreat toward the ravine I had just left. 
 
 Before I could conceal myself I was surrounded by the 
 soldiers. I thought I would certainly be discovered, but 
 the excitement of the maneuver prevented them from 
 recognizing me. 
 
 Watching my chance, I managed to climb up the slop 
 ing ground to a place giving an unobstructed view of the 
 forts. It was an exposed position, and the bullets rained 
 thick and fast around me, but I heeded them not. My one 
 purpose was to see as much as possible, and I verily be 
 lieve I would have mounted the ramparts if it had been 
 practicable at that moment. 
 
 A sudden lull in the attack caused my martial ardor to 
 give way to other instincts for the time being, and I has 
 tily jotted down a description of the preliminary events. 
 
 While thus engaged, darkness fell, and I was com 
 pelled to cease writing. I turned my attention to the 
 army massed just below me. Through the gloom I could 
 see a continuous movement of troops. Presently this 
 ceased, and a strange calm, only broken by the fitful boom 
 ing of cannon across the river, fell upon the scene. 
 
 "Jove, something is going ,to happen before many
 
 u8 I Help Attack a Fort. 
 
 moments," I muttered, strangely impressed by the pecul 
 iar change. 
 
 In the direction of the forts, lights appeared, studding 
 the stretch of ramparts like the illumination of a water 
 front. Suddenly these were extinguished, leaving a 
 blackness even stronger than before. 
 
 That some movement of importance was about to take 
 place I felt certain. Carried away by my curiosity, I left 
 my position on the hillside, and descended to the plain. 
 
 Oh reaching the bottom, I almost stumbled over the 
 prostrate figure of a soldier. He half rose to his knees, 
 and growled at me. A whispered command, uttered in 
 stern tones, came from some officer close at hand. I dis 
 creetly dropped to the ground, at last understanding the 
 cause of the silence. 
 
 It was an ambuscade, awaiting an attacking party from 
 the forts. I now saw why the astute Japanese general 
 had apparently ordered a retreat. Beaten back from the 
 southern fort time and again, he had changed his tactics, 
 withdrawing to the ravine in hope that the enemy would 
 follow. 
 
 Would they fall into the trap ? 
 
 I had hardly asked myself the question, when a slight 
 noise came from in front. An almost imperceptible wave 
 of excitement ran through the line of crouching figures. 
 A faint bugle call sounded from the depths of the ravine. 
 It was a ruse. 
 
 Suddenly I felt a slight touch on my arm, and, turn 
 ing, saw a face thrust close to mine. I gave a start of
 
 I Help Attack a Fort. 119 
 
 surprise, and was on the point of speaking, when a warn 
 ing whisper came to my ears. 
 
 "Sh-h! not a word, Bennett. I fancied I recognized 
 you when you almost fell over me. Thought you would 
 take a hand in the fun, eh?" 
 
 It was Osaki. Before I could reply, he placed a maga 
 zine rifle and a box of cartridges into my hands. 
 
 "Here you go," he said. "It is already loaded. Don't 
 use it, though, until the word is " 
 
 He was interrupted by the sharp blast of a trumpet. 
 It was the signal. Before the clarion note had died away 
 the scene was illumined by a thousand jets of flame, and 
 then, following the thunderous report, came an awful 
 chorus of cries. 
 
 By the aid of the first flash I saw a broad line of Chi 
 nese soldiers within a dozen yards of us. The death- 
 dealing volley had thrown them into the greatest con 
 fusion, and men were falling to the right and left in 
 scores. 
 
 A few made a determined charge upon our position, but 
 the well-aimed bullets of the Japanese sharpshooters 
 brought them down almost to a man. I remember firing 
 my rifle a half-dozen times, but with what effect I knew 
 not. 
 
 Suddenly the command to charge was passed along the 
 line. Osaki turned to me, and with a fierce laugh, 
 shouted in English: 
 
 "Are you with us, Bennett? We have them now. Be 
 in it at the death." 
 
 I replied incoherently, and, discarding my gun, darted
 
 120 I Help Attack a Fort. 
 
 along at his side with drawn sword. Before we had 
 taken ten steps a thunder of hoofs sounded behind us. 
 Cries of warning were given, and, scrambling over bushes 
 and across little heaps of bodies, I managed to get out of 
 the way just in time to avoid a couple of troops of cavalry 
 which had been ordered from the rear. 
 
 In the excitement I missed the young officer. Itldid not 
 matter, as I needed no guide to show me the way. Im 
 mediately after the horse troops swept by a combined rush 
 was made, and I found myself in the very thick of it. 
 
 Presently the cannonading recommenced, and by the 
 nearness of the reports I knew we were close to the first 
 fort. An incessant series of flashes from the heavy guns 
 afforded an illumination by which I was enabled to see for 
 some distance. 
 
 It was a picture never to be forgotten. Directly in 
 front of me were the wiry little horses of the Japanese 
 cavalry galloping along at a break-neck speed. Beyond 
 them I could see here and there the flying remnants of 
 the Chinese force, and still further ahead loomed up the 
 shadowy outlines of the enemy's earthworks. 
 
 On all sides of me and to the rear were the infantry, 
 three thousand or more. The red flashes from the field- 
 pieces lighted up their grim, determined faces, and spar 
 kled fitfully from a long line of gleaming bayonets. Not 
 a dozen paces beyond I could see a detachment of some 
 crack corps. Their tasteful uniforms all bore a fanciful 
 knot of ribbon doubtlessly placed <there by some loving 
 sweetheart. 
 
 It was no mark of tawdry decoration, but rather a
 
 I Help Attack a Fort. 121 
 
 gage such as worn by the knight errants of old, and when 
 future historians will write of the battle of Ping An that 
 regiment will hold no second place, I am assured. 
 
 Within twenty minutes from the time we started rising 
 ground proclaimed that we were approaching the first 
 fort. Suddenly I saw the cavalry give a final charge, 
 and then sweep to one side. Their work was ended for 
 the nonce. 
 
 Now came our turn. An officer running in front of 
 me presently raised his sword high in the air, then with 
 a whoop and a yell, we raced forward through a perfect 
 hail of shot and shell, straight up to the outer line of 
 earthworks. 
 
 I remember little of the following ten minutes. I know 
 I was mad with a desire to kill, and I strained every nerve 
 to gain the top of the rampart. A man standing in front 
 barred my way. I pushed him to one side. He stumbled 
 and fell. I used his body .as a stepping place from which 
 to grasp the edge of the redoubt, and had almost drawn 
 myself up when the lifeless figure of a Chinaman dropped 
 from above upon my shoulders. 
 
 Together we rolled to the bottom of the incline, where 
 I lay for a brief period almost unconscious.
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 IN WHICH FORBES RECEIVES A LESSON IN FENCING. 
 
 The tumult and din of battle at last aroused me, and I 
 staggered to my feet. The fight was still raging in front, 
 with no immediate promise of cessation. From the direc 
 tion of the forts came a constant roar of artillery and 
 small arms, intermingled here and there with fierce shouts 
 and the piercing wails of the injured. 
 
 The sounds sent the blood coursing through my veins 
 again, and I darted forward to rejoin the Japanese troops. 
 As it happened, I arrived just as a desperate attack was 
 made upon the southern fort. 
 
 Carried on by the rush, I suddenly found myself hack 
 ing away at an apparently interminable row of heads upon 
 the ramparts. Then those behind forced me still further, 
 and I was soon engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with a 
 stalwart Chinese soldier within the fort itself. 
 
 I thrust at him, and he fell ; another took his place. 
 This time I was not so successful; and received a blow 
 which sent me to my knees. Fortunately, it had been de 
 livered with the butt end of a spear, and I escaped unin 
 jured. 
 
 A terrific struggle was in progress all around me, and 
 I speedily scrambled erect to get away from the heels of 
 the trampling soldiers. As I did so I came face to face
 
 Forbes Receives a Lesson. 123 
 
 with a man armed with a reeking sword. He tried to 
 spit me, but I parried. Then a fieldpiece was discharged, 
 and by the ruddy flame I recognized him. 
 
 It was Jack Bunce ! 
 
 He knew me at once, and gave a brief nod of greet 
 ing at the same time cleverly cutting down a Chinaman 
 clad in the white and blue of a staff officer. A moment 
 later the combat drifted away a few paces, leaving us 
 alone in an angle piled high with dead and wounded. 
 
 "This is just glorious," cried the sailor, his face beam 
 ing with delight. "This is worth coming four thousand 
 miles to see. And the best of it is, this is only a scrim 
 mage; the real fightin' is yonder, over the river. Want 
 to go across with me?" 
 
 I assented at once. It was my business to see as much 
 of the battle as possible, although as I looked around at 
 the fierce conflict I could hardly believe that we were not 
 in the thickest part of it then. 
 
 "Have you learned how the fight is going over there ?" 
 I asked. 
 
 "Not a blooming word, but I think the Japs are licking 
 the everlasting tar out of the pig-tails," replied Jack, 
 raising his voice above the infernal din. 
 
 "Did you add many mementoes to your collection ?" 
 
 "I haven't had time to collect any, but I have kept tally. 
 It's thirteen now, and wait a minute." 
 
 He darted away, and disappeared in the midst of a 
 violent combat in progress between several companies of 
 Chinese and a fresh force of the"attackin^- party. I was
 
 124 Forbes Receives a Lesson. 
 
 on the point of following him when he suddenly came in 
 sight again. 
 
 "Here's another one," he exclaimed, waving a section 
 of a queue. Then he added, apologetically : 
 
 "Excuse me for leaving ye, Bennett, but it just struck 
 me that thirteen was an onlucky number, so I increased 
 the limit, d'ye see? Come on, we'll cross that bridge, 
 and see how they're making out on the other side. I 
 guess this here fort is about captured." 
 
 "There are two more, you know," I remarked, sugges 
 tively. 
 
 "That's true, and there'll probably be lots of scrappin' 
 here yet, but I want to shift about a little. Have ye seen 
 Osaki or that blooming Britisher?" 
 
 "I met the young officer just before we charged this 
 earthwork, but I haven't run across Forbes yet," I re 
 plied. "What do you say ? Shall we move over " 
 
 I was interrupted by a yell from my companion. 
 
 "Look out, lad! Git your sticker ready!" he ex 
 claimed. "Here comes a whole mob of them yellow 
 devils. Ah, ye would, eh?" 
 
 I turned just in time to see a half-dozen Japanese rap 
 idly retreating before at least fifty of the enemy. Howl 
 ing at the highest pitch of their voices, the latter charged 
 fiercely upon the Japs, and swept them toward us at a 
 lively rate. 
 
 In an instant Jack and I were fighting tooth and nail. 
 I made one good sweep with my sword, but before I 
 could repeat the action I was carried from my feet and 
 forced clear over the breastworks.
 
 Forbes Receives a Lesson. 125 
 
 In trying to save myself I caught at the edge of the 
 parapet, but the earth crumbled in my hands, and I fell 
 downward, landing with a thump upon some yielding ob 
 ject. 
 
 At that moment the thatched roof of an abandoned hut 
 near by caught fire. The blazing straw cast a ruddy 
 light over the scene, and revealed to my astonished gaze 
 the familiar figure of the young English correspondent. 
 
 He was lying prone upon the ground, not a foot from 
 me. It did not need a second glance to show me that in 
 falling I had landed squarely upon his head. Still gasp 
 ing for breath, he rose to his feet, at the same time try 
 ing to thrust some object into his blouse. 
 
 I saw at once it was a notebook, and I knew that the 
 fellow had actually been jotting down a brief report al 
 most under the guns of the fort. 
 
 Just then a loud hail caused us to look up. A pair of 
 legs appeared over the ramparts, then a stalwart body 
 followed, and a second later Jack Bunce dropped down 
 between us. 
 
 "Ha! the Englishman, eh?" he exclaimed. "What 
 were you doing down here, don't ye know? Trying to 
 find a pair of stairs, I suppose?" 
 
 Forbes snatchced up his sword, which had been 
 knocked to the ground, and replied, fiercely : 
 
 "What do you mean, you Yankee dog? I am getting 
 tired of your insults. Defend yourself!" 
 
 With the last word he thrust at Jack. The sailor 
 stepped aside to avoid it, and then, with a quick turn of 
 his own weapon, skillfully disarmed his opponent.
 
 126 Forbes Receives a Lesson. 
 
 "Don't be so rash, young fellow, or you might git 
 hurt," he said, coolly. "I reckon we have plenty of 
 fightin' on our hands without pinking each other. Now, 
 pick up your sticker and use it on a pig-tail." 
 
 "That's good advice, Forbes," I said, thinking it time 
 to take a hand in the controversy. "You shouldn't be 
 so quick to take offence, especially at a time like this." 
 
 "You are right, Bennett," replied the young English 
 man, calming down at once. "I am sorry I acted so 
 hastily; still, Jack shouldn't be so confounded free with 
 his insinuations. By Jove! you know a trick or two 
 with the sword, my man. Did you learn it in the Ameri 
 can navy ?" 
 
 The last was addressed to Bunce, who simply smiled 
 and nodded carelessly. Forbes picked up his weapon, 
 and examined it. 
 
 "Where were you people going in such a deuce of a 
 hurry ?" he drawled. 
 
 "Across the river," I replied; then I gave him a keen 
 glance, and added: 
 
 "By the way, don't you think this is a pretty warm 
 place for letter writing?" 
 
 "What do you mean?" he replied, flushing. "Letter 
 writing? Why, I " 
 
 He was interrupted by Jack, who suddenly stepped for 
 ward and picked up some object from near his feet. He 
 held it aloft, and winked at me. It was a metal foun 
 tain-pen. 
 
 "Better wait before ye deny it," remarked the sailor. 
 "If I'm not mistaken, this is your'n. Yes, here's a name
 
 Forbes Receives a Lesson. 127 
 
 engraved on it. Hum! it reads: 'Alfred Montague 
 Forbes.' Now, d'ye " 
 
 Before he could finish the sentence the young English 
 man snatched the pen from his hand. Turning on his 
 heel, he walked rapidly away, disappearing in the direc 
 tion of the river. 
 
 "Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Bunce. "That's what we call 
 circumstantial evidence in old Californy. What is he, a 
 correspondent of some paper?" 
 
 "You have hit it exactly," I replied, quickly. "He is 
 an English war correspondent, sent out here by the Brit 
 ish Press Association. I found what's the matter with 
 you?" 
 
 While speaking, I saw Jack's face assume an expres 
 sion of profound amazement. Then he suddenly wheeled 
 around with his back to me, and shook with what seemed 
 suppressed emotion.
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 IN WHICH JACK AND I TAKE TO THE RIVER. 
 
 "What in the deuce is the matter with you?" I re 
 peated, angrily. "Are you going to have a fit?" 
 
 "No; I was just laughing at the way he skedaddled 
 when we found him out," replied the sailor, again facing 
 me. "What a fool he is, anyway. Why don't he tell 
 these here Japs what he is?" 
 
 "For a very good reason. If he should do that all his 
 dispatches would be examined by the authorities, and 
 they would probably cut out the interesting parts." 
 
 "How d'ye know he is -a writer for the Britishers ?" 
 
 "I'll tell you later, Jack," I replied. "It's rather a long 
 story. Come on if you are going across the river. It's 
 getting near daylight." 
 
 "Wonder where Osaki is?" asked the sailor, as we 
 moved away from the earthworks. 
 
 "I don't know. I wish he would turn up and go with 
 us." 
 
 "He's a mighty good feller for a Jap. Got his heart in 
 the right place." 
 
 I was not backward in acknowledging the truth of the 
 remark. None knew better than myself what a noble 
 youth the young Japanese was. As we skulked down 
 past the edge of the fort I glanced anxiously on all sides 
 for traces of him, but without success.
 
 Jack and I Take to the River. 129 
 
 A drizzling rain set in before we reached the bank of 
 the river, which, together with a chill wind blowing down 
 the valley of the Tatong, rendered us somewhat uncom 
 fortable. 
 
 We were in a very exposed position. The forts on our 
 side, and the guns planted along the front of the city still 
 kept up an incessant firing. For a time it seemed as if 
 we walked in a very rain of bullets. 
 
 My companion plodded along entirely oblivious of the 
 extreme danger. I confess that a promenade farther re 
 moved from that particular place would have been more 
 to my taste, but I forbore from offering the suggestion 
 to Jack. 
 
 Presently we reached the bridge. One glance showed 
 us that it would be impossible to cross by that means. 
 For a space of thirty or forty feet the woodwork had 
 been torn away, possibly by a shell, leaving a gap too 
 great for us to span. 
 
 " 'Tain't any use," said Bunce, regretfully. "We've 
 got to try some other means." 
 
 "What about a boat ?" I suggested. "Perhaps we will 
 find one further down." 
 
 "Or up," corrected the sailor, pointing, significantly, 
 toward a couple of formidable fortresses crowning the 
 river bank to the south. "We can't pass them hornets' 
 nests, my boy." 
 
 Without further words, we edged along the water in 
 the opposite direction. Five minutes later we arrived op 
 posite what seemed to be a citadel. Despite the dark-
 
 130 Jack and I Take to the River. 
 
 ness of the night, it was brought out in bold relief by 
 the flashing of innumerable guns. 
 
 The noise even where we stood was deafening, and 
 Jack had to rely upon motions to tell me that he espied 
 some kind of a craft stranded on the bank a short dis 
 tance above us. 
 
 We lost no time in investigating, and found that it was 
 a stubby Corean punt, and fairly serviceable. Two long 
 oars, resembling sweeps, were in the bottom, and lying 
 upon one of the seats was a primitive horn lantern. 
 
 "Git in!" bellowed the sailor. "We'll try to cross in 
 the crazy thing." 
 
 "We can't land under that citadel !" I shouted, in reply. 
 "We wouldn't last two seconds in that fire." 
 
 "We can go farther above if the current isn't too 
 blamed strong. Git in." 
 
 I obeyed, and secured the oars in readiness to row, 
 while Jack shoved the bow from<the bank. A moment 
 later we were swinging out into the stream. The scene 
 from that point of view was so novel that I forgot to use 
 the sweeps, and before I knew it we had been carried 
 down almost opposite one of the enemy's earthworks on 
 the eastern side of the river. 
 
 "Pull, lad !" exclaimed Bunce, seizing one of the slen 
 der oars. "Pull for your ilfe!" 
 
 In my anxiety to redeem my error, I made a sudden 
 spurt, and in the act snapped the blade of the sweep close 
 to the handle. Jack gave a strong tug at the same mo 
 ment, and the inevitable result was that we shot out into 
 midstream.
 
 Jack and I Take to the River. 131 
 
 "Thunder and blazes!" exclaimed Bunce. "We're in 
 for it now, lad. Duck out of sight in the bottom, or ten 
 thousand pig-tails will have us as a target before we 
 Jcnow it." 
 
 I waited long enough to see that the current, which 
 was very rapid, had the punt in its control, then I 
 crouched alongside of my companion. 
 
 "I'm awful sorry, old fellow," I began. "It's my fault 
 that " 
 
 "Stow that, lad," replied Jack, cheerily. "Accidents 
 will happen, ye know. It's probably just as well, any 
 way. If we had landed farther up we might have been 
 killed or captured. Now, we'll have a chance to see 
 what's going on below." 
 
 "This is certainly a hot fight," I said, after a brief 
 pause. "There hasn't been a lull in the firing since sun 
 set, and now it must be within a half-hour of daybreak. 
 I wonder which side is winning?" 
 
 "The Japs. They are bound to git the best of them 
 Chinese. I've seen some tall scrappin' in my time, but I 
 never saw such bravery and skill as Osaki's people have 
 shown this night." 
 
 "The Chinese are doing very well, considering their 
 leaders. If they were officered by Europeans or Ameri 
 cans, they would give a good account of themselves. 
 Don't you think so?" 
 
 "Yes, I guess you're right, Bennett," replied Jack, 
 shifting his position so he could peer over the gunwale. 
 He glanced up the river, toward both banks, and then 
 turned his gaze toward the south. He gave one look in
 
 132 Jack and I Take to the River. 
 
 the latter direction, then sprang to his feet with a cry of 
 alarm. 
 
 "The bridge! the bridge! We are running into the 
 bridge!" 
 
 I was on my feet in the twinkling of an eye. Sure 
 enough, we were bearing down upon the pontoon bridge 
 with all the force of a three-knot current. It was still a 
 hundred yards away, but at the rate we were moving 
 very little time remained to save ourselves. 
 
 Both Jack and I snatched at the remaining sweep, but 
 he secured it first, and immediately set to work steering 
 the frail craft toward the eastern shore^ where, as will 
 be remembered, a thirty-foot section had been torn away 
 by a shell. 
 
 "See if you can help with the broken oar !" gasped the 
 sailor, placing the full force of his muscle upon his sweep. 
 
 I tried, but with little effect. At last, seeing that we 
 would run perilously near to the end of the bridge, I 
 hastened to the bow with the intention of shoving the 
 punt clear of the pontoons. 
 
 Even despite the extreme danger of our situation, I 
 could not help glancing around at the wonderful scenes 
 of which we were the center. On both sides of the river 
 the flashing of guns continued without intermission. 
 
 The uproar was simply terrific. The sullen boom of 
 the rifled cannon and the sharp, spiteful snapping of 
 small arms, the peculiar whir-r-r of Catlings, and ;i 
 steady outcry on the part of the Chinese soldiers, formed 
 a pandemonium of noise such as I had never heard before.'. 
 
 Every now and then a wild cheer would come from
 
 Jack and I Take to the River. 133 
 
 some part of the combat, marking a new success of the 
 Japanese. Those significant outbursts were becoming 
 very frequent, and I felt overjoyed. 
 
 Suddenly a formidable explosion came from the direc 
 tion of the citadel. It was accompanied by a fierce glare 
 of reddish light, then a shower of debris, small stones, 
 clods of earth, and particles of human flesh rained 
 upon us. 
 
 "A battery gone up!" shouted Jack, lustily working 
 with his oar. "Watch your eye, now. Git ready to pole 
 her off when we reach the edge of that nearest pontoon." 
 
 A moment later we struck the bridge close to the open 
 ing. I thrust the broken oar against a projecting beam, 
 and shoved with all my strength. At first the punt 
 swung clear; then, just as I was on the point of con 
 gratulating myself, a swirling eddy caught the bow and 
 sent us broadside against a pontoon. 
 
 I heard Jack give a cry, then he sprang upward and 
 grasped an overhanging timber. I attempted to follow, 
 but before I could jump clear of the punt it shot out into 
 the opening, carrying me with it. 
 
 A moment later I was whirling down the stream, 
 close to a long stretch of fortresses lining the eastern 
 bank. I gave a hurried glance in the direction of the 
 bridge, and saw Jack's stalwart figure outlined against 
 the reddish glare of the citadel's guns; then, crouching 
 in the bottom of the punt, I waited, and watched for an 
 opportunity to swim ashore.
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 IN WHICH I LOSE ONE FRIEND AND MEET ANOTHER. 
 
 My first thought on finding myself alone in the punt 
 was of Jack's safety. During our brief acquaintance I 
 had grown fond of the sailor. His hearty manner and 
 imperturbable good nature made him a good companion, 
 and one who could be trusted, if his face did not belie 
 him. 
 
 After several moments had passed I ventured another 
 glance in the direction of the pontoon bridge. At first I 
 could see no trace of the sailor. Then, just as I con 
 cluded that he had lowered himself into the river, I ob 
 served a shadowy figure creeping toward the Ping An 
 shore. 
 
 A simultaneous discharge of several guns near by cast 
 a sudden light upon the object, and I recognized Bunce's 
 familiar cap. It was he beyond a doubt. 
 
 "Thank God, he is still alive !" I muttered. 
 
 The words had scarcely left my mouth when, with a 
 roar and a diabolical whistle, a three-inch shell whizzed 
 over my head from a fort on the eastern bank. 
 
 A second later it struck the bridge, and exploded al 
 most at Jack's feet. The sudden flash blinded me for a 
 brief period, and when I could see again I cried out in 
 horror.
 
 One Friend and Another. 135 
 
 Bunce was gone ! 
 
 During the following ten minutes I lay in the bottom of 
 the boat, listening, sorrowfully, to the interminable hub 
 bub of the battle. Then something occurred to arouse 
 me to a realization of my surroundings. 
 
 The punt had been floating steady enough, but I could 
 tell from its swaying motion that it changed directions 
 every now and again. Presently, just as I was on the 
 point of taking an observation, I heard the low murmur 
 of voices, seemingly close at hand. 
 
 Then the lower end of the craft bumped slightly 
 against some object. Raising up, I saw that I had 
 floated into the midst of a whole flotilla of Corean boats. 
 
 There were at least fifteen of them, and each appeared 
 to be completely crowded with soldiers. By their uni 
 forms I easily recognized them as Japanese. 
 
 An officer in the nearest craft called out in a low tone. 
 His words were Greek to me, and I did not reply. Then 
 I saw the glint of a gun-barrel in his hands, and I made 
 haste to throw up both arms as a token of surrender. 
 
 As I did so I heard an exclamation of surprise. One 
 of the occupants of another boat suddenly stood up, and 
 asked, joyfully: 
 
 "Jove! is that you, Bennett? Where under the sun 
 did you come from ? How did you get into that craft ?" 
 
 With a cry of pleasure, I paddled the punt close to that 
 in which the speaker stood, and warmly clasped his hand. 
 Then Osaki for it was that gallant young officer clam 
 bered aboard and took a seat beside me. 
 
 In the meantime, the officer who had first hailed me
 
 136 One Friend and Another. 
 
 lowered his weapon, evidently satisfied that all was well. 
 One of his crew skillfully threw me a length of rope, 
 and we were soon towing behind the flotilla. 
 
 "Where did you come from, old boy ?" repeated Osaki, 
 when this had been accomplished. "I declare, I thought 
 you had been either killed or injured in that first charge. 
 I looked through the temporary field hospitals, but 
 couldn't find a sign of you." 
 
 "Of course not," I replied, gayly. "I wasn't born to 
 be laid out by a Chinese bullet, I hope. Since I saw 
 you I've been having a great time. I've enough material 
 for ten pages of any ordinary newspaper." 
 
 "Been keeping your eye out for news, eh?" 
 
 "That's what I am here for," I replied, promptly. "By 
 the way, have you seen anything of Forbes ?" 
 
 "Yes; he is a passenger in one of these boats. I 
 caught sight of him not three minutes ago. Where's 
 Bunce?" 
 
 "I'm afraid he's gone up," I answered, sorrowfully. 
 
 "What! He's not dead?" 
 
 "Yes, he must be. I saw him blown up by a shell 
 back on the pontoon bridge. It exploded right at his 
 feet. It would be impossible for him to escape." 
 
 "Poor fellow !" murmured the young officer. "He was 
 a queer duck, but he meant well, I am sure. Confound 
 it! what a pity that he has fallen a victim to this war! 
 Heigho! there has been many a brave soul snuffed out 
 to-night." 
 
 "Yes, and none with a better heart than Jack Bunce. 
 He and Forbes had a row back there under the ramparts
 
 One Friend and Another. 137 
 
 of the southernmost fort. The Englishman attacked 
 him, but Jack disarmed the fellow in a twinkling, and 
 then told him to keep his temper hereafter." 
 
 After a while I described to Osaki all that had oc 
 curred since we were separated in the charge. Then he 
 informed me that the flotilla was composed of five com 
 panies from one of General Oshima's regiments, and that 
 it was on its way to attack a series of earthworks south 
 of the city. 
 
 While conversing I noticed a gradual fading away of 
 the darkness, and presently it became light enough to 
 see for some distance. The rain, which at first had been 
 merely a slight drizzle, now began to pour down in a 
 steady stream. 
 
 We were already soaked to the skin, so it added little 
 to our .discomfort. I noticed that the Japanese troops 
 were well provided with heavy uniforms, and that their 
 equipments were of the best, and my respect for that gov 
 ernment, which we at home had long considered bar 
 barous, went up a very decided step. 
 
 I think Osaki must have divined my thoughts, as he 
 smiled, and asked, rather proudly: 
 
 "They don't look like the half-naked savages some of 
 your people think them, do they ?" 
 
 "Not by any means," I replied, warmly. "I tell you 
 now, I intend to give a few truths about the Japanese in 
 my dispatches home. In my own poor way I will en 
 lighten a good many Americans before very long. But 
 say, what in the deuce does that mean?" 
 
 I pointed toward a couple of fortresses some distance
 
 138 One Friend and Another. 
 
 behind us, on the walls of which had suddenly appeared 
 a number of curious round objects, for all the world like 
 huge turtles. 
 
 The young officer laughed heartily. 
 
 "It is plain to be seen that you have had little ex 
 perience with Chinese armies," he replied. 
 
 "But what are they?" I persisted. "Some kind of an 
 infernal bomb ?" 
 
 "No; those are oiled paper umbrellas." 
 
 "Umbrellas?" I echoed, in amazement. "You don't 
 mean to say ha! ha! that the enemy is afraid of get 
 ting wet?" 
 
 "It's a fact. If you were in one of 'the forts you would 
 find an umbrella-carrier for every five soldiers. That's 
 nothing. Why, at our first battle, down near Seoul, the 
 Chinese commander sent us a flag of truce, asking if we 
 would not postpone the fight until the following day, as 
 it was the anniversary of the death of Confucius' thir 
 teenth body-servant." 
 
 "Did you do it?" 
 
 "No; but we sent him to join the long lamented as a 
 sort of recompense." 
 
 For the next ten minutes I was lost in contemplation 
 of the very curious customs of the Celestials, and at the 
 end of that time we reached the river bank. During the 
 disembarkation I kept Osaki in sight, and at last rejoined 
 him on the march. 
 
 "Do you know anything of the battle ?" I asked, bear 
 ing in mind my dispatches. "Have you heard anything 
 from the other attacking columns?"
 
 One Friend and Another. 139 
 
 "I'll tell you if you won't stop right here to jot it 
 down," he replied, with a grin. 
 
 "I'll agree to that if you don't startle me with some 
 very important information," I bargained in return. 
 "Now, how is the fight going?" 
 
 "All in our favor. A courier from General Tatsumi, 
 who has the column of the north, reports that a masked 
 fort fronting the citadel has been taken at the point of 
 the bayonet, and that he expects to besiege the castle 
 itself before many hours." 
 
 "That's certainly encouraging." 
 
 "Then General Oshima who, by the way, you must 
 laud for his extreme bravery received word from Gen 
 eral Nodzu that he is in possession of five earthworks on 
 the western front of the city. He also asked that as 
 many companies of infantry as could be spared be sent 
 to assist him in an attack on the southern forts. That is 
 why we are here." 
 
 "It seems, then, that the battle has hardly commenced." 
 
 "That's true. The hardest fighting is yet to come. 
 What a pity poor Jack Bunce lost his life just as the fun 
 became furious! We are liable to have warm work in 
 the valley ahead of us, as that is where the Chinese cav 
 alry will charge if they muster enough courage to leave 
 the city. It will ah! that's the call for double time. 
 Come on, Bennett, there's trouble in front!"
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 IN WHICH DANGER AGAIN THREATENS. 
 
 We were ahnost in the center of the column, which 
 was marching by fours. From a short distance in front 
 came a sharp, peremptory bugle call. Word was passed 
 along the line, and a moment later we were hastening at 
 double time through a valley leading from the water's 
 edge. 
 
 I soon learned the cause of the commotion. Reach 
 ing a bend in the ravine, I looked ahead and saw the out 
 lines of a series of forts which had been erected in a hap 
 hazard manner, about a thousand yards from the walls 
 of Ping An. 
 
 Our appearance was greeted by a tremendous fire from 
 small arms and rapid-fire guns. We were deployed in 
 the very midst of the leaden hail, and then sent helter- 
 skelter upon the nearest earthwork. 
 
 Suddenly the company in front halted, in confusion. 
 We, behind, were carried upon them by the rush, and 
 for a brief moment the erstwhile well-drilled troops 
 scrambled about like a regiment of raw recruits. 
 
 While darting forward, Osaki and I came upon the 
 brink of an extensive moat, filled with water. It was so 
 entirely unexpected that both of us slipped in up to our 
 armpits.
 
 Danger Again Threatens. 141 
 
 For a while I thought that all was lost, as a number 
 of the enemy showed upon the rampart directly over 
 head. A soldier leveled his Spencer rifle and fired, but 
 the bullet passed between us. It was a hint not to be 
 disregarded, and we scrambled from the moat at a lively 
 rate. 
 
 "Confound it! I dropped my sword in there," ex 
 claimed the young officer, ruefully. "It was a good blade, 
 and well tried." 
 
 "Plenty more to be had/' I replied. "Look! there 
 comes a lot of reinforcements." 
 
 "They're from General Nodzu's command. Now we 
 will attack these strongholds from both sides, I suppose. 
 Come on." 
 
 Osaki moved away toward a point near a drawbridge, 
 where our forces and the newcomers were concentrating 
 for an attack. A withering fire from the different earth 
 works made things lively. 
 
 The firing of the Chinese was desultory and badly 
 aimed, with the exception of a partially masked battery 
 toward the right, where a couple of Catlings kept the air 
 hot with a constant stream of bullets. 
 
 The attention of the majority of the officers was given 
 to the large fortresses, and, for a while, nothing was done 
 to stop the deadly work of the machine-gun battery. 
 
 Finally a messenger from the colonel in command hur 
 ried up to Osaki's captain and ordered him to charge the 
 hornets' nest. 
 
 "Whoop!" yelled the young officer. "Here's a chairs 
 to show What Japanese soldiers can do. Bennett, we
 
 142 Danger Again Threatens. 
 
 mustn't lose this opportunity. Secure a gun with a 
 bayonet and do your best. It'll furnish you material for 
 a dozen dispatches." 
 
 A moment later we had formed, and were running full 
 tilt across a stretch of level plain. Deploying within a 
 hundred feet of the battery, we moved swiftly upon the 
 lower angle, and fellttooth and nail upon the guns. 
 
 A brisk scrimmage of five minutes' duration resulted in 
 the capture of the Catling battery. At almost the same 
 time a loud cheer from the outer fort proclaimed that it 
 also had fallen into the hands of the victorious Japs. 
 
 "They will soon have possession of the whole southern 
 series of earthworks," remarked Osaki, as we paused to 
 take a brief rest. "This is a great day for civilization, 
 old boy. I am sure this battle will mark the end of 
 Chinese influence in Corea." 
 
 "Such is the history of the world," I replied, musingly. 
 "The progress of civilization has been marked with the 
 sword in all climes. Death and destruction, fire and blood 
 must always be the means by which barbarism is exter 
 minated, it seems. Look at this battlefield! See the 
 heaps of wounded and dying wretches! Think of the 
 homes made desolate, the children rendered orphans, and 
 the misery created by this one day's work." 
 
 "True ; but it will be well to leave such philosophizing 
 until some other time," said the young officer, dryly. 
 "Heigho! the row seems to be about over in this place; 
 suppose we move farther north ?" 
 
 "Right you are," I promptly replied. "I want to see
 
 Danger Again Threatens. 143 
 
 something of the city front and that citadel they are storm- 
 ing." 
 
 "So do I. From all appearances the last stand of the 
 enemy will be made there, and it will certainly be a most 
 desperate battle. By skirting this series of forts we can 
 reach a road leading along the western side of Ping An." 
 
 Leaving the Japanese soldiers still hotly attacking the 
 earthworks, we hurried in the direction indicated by the 
 young officer. The rain was falling steadily, and the 
 constant downpour had turned the spongy soil into a 
 veritable quagmire. 
 
 Overhead the sky had darkened, not a glimpse of the 
 sun being visible. The incessant booming of cannon still 
 came to our ears., but mainly from one direction the 
 north. 
 
 "I suppose General Oshima has silenced the fortresses 
 on his side of the river," remarked Osaki. 
 
 "Or else the Chinese forces have repulsed him," I re 
 plied, doubtfully. 
 
 "Never. That is impossible. Oshima is too able a 
 tactician for that. No; he has captured them. Just be 
 fore we left, he led a charge in person, and the way our 
 boys followed him was wonderful. But, by the way, I 
 wonder what has become of the young Englishman ?" 
 
 "Forbes?" 
 
 "Yes. I saw him in the flotilla, but not since we 
 landed. I wouldn't be surprised if he had fallen in that 
 first attack." 
 
 "Possibly. I hope not, though. He is rather a good 
 fellow, despite his English affectation."
 
 144 Danger Again Threatens. 
 
 "Well, I confess I didn't like him, but I wouldn't care 
 to see the fellow meet his death out here. Funny thing, 
 his being a correspondent. I would never think it from 
 his appearance." 
 
 "You can't always tell," I said, with a smile. "Look 
 at me, for instance. Your speaking of correspondents 
 reminds me that I must get a dispatch to either Shanghai 
 or Yokohama before Forbes does, if he is alive. The 
 Consolidated Press Association would never forgive me 
 if the Britishers first received the news of this important 
 battle." 
 
 "How will you work it? Do you intend to adopt my 
 plan of purchasing a coaster in one of the adjacent 
 ports?" 
 
 "There is no other way. I meant to employ poor old 
 Jack Bunce as a special courier, and intrust the dis 
 patches to him, but that scheme is settled now. Con 
 found it! what a pity he was killed by that shell. He 
 was too good a companion to lose." 
 
 Osaki heartily agreed with me in the latter assertion. 
 We stumbled along in silence for a while, trying in vain 
 to shield ourselves from the drenching rain. 
 
 I could not help smiling at the woebegone appearance 
 we presented. The young officer had managed to retain 
 the greater part of his uniform, but he had lost his cap, 
 and wore instead a curiously shaped Chinese bonnet. 
 
 I still clung to my fashionable topboots and a pair of 
 elegant curduroy trousers, but above these I was a comi 
 cal mixture of Jap and Celestial. To heighten the picture 
 we were bespattered with dirt and blood.
 
 Danger Again Threatens. 145 
 
 For the first time since the preceding afternoon, I be 
 gan to feel the pangs of hunger. Of late, our meals 
 had been very irregular, and of uncertain description, but 
 we managed to make out with the cold rice and corn 
 cakes. 
 
 Now it struck me that a rousing good dinner at a New 
 York restaurant would be thoroughly acceptable. The 
 very thought caused me to groan in anguish of spirit. 
 Osaki immediately inquired the cause of my melancholy 
 face, and I explained, tersely. 
 
 "Hungry, eh?" he replied, with an unconsoling 
 chuckle. "Humph ! you won't get anything to eat this 
 day, my boy. However, if all goes well, we'll feast upon 
 the fleshpots of Ping An before many hours. Possibly 
 by to-morrow afternoon." 
 
 "Mother of Moses !" I exclaimed, with more force than 
 elegance. "To-morrow afternoon ? Why, I'll be a living 
 skeleton long before that time. Can't we " 
 
 I suddenly ceased speaking, checked by a warning sig 
 nal from my companion, who was slightly in advance. 
 Hurrying to his side, I glanced in the direction indicated 
 by his finger, and saw the figure of a man seated behind 
 a bush. 
 
 From where we crouched, only the lower part of his 
 body was visible, but from a pair of unmistakably Euro 
 pean boots we knew that it could not be either a China 
 man or Japanese. 
 
 Filled with the liveliest curiosity, we stole forward 
 several paces, and then stopped at a spot where a full 
 view could be obtained of the mysterious person. We
 
 146 Danger Again Threatens. 
 
 recognized him at once. It was none other than the 
 young English correspondent. 
 
 He was stretched out in a little nook formed by the 
 overlapping tops of several bushes. Before him, upon 
 the ground, were several pieces of Japanese commissary 
 bread and an open can of preserved meat. Alongside of 
 these was a notebook propped against a small rock. 
 
 "Great Jove! what a feast," muttered Osaki, greedily. 
 "Can we stand this, Bennett?" 
 
 "Not much," I promptly replied, in the same tone. 
 "Let's scare him away and capture the provender. What 
 do you say?" 
 
 The young officer chuckled with glee. 
 
 "Just the thing," he agreed. "Really, it will taste bet 
 ter if we can secure it in that manner. Yum, yum ! look 
 at that can of meat! Where on earth did he get it, I 
 wonder? Our commissary is on the other side of the 
 river, I know." 
 
 "That is not the question," I said, hastily. "Forbes has 
 the food, as you can see. When I give the word, yell like 
 a wildcat. Then, if he runs, 111 snatch up the meat and 
 bread. After we eat we can renew his acquaintance." 
 
 "But if he don't run?" questioned Osaki, dubiously. 
 
 "Then we'll have to ask him to share, that's all. Are 
 you ready? Whoop!" 
 
 The howl that followed was startling enough to scare 
 an Indian. Forbes sprang to his feet, and stood for a 
 moment on the defensive. Then he snatched up his note 
 book and leaped behind the nearest bush. 
 
 Laughing heartily, I ran forward, and was just on the
 
 Danger Again Threatens. 147 
 
 point of securing the spoils, when a most peculiar sound 
 became apparent. A second later, I recognized it as the 
 fierce hoofbeats of a cavalry charge. 
 
 A cry of warning came from the young officer. 
 
 "Back !" he shouted, staring toward the nearby road 
 with startled eyes. "Run for your life, Bennett. The 
 enemy's light horse are coming this way in force !"
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 IN WHICH I HAVE AN UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE, 
 
 Dropping the can of meat, I ran after Osaki, who had 
 started back in the direction of the forts. Reaching an 
 open space, I looked toward the north, and halted, in 
 amazement. 
 
 Coming down over a stretch of level plain was a large 
 body of cavalry. There were fully three hundred gaud 
 ily-clad Chinese troopers mounted on snow-white horses. 
 
 At their head galloped a stalwart Celestial general, 
 armed with a long, wicked-looking sword, and behind 
 him streamed the various groups of lance-bearers. This 
 much I saw, then I resumed my flight. 
 
 At that moment the troop changed its course, and 
 swept directly toward me. I heard an exclamation of 
 consternation, and Forbes started up almost at my feet. 
 
 "We are lost !" he cried, too excited to express wonder 
 at meeting me. "We can never escape from that mob." 
 
 I did not reply. No answer was necessary. He spoke 
 truly. The three hundred troopers were too near for us 
 to dodge them. Suddenly a battery of artillery stationed 
 on an adjacent eminence opened fire. A half-dozen shells 
 struck the living mass of horsemen, and created frightful 
 havoc among them. 
 
 Then, instantly following, came volley after volley
 
 An Unpleasant Experience. 149 
 
 from General Nodzu's infantry, concealed on the other 
 side of the road. Horses and riders went down together, 
 and were piled up in little mounds on the plain. 
 
 This caused the main body to swerve to one side, and 
 they passed the spot where Forbes and I were crouched, 
 like a whirlwind. It was a most inspiring scene, and one 
 that will linger in my mind. At the moment I thought 
 only of our extreme danger. 
 
 We were exposed to the death-dealing volleys from 
 the Japanese sharpshooters on one hand, and the riders 
 themselves on the other. At last a band of horsemen, at 
 least fifty in number, turned sharply and rode directly 
 toward us. 
 
 All this time we had been hemmed in so completely 
 that in no direction could I see a chance to escape. The 
 sudden fire from the concealed Japanese forces had given 
 us a temporary hope, but now it seemed as if that very 
 circumstance would cause our destruction. 
 
 With batteries in front of them, and infantry on one 
 side, nothing remained for the harassed cavalry but a 
 desperate charge in the remaining direction. And that 
 was toward the young Englishman and myself. 
 
 "Look out ! they are almost upon us !" I shouted, as a 
 last warning. 
 
 A brief moment later the desperate troop swept over us, 
 riding like fiends. As if in a dream, I saw Forbes go 
 down before a couple of cavalrymen huddled together; 
 then as a drowning man will clutch at a straw, I threw 
 out my hands. 
 
 I touched something, closed my fingers upon it with a
 
 150 An Unpleasant Experience. 
 
 grip as tenacious as death itself, and then suddenly felt 
 myself jerked upward with a force that wrenched my 
 arms almost from their sockets. 
 
 It did not take me long to realize that I was dangling 
 literally dangling from the reins of a riderless horse. 
 The formidable leaps of the frightened brute caused me 
 to sway back and forth like a pendulum, but, presently, I 
 managed, with incredible agility, to gain the saddle. 
 
 Hardly believing in my good fortune, I clung to the 
 animal's mane, and thus rode in the very center of the 
 fleeing mob through the torrent of bullets and shells 
 hurled from the Japanese ambuscades. 
 
 I was just beginning to appreciate my narrow escape, 
 when the horse I rode suddenly stumbled, throwing me 
 to the ground with a violence that instantly brought the 
 darkness of oblivion. 
 
 I awakened to the sound of voices engaged in an ani 
 mated dispute. Dreamily opening my eyes, I saw the 
 interlacing branches of several trees overhead. From 
 far in the distance came a dull booming of cannon. 
 
 The noise brought a realization of my situation, and I 
 struggled to a sitting position. Standing, with their 
 backs toward me, several yards away, were Osaki and 
 Forbes. 
 
 The latter had one arm in a sling, and wore a rude 
 bandage tied around the upper part of his face, which 
 was pale and streaked with blood. His clothing was torn 
 and bespattered with mud. The young officer had es 
 caped uninjured, from all appearances.
 
 An Unpleasant Experience. 151 
 
 When I raised myself up, and glanced toward them, I 
 noticed that Osaki was gesticulating violently. 
 
 "I tell you, the poor fellow is still breathing," he ex 
 claimed, "and we must secure the services of a surgeon 
 at once. Confound it! we have delayed too long al 
 ready." 
 
 "Well, it won't do any harm to try," replied the young 
 Englishman ; "but I am afraid he is a goner. I have had 
 enough hospital practice to know a dead man when I see 
 him, and I'll bet a fi'-pun note that he'll never open hfs 
 eyes to daylight again." 
 
 "I'll take the wager," I called out, weakly. "I'm look 
 ing af daylight now." 
 
 Osaki wheeled around and ran toward me with a shout 
 of joy. Grasping both o.f my hands, he shook them vig 
 orously. 
 
 "The Lord be praised!" he exclaimed, fervently. 
 "You are still living, glory to goodness! I knew you 
 would come out all right, despite Forbes' opinion. You 
 have had a mighty close call, old fellow." 
 
 The young correspondent, who had advanced more 
 slowly, also expressed his pleasure in unstinted terms. 
 
 "I confess that I had given you up, Bennett," he said, 
 finally. "That was a nasty cropper you took from that 
 cavalry horse quite hard enough to kill almost any one." 
 
 "Yes ; but luckily, I fell upon my head," I smiled, ris 
 ing to my feet with Osaki's aid. "I am still a little dizzy, 
 but it'll soon wear away. How did you manage to es 
 cape, Forbes? When I saw you last you were just fall 
 ing before a couple of Chinese cavalrymen."
 
 152 An Unpleasant Experience. 
 
 "I don't know how I happened to pull through with my 
 life," replied the young Englishman, gravely. "I remem 
 ber stumbling between the hoofs of a horse, then a few 
 moments later I found myself alone, and comparatively 
 uninjured. I am a bit cut about the head and this arm, 
 but that's all." 
 
 "You both can thank your lucky stars," spoke up 
 Osaki. "There isn't any doubt about that." 
 
 "What time is it?" I asked, glancing at the sky. "How 
 long have I been insensible?" 
 
 "At least an hour," replied the young officer. "We 
 have been in this little glade for thirty minutes, and it 
 was equally as long before I found you lying unconscious 
 after the cavalry charge." 
 
 "Did the Chinese escape?" . 
 
 "They were killed to a man. Since then three hundred 
 more have tried the game with the same result. How 
 long will it be before you are again ready for action, Ben 
 nett?" 
 
 "About two minutes," I replied, promptly, carefully 
 feeling my limbs. "I am a bit bruised about the body, 
 and my head aches, but that'll soon wear away. If I 
 had a mouthful of food and a little water, I'd be all 
 right." 
 
 "I left some meat and bread back there," spoke up 
 Forbes. "If you will wait a moment I'll see if I can 
 find it." 
 
 "Never mind," said Osaki, looking guilty. "I have 
 some here that'll answer." 
 
 He winked at me, and produced the can and crackers
 
 An Unpleasant Experience. 153 
 
 we had been on the point of foraging from the English 
 man before the cavalry charge. The food was divided 
 into three equal parts, and eaten to the last scrap. Even 
 after such an apology for a meal I felt considerably 
 better. 
 
 When we were finally ready to start northward the rain 
 had ceased. The clouds presently disappeared .and we 
 caught a glimpse of the sun. Its position indicated that 
 the day was waning rapidly. 
 
 After striking the main road leading past the city, we 
 saw indisputable signs of a Chinese defeat. The ram 
 parts to the west were entirely deserted. In only one 
 direction could the sounds of battle be heard, and that 
 was in the neighborhood of the citadel. 
 
 "It's only a question of an hour or so," said Osaki, 
 joyfully. "By dark the entire place will be in our hands. 
 Hurrah! what a glorious victory this will be for Japan. 
 Now she will be able to rear her head proudly among the 
 civilized nations of the world, and proclaim herself the 
 greatest power in the West." 
 
 I saw Forbes prick up his ears. He cast a sly glance 
 at me, and then nervously fumbled in his blouse. The 
 action reminded me of my own duties as a correspondent, 
 and I fervently wished for an opportunity to send off 
 even a brief dispatch. 
 
 A few moments later a loud clattering in the road 
 ahead indicated that some one was approaching on horse 
 back. 
 
 We slipped behind a neighboring bush and waited. 
 Presently three uniformed Japanese officers appeared and
 
 154 An Unpleasant Experience. 
 
 rode rapidly toward us. Suddenly, Osaki clutched me 
 by the arm, and whispered, excitedly : 
 
 "Jove! it is an official courier from the general. Stay 
 where you are for a moment. Don't move until I re 
 turn. I have a great scheme."
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 IN WHICH I SEND MY FIRST DISPATCH. 
 
 Osaki's words mystified me. On catching sight of the 
 Japanese officers, he had recognized in one an official 
 courier of the general in command of the combined 
 armies. Then he exclaimed, with some excitement : 
 
 "Stay where you are for a moment. I have a great 
 scheme." 
 
 With that he left us behind the bush, and hurried into 
 the road. We watched him meet the officers, saw them 
 rein in their steeds with every appearance of astonish 
 ment, and then noticed that he held an animated conver 
 sation with all three. 
 
 Presently he returned to the spot where we were con 
 cealed. I observed, as he neared us, that his expressive 
 face wore a smile of satisfaction, but I had not the least 
 idea of what it portended for me. 
 
 "I say there, Bennett," he called out, beckoning to me, 
 "come here; I wish to speak with you. I have good 
 news." 
 
 Leaving Forbes looking slightly surprised, I joined the 
 young Japanese. 
 
 "What's up?" I asked; "more victories?" 
 
 "No ; but it is equally as good for you," hurriedly re 
 plied Osaki. "Get your dispatches ready at once."
 
 156 I Send My First Dispatch. 
 
 "Why what " I stammered. 
 
 "Jot down in cipher everything you wish to send to 
 Shanghai, and don't lose any time about it," he inter 
 rupted. 
 
 "How are you going to send it ?" I persisted. 
 
 "I intend to take it myself." 
 
 "What! Not to Shanghai?" 
 
 "No. The courier is on his way to Kiang Tsiu, and 
 he has given me permission to accompany him. The 
 wires are down all along the road between here and Seoul. 
 There is a fleet dispatch-boat in Kiang, and messages will 
 be sent to Chemulpo by it at once." 
 
 "Do you think you can charter a coaster there?" I 
 asked, eagerly. 
 
 "Yes, without any doubt. Make haste now, and get 
 your cipher ready. The courier who is an old friend of 
 mine will wait ten minutes for me." 
 
 "I'll be ready in that time. Make some excuse to 
 Forbes while I am gone." 
 
 I tarried a moment to get the latest information from 
 the young officer, and then hurried away to a safe place 
 behind a small hill. At the expiration of the time speci 
 fied I had written a concise dispatch to the Consolidated 
 Press Association, giving the particulars of the battle of 
 Ping An. 
 
 It was written in a cipher known to our correspondent 
 in Shanghai, and did not occupy more than twenty-five 
 pages of my notebook. I ended by advising the New 
 York office that I would forward further details by mail 
 within a day or two, and then rejoined Osaki.
 
 I Send My First Dispatch. 157 
 
 "Here is the message and sufficient money to charter a 
 coasting junk," I whispered, handing him two packages. 
 "Now, see if you can secure a trustworthy captain, as a 
 great deal depends on this dispatch getting through. 
 Don't hesitate about money pay any price you think best, 
 and tell the person you select that I will engage him for 
 an indefinite period to carry messages to Shanghai or 
 some Japanese port." 
 
 "That's a good idea," approved the young officer. "I 
 will just make a bargain with some coasting skipper, and 
 assure him a generous recompense if he serves you faith 
 fully. You wish a receipt from your Shanghai agent?" 
 
 "Certainly. That will be proof that the dispatch has 
 been delivered. Now, what about your return? Where 
 will I meet you, and when ?" 
 
 "I have been thinking about that," slowly replied Osaki. 
 "It won't do for you to show yourself in the city after it 
 is captured, as you may be arrested." 
 
 This view of the case rather startled me. I had for 
 gotten the orders sent from Seoul for my apprehension as 
 a foreign correspondent. 
 
 "After the excitement caused by this battle subsides," 
 continued the young officer, "you will be picked up on 
 sight." 
 
 "What shall I do, then? Remain in hiding some 
 where ?" 
 
 "Yes. You and Forbes can wait for me on that hill 
 across the river the place from where we first saw 
 Ping An."
 
 158 I Send My First Dispatch. 
 
 "How long will it take you to go to Kiang Tsiu and 
 return?" 
 
 "I should be back by to-morrow evening at the latest. 
 Well, I must leave you, old fellow, as I see the courier is 
 becoming impatient. Take care of yourself, and don't go 
 prowling round, or you'll get into trouble. Good-by." 
 
 He gave me a hearty shake of the hand, and then re 
 joined the Japanese officers. They moved away at a rapid 
 trot, Osaki mounted upon a spare horse, which one of 
 them had been leading. 
 
 I presently returned to the bush, and found Forbes 
 busily engaged on his notebook. He looked up as I ap 
 proached, and ceased writing. 
 
 "Where is Osaki ?" he asked, glancing behind me. 
 
 "He's left," I replied, laconically. 
 
 "What! Forsaken us?" 
 
 "No ; he's not that kind of a fellow. He has gone on 
 a secret expedition with a friend of his, and will meet us 
 to-morrow afternoon on the top of that hill across the 
 river." 
 
 "And what are we to do in the meantime ?" 
 
 "Devote our best efforts to keeping out of sight," I re 
 plied, emphatically. "Osaki says that we will be arrested 
 just as soon as this excitement subsides." 
 
 Forbes glanced reluctantly toward the distant city, be 
 yond which the smoke of battle still hovered. 
 
 "I'd like to see the taking of the citadel, don't you 
 know," he said. "That is where the Chinese will make 
 their last and most desperate resistance. Listen ! the can 
 nonading is becoming more fierce every moment."
 
 I Send My First Dispatch. 159 
 
 Borne on a passing breeze came an increase in the 
 sounds of exploding shells and the faint shouts of combat. 
 
 In all other directions the tumult of the fray had die 1 
 away. It was as the young Englishman had stated. The 
 last effort of the enemy to repel the invading forces was 
 in progress to the northward of the city. 
 
 I glanced at the sky. It had again clouded over. 
 Darkness was coming on apace, and, under its friendly 
 cover, we might possibly escape unnoticed. The tempta 
 tion was great, and I finally yielded. 
 
 "I wish to see the fun also," I said, "but I wouldn't like 
 to be sent back to Chemulpo just yet." 
 
 "I don't think we run much risk of that," persisted 
 Forbes. "What d'ye say? Shall we witness the last of 
 the fight?" 
 
 "Yes ; come on." 
 
 Without more ado, we struck off toward the city walls. 
 The road wound around the base of several hills, then led 
 straight north to where, in the distance, we could see the 
 massive citadel looming formidably above the smoke of 
 the Japanese guns. 
 
 We made a short detour away from the western edge 
 of the city as a precaution against a sudden attack from 
 some wandering band of Chinese, then skirted the out 
 lying forts for some distance. 
 
 It was the first opportunity I had found to observe the 
 system of fortifications constructed by the enemy. Al 
 though but little versed in the art of war, yet I could see 
 that the defenses would have been almost impregnable in 
 the hands of any other power.
 
 160 I Send My First Dispatch. 
 
 The entire front of the city was walled in by solid stone 
 cmbattlements, built on a sheer precipice, fifty or more 
 feet above the level plain. Three gates, small and easily 
 defended, opened upon sloping walks, ending in a broad 
 moat. 
 
 Stationed at brief intervals were round towers, equipped 
 by modern guns, and scattered along the parapets were 
 other cannon, both field and machine. At the northwest 
 angle was a hill crowned by a double fortress, and beyond 
 that could be seen the upper works of the citadel itself. 
 
 As this was our objective point, we hurried toward it 
 and concealed ourselves on the edge of a wooded valley 
 several hundred yards distant. From that point of van 
 tage we had a splendid view of the combat raging around 
 the citadel. 
 
 The latter was a massive, square structure, situated on 
 a slight eminence, and made of rough stone. The walls 
 seemed to be of immense thickness, probably twelve or 
 fifteen feet, and twice that in height. 
 
 The parapets were pierced for guns, a number of which 
 could be seen in action. In the center rose a fanciful 
 pagoda-roofed building, literally honeycombed with loop 
 holes. 
 
 On all sides save one the Japanese forces swarmed like 
 ants. In the direction of the city two uncaptured forts 
 still remained, but, as we watched, reinforcements moved 
 up with field pieces and commenced a lively bombardment. 
 
 "An hour will see the last of it," I remarked. "This 
 assault will force a capitulation before very long." 
 
 "I believe you," replied Forbes. "Jove! what fighters
 
 I Send My First Dispatch. 161 
 
 those Japs are, to be sure. Look at that battery over 
 there it is literally spouting death." 
 
 "Yes, and watch those two companies of infantry 
 those with the red plumes in their caps. Jumping Moses ! 
 what a charge. Ha ! they have gained the ramparts " 
 
 "No yes, you are right. Hurrah! that part of the 
 fort is captured !" 
 
 "What is that white object on the citadel?" I asked, a 
 moment later. "Is it a flag?" 
 
 "Yes, and I'll wager a sovereign that it is a signal of 
 truce. The pigtails have had enough of it! Gad! I 
 thought they were better fighters than that. I am disap 
 pointed." 
 
 "Your sympathies are naturally with them, I presume," 
 I remarked, dryly. 
 
 The young Englishman flushed, and replied, slowly : 
 
 "You are right, my dear fellow. Why should I deny 
 it? England my country has a great deal at stake in 
 this war. It is a question of trade, don't you know." 
 
 "That's a sorry confession," I exclaimed, warmly. 
 "With America it is a question of civilization. A ques 
 tion of the extermination of barbarism a question of 
 carrying the torch of liberty to a race buried in the depths 
 of oppression. Which country is right?"
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 IN WHICH WE FIND A NOVEL HIDING-PLACE. 
 
 Forbes took out his eyeglass and coolly scrutinized me 
 for a moment, then, chuckling quietly, he returned it to 
 his pocket. 
 
 "By Jove! this is deuced funny, don't you know," he 
 drawled. 
 
 "I don't see anything comical in it," I said, annoyed at 
 his affected air. 
 
 "Ha ! ha ! Fancy two young fellows arguing on such a 
 subject under these circumstances. Disputing the moral 
 rights of the war amid the shriek of shells and the boom 
 ing of cannon. Questioning the standing of our respect 
 ive governments, and dodging rifle bullets at the same mo 
 ment. D'ye see the point? Jove! I must send this to 
 Punch." 
 
 "I would if I were you," I replied, with mild sarcasm. 
 "It is about the standard of Punch's wit." 
 
 In the heat of the controversy we had turned our backs 
 to the citadel. After making the last remark, I wheeled 
 around again, and just in time to witness a most startling 
 change in affairs. 
 
 A couple of hundred yards to the south of us was a 
 round, fortlike structure located upon a hill. The Japa 
 nese were attacking it on the opposite side, but, for some 
 unexplainable reason, the other front was clear.
 
 A Novel Hiding-place. 163 
 
 Suddenly a horde of Chinese soldiers emerged from a 
 gate at the base, and ran toward us at the top of their 
 speed. At the same moment I caught sight of a much 
 larger mob of refugees fleeing from the nearest exit in 
 the city wall. 
 
 It did not take a second for me to see that we were 
 standing directly in their path. Forbes caught the danger 
 of our situation at the same moment. 
 
 "Jove ! we must get out of this," he cried. 
 
 "Yes, and without delay," I answered, glancing hur 
 riedly on all sides. "But where can we hide? If we run 
 toward the citadel the Japs will pick us up, and if we 
 move toward the city those Chinamen will capture us." 
 
 "Only one way remains open," exclaimed my com 
 panion. "The wooded valley behind us. Come on." 
 
 Without further words we turned and fled into the 
 depths of the forest. The sounds of trampling feet came 
 from the rear, and it urged us to greater efforts. 
 
 Presently I caught sight of some white object gleaming 
 through the trees. Then another appeared, and still an 
 other. A moment later we burst into an inclosure filled 
 with gravestones. It was the cemetery of Ping An. 
 
 In the center stood a massive tomb, hoary with age. 
 It was in the shape of a squat tower, and appeared to be 
 almost entirely covered with gorgeous carvings, repre 
 senting epochs in the history of Corea. 
 
 The base was surrounded by pillars, supporting a 
 porchlike extension, and underneath this were numerous 
 jars, probably containing the offerings of the pious citi 
 zens of Ping An.
 
 164 A Novel Hiding-place. 
 
 Some of these earthen receptacles were fully five feet 
 in height, and larger in circumference than a man's body. 
 Their peculiar appearance caused a sudden thought to 
 flash into my mind. 
 
 "I say, Forbes, do you remember that tale from the 
 Arabian Nights about the forty thieves and the wine 
 jars?" I asked, hurriedly. 
 
 The young Englishman looked at me in amazement. 
 
 "What in the deuce is the matter with you, my dear 
 fellow ?" he replied, anxiously. "Going daft ?" 
 
 "No no, confound it! I have an idea." 
 
 "Well, it affects you rather peculiarly, don't you know. 
 Humph ! what has the story to do with our present situa 
 tion?" 
 
 "Do you see those jars there?" 
 
 "Yes, but " 
 
 "What is the matter with our following the example of 
 the forty thieves and concealing ourselves inside. Those 
 beggars wouldn't think of looking in them." 
 
 Forbes gave me a glance of genuine admiration. 
 
 "Oh, you cute Yankee !" he exclaimed. "Why, that's a 
 deuced fine idea, don't you know. We'll adopt it at once." 
 
 "Take that one nearest the pillar, and I'll utilize the 
 other," I said, running forward. 
 
 It was time. Behind us the woods were filled with flee 
 ing Chinamen. As yet none of them had come in sight, 
 but they were liable to appear at any moment. A pecu 
 liar rattling noise in the leaves overhead, followed by the 
 distant sound of musketry, indicated that the Japanese 
 had discovered the flight and were in hot pursuit.
 
 A Novel Hiding-place. 165 
 
 I found my jar filled to the brim with stagnant, evil- 
 smelling water. An exclamation from Forbes proclaimed 
 that his was in a like condition. 
 
 "In with you," I cried. "This is no time for splitting 
 straws." 
 
 "But the water, don't you know," he replied, plaintively. 
 
 "Dump it." 
 
 Suiting the action to the word, I careened my jar, and, 
 after righting it, lowered myself, feet first, to the bottom, 
 where I crouched in silence. Presently I heard a series 
 of sniffs, then a muffled voice groaned : 
 
 "I say, Bennett." 
 
 "Shut up, confound it !" I replied, in annoyance. "You 
 will be heard." 
 
 "Gad ! this is awful. It smells like a blooming sewer, 
 don't you know. I believe I would rather be captured." 
 
 "And you will be very soon if you don't keep quiet. 
 Sh-h ! they are entering the cemetery." 
 
 Forbes subsided. Presently I heard a murmur of many 
 voices, then an invisible mob dashed past the tomb, utter 
 ing doleful cries of terror. They had hardly gone before 
 another party hurried up, and so it continued for several 
 moments. 
 
 Then came a period of silence. After waiting a while 
 as an added precaution, I peeped over the edge of the jar. 
 As I did so, Forbes thrust his head into view, and we 
 both dodged back, startled for the moment. 
 
 Hearing a chuckle, I took heart, and again looked out. 
 The young Englishman was standing bolt upright, coolly 
 surveying the surroundings.
 
 1 66 A Novel Hiding-place. 
 
 "Wonder if they are all gone?" he queried. 
 
 "No; there comes another mob," I hastily replied. 
 catching sight of several figures moving through the trees. 
 
 We bobbed down once more, and waited while the fresh 
 contingent of fugitives fled past. This time the crowd 
 was larger than before, and it was fully a half hour before 
 silence again settled down in the grove. 
 
 I spent the time thinking over my unexpected success 
 in sending the dispatch to the Press Association. The 
 opportunity presented by my faithful Japanese friend, 
 Osaki, had came just in the nick of time. 
 
 I had been almost two weeks at the seat of war without 
 communicating with my employers. It was a most seri 
 ous matter, considering that my presence was solely for 
 the purpose of sending the latest news to New York. 
 
 It was now a great satisfaction to me to feel that I had 
 at last succeeded in forwarding full particulars of the 
 battle of Ping An and the incidents leading up to it. 
 
 When I reflected that I had scored a "beat" against the 
 correspondent of the British Press Association, I fairly 
 hugged myself with joy. I rather pitied poor Forbes, biU 
 it was the fortunes of war. 
 
 "He would do the same if he had the chance," I mu" 
 tered. "Heigho! I wonder if all those Chinamen hav 
 left the valley. I'll take a peep and Great Greeley !" 
 
 There was ample cause for the exclamation, for on 
 raising my head I found myself looking straight into the 
 evil face of a Chinese soldier!
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 IN WHICH WE ARE CAPTURED AND CARRIED OFF TO A 
 MYSTERIOUS FATE. 
 
 My first instinct was to dodge from sight again, but I 
 speedily saw that it would be useless. The bottom of 
 the jar would not afford a place of refuge by any means. 
 
 I caught a glimpse of at least a score more of soldiers 
 standing in front of the tomb, then the fellow near me 
 made a significant motion. I crawled from the jar in 
 prompt obedience, seeing that it was folly to offer resist 
 ance. 
 
 At the same moment, Forbes popped into view, and 
 then disappeared like a "Jack in the box." One of the 
 soldiers uttered a fierce exclamation, and gave the earthen 
 receptable a sudden kick, overturning it. 
 
 The young Englishman rolled out, and was roughly 
 jerked to his feet by his captor. We were disarmed in a 
 twinkling, and dexterously bound together with a leath 
 ern thong. 
 
 All this occupied less than a minute, but, from the ex 
 clamations of impatience from the mob, I knew that it 
 was time illy spared in their flight. None of the soldiers 
 made an attempt to address us, but confined their voices 
 to a ceaseless babble that would have been comical under 
 other circumstances.
 
 1 68 Captured and Carried Off. 
 
 As we were moving off, a Chinaman clad in the fanci 
 ful uniform of an officer in the Celestial army, came 
 hurrying up. He paused, gave us a quick glance, and 
 then addressed an order in an undertone to our guards. 
 
 Then ensued a brief explanation, at the expiration of 
 which we were roughly thrust forward in the path of the 
 fleeing hosts. A couple of privates armed with our 
 swords proceeded to utilize the weapons in a manner most 
 painful to us. 
 
 The sundry jabs had an effect, and we hastened along 
 at an undignified trot. When we emerged from the 
 wooded valley, darkness had fallen. A red tinge to the 
 sky proclaimed that the battle was still in progress. 
 
 "A deuced fine mess, this !" groaned Forbes. "Wonder 
 what the beggars mean to do with us?" 
 
 "It's a mystery to me," I replied. "Confound it! why 
 didn't we take Osaki's advice and keep out of the mis 
 chief?" 
 
 "It's too late to cry over spilled milk, don't you know. 
 There is a satisfaction in knowing that they would have 
 killed us at once if that had been their object." 
 
 "Don't be too sure of that. They may be saving us 
 for a worse fate." 
 
 "The deuce. What makes you think so, my dear fel 
 low ? This is not the western part of the country. These 
 people are not Indians, don't you know." 
 
 "The ignorant class of China are almost as bad," I re 
 plied, soberly. "They are taught to hate all foreigners, 
 and that feeling has not been improved by the war and 
 this last defeat."
 
 Captured and Carried Off. 169 
 
 ''Now, don't croak, Bennett." 
 
 "No; but it is well to look the facts squarely in the 
 face. This mob is fleeing from the Japs, and from all ap 
 pearances, the latter are in close pursuit. Now, it don't 
 seem reasonable that they would burden themselves with 
 a couple of prisoners without some good cause, does it?" 
 
 Forbes was silent for a moment. 
 
 "I presume you are right, old fellow," he finally re 
 plied, and his voice trembled slightly. "Gad! it's too 
 bad to shuffle off this mortal coil at the bidding of a 
 Chinaman." 
 
 "Oh, we are not done for yet by a great deal," I re 
 marked, with an attempt at cheerfulness. "While there 
 is life " 
 
 "Now, don't add to my misery by quoting platitudes," 
 interrupted my companion, plaintively. "The situation 
 is certainly bad enough as it is." 
 
 I was compelled to laugh at the coolness of the fellow 
 The sound brought a painful remonstance from my 
 guard and I speedily desisted. During the next two 
 hours we were fully occupied in keeping our feet while 
 marching across a series of paddy-fields, and little con 
 versation was attempted. 
 
 At the expiration of that time we came to a broad road. 
 It was thronged with fugitives all moving in the same 
 direction away from Ping An. 
 
 Luckily we escaped notice in the semi-darkness, and 
 were permitted to pass without insult. Our party split
 
 170 Captured and Carried Off. 
 
 up after a while, leaving only ten men, who had evi 
 dently been appointed guards by the Chinese officer we 
 saw at the ancient tomb. 
 
 The flight was continued during the whole night, and 
 when morning dawned we were ready to drop with fa 
 tigue. Shortly before daybreak I asked, by signs, for a 
 drink of water, but was rudely refused. 
 
 "That about settles it," I remarked to Forbes, with a 
 sigh. 
 
 "Settles what?" 
 
 "Our fate. If they intended anything but death, they 
 would show a little mercy to us." 
 
 "Do you think they will torture us?" 
 
 "Of course ; otherwise they would have killed us near 
 Ping An." 
 
 "Well, we won't die without a struggle," muttered the 
 young Englishman. "I for one intend to give a good ac 
 count of myself when they open the ball." 
 
 "And I am with you," I whispered. "By the way, 
 have you noticed that this thong is loosening a trifle ?" 
 
 Forbes gave a tug at the lashing when the guards were 
 not looking. Then his face fell, and he replied, discon 
 solately : 
 
 "No, you are mistaken, Bennett; it's tight as wax." 
 
 We had been bound together arm to arm, and our other 
 hands fastened to our sides. While walking along I had 
 felt the strip of leather "give" slightly, but, as it seems, 
 not enough to promise freedom.
 
 Captured and Carried Off. 171 
 
 In the course of an hour a halt was called on the bank 
 of a small stream. We were permitted to drink our fill 
 of the precious fluid, and then to rest for a brief period. 
 
 We were about to resume the march when a fresh co: - 
 tingent of fugitives, headed by several officers, can-.' 
 running along the road from the south. They were jadcu 
 and worn, but none of them stopped for water. 
 
 While passing, they shrieked out a whole string of sen 
 tences, which instantly filled our guards with alarm. V.'e 
 were driven back to the road at a run and hurried alor.g 
 at the heels of the newcomers. 
 
 "The Japs are coming," exclaimed Forbes. "Gad! I 
 hope they catch up with us !" 
 
 "I don't think it would help us any," I replied, between 
 gasps. "These villains would kill us at sight of them. 
 Whew! this is tough." 
 
 The first part of the journey was luxury compared 
 with what we were now compelled to undergo. The 
 news brought by the last party caused our guards to 
 travel at redoubled speed. The swords were called in f o 
 frequent use, much to our discomfort. 
 
 From the south came the dull rattle of musketry. The 
 sound spurred the fugitives to even greater efforts, and 
 the erstwhile ordinary flight became a veritable rout. 
 
 Encumbrances were thrown aside, and the broad road 
 which I afterward found to be the main highway be 
 tween China and the Corean capital was soon strewn 
 with muskets, spears, superfluous clothing and a thou 
 sand and one odds and ends of a military army.
 
 172 Captured and Carried Off. 
 
 But still with it all we were closely guarded, and 
 driven along as before. This implied that we were ex 
 tremely valuable prisoners, and it puzzled me. For what 
 fate were we reserved? 
 
 The answer was not long in coming.
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 IN WHICH WE PREPARE TO PLAY A DESPERATE GAME, 
 
 In the afternoon of the day following our capture by 
 the Chinese refugees from Ping An, a crisis occurred in 
 our flight. Both Forbes and myself were completely ex 
 hausted by lack of food and the long march, but the 
 young Englishman was in a far worse condition than I. 
 
 He held up bravely until shortly before dark. Then, 
 while stumbling forward, to escape the painful urging of 
 a sword in the hand of a guard, he fell over a stone in 
 the road and dragged me to the ground with him. 
 
 I was so benumbed with fatigue and starvation that I 
 lay as one dead by his side, unheeding the remonstrances 
 of the Chinese. After a hurried consultation, which 
 came to my ears as a droning babble, Forbes was freed 
 from his lashing, and placed upon an improvised 
 stretcher. 
 
 Then two stalwart soldiers picked me up, and the 
 march was resumed, but at a slower speed than before. 
 The rest thus gained revived me before many moments 
 had passed. 
 
 On glancing around, I noticed that our party had been 
 augmented by another, which included several officers of 
 minor rank. One of these approached me, and remarked, 
 in broken English :
 
 174 A Desperate Game. 
 
 "What you, Flenchman?'' 
 
 "No; I am an American," I replied. "I came from 
 New York." 
 
 "Melican flom New Yolk," he echoed, in evident sur 
 prise. Then, turning to our guards, he added some 
 thing in a high key. The effect of his communication 
 was rather startling. 
 
 Forbes' stretcher was dropped to the ground with such 
 force that he rolled out on all fours ; my attendants re 
 leased their hold, and then the entire mob engaged in an 
 animated discussion. 
 
 Paying little heed to them, I assisted the young Eng 
 lishman to regain his feet, rinding, to my relief, that he 
 had partially recovered. He still looked worn out, but 
 he was able to stand erect without aid. 
 
 "What in the deuce is up now, Bennett?" he asked, 
 faintly. 
 
 "I don't know," I replied, rather anxiously. "That 
 little fellow dressed in a subofficer's uniform asked me if 
 I was a Frenchman, and when I explained, he started 
 this racket." 
 
 "The beggars have evidently made some mistake about 
 us. They wouldn't have taken all this trouble without 
 they thought " 
 
 He was interrupted by the Chinese officer, who ap 
 proached us, followed by the guards. Several of the 
 latter had drawn their native swords in a menacing man 
 ner. 
 
 "What you?" asked the Celestial in authority, address 
 ing Forbes. "You Melican same as him?"
 
 A Desperate Game. 175 
 
 "No, I am an Englishman," replied the young cor 
 respondent. "What is the matter, John? What's the 
 row with these fellows?" 
 
 He spoke very coolly, much as one would ask concern 
 ing the state of the weather. His total lack of fear 
 seemed to impress the officer. Eying us narrowly for a 
 moment, he explained in substance that we had been mis 
 taken for a couple of young French engineers, whose 
 skill in constructing fortifications had reached the ears of 
 the Celestial authorities. 
 
 "And for that reason we have been brought here as 
 prisoners instead of being killed near Ping An?" I said, 
 quickly. 
 
 The Chinaman nodded. 
 
 "You talkee all light," he replied ; then he added, with 
 a careless wave of his hand : 
 
 "We killee you now. You no good to us. Slittee you 
 thloat with knife. You die allee same as plenty China 
 men die to-day." 
 
 "The deuce you say!" broke in Forbes. "Cut our 
 throats because we. are not Frenchmen ? That would be 
 foolish. We are military engineers, and could give 
 points to almost any one. If you kill us, my good fellow, 
 you would make a bad mistake." 
 
 I caught the young Englishman's cue instantly. Our 
 situation was desperate, and it behooved us to try every 
 possible means of escaping. The threatening attitude of 
 the guards showed that they were simply waiting the 
 signal to fall upon us. 
 
 "Engineers, fortifications?" I exclaimed, briskly.
 
 176 A Desperate Game. 
 
 "Why, that is just in our line. Where do you wish to 
 throw up earthworks, my man ? This part of the road is 
 too exposed, but that hill over there would suit very well. 
 Let me see ?" 
 
 The lashings having been removed from my arms when 
 Forbes fell, I was free to act. Producing my notebook, 
 I rapidly sketched several lines and angles with an air of 
 great wisdom. 
 
 The young Englishman glanced over my shoulder, and 
 pretended to criticise my work, at the same time whisper 
 ing, approvingly: 
 
 "That's it, Bennett; pull the wool over the beggars' 
 eyes. It is our only chance, and we may hoodwink them 
 after all." 
 
 "Who is the general in command of your army?" I 
 asked the officer, authoritatively. 
 
 "General Yeh," replied the fellow, hesitatingly. 
 
 "Where is he now?" 
 
 "He is gone ahead. He at Yalu by dis time. What 
 fol you askee me?" 
 
 "Take us to him at once," commanded Forbes. "I 
 know General Yeh. I met him in Pekin when I was 
 Consulting engineer to the British Minister. General 
 Yeh, eh? Wait until I see him! Gad! I'll have satis 
 faction for this insult!" 
 
 I had been watching the face of the subofficer. I saw 
 that he was visibly impressed by our action until Forbes 
 made the last remark, then he became sullen, and made 
 a threatening gesture. It was evident the young Eng-
 
 A Desperate Game. 177 
 
 lishman had gone too far. I made haste to placate mat 
 ters. 
 
 "No, it is not their fault," I exclaimed, nudging my 
 companion. "How could they tell our identity? It is a 
 great wonder we were not killed at first sight. Only 
 their great intelligence saved Us. We must inform Gen 
 eral Yeh of their bravery, and get them better positions." 
 
 "You are right," remarked Forbes, heartily. "I have 
 influence enough with the general to get our friend a high 
 billet in the army. But we must be moving or those 
 rascally Japs will catch us." 
 
 Coolly walking over to the stretcher, he motioned sev 
 eral of the guards to lift it from the ground. They 
 obeyed mechanically, and he resumed his former position. 
 
 I had hard work to keep from smiling. Retaining a 
 grave face, however, I drew the subofficer aside and 
 said, impressively: 
 
 "You will do well to take us to General Yeh at once. I 
 understand that he intends to rally the army on the op 
 posite bank of the Yalu River. In that case he will 
 throw up a number of earthworks, and will be glad of 
 our services." 
 
 It was a chance shot on my part, but I fortunately hit 
 the mark. As it happened, I had really stumbled on the 
 Chinese general's new plans, which was known to our 
 guards. 
 
 "If we takee you to Yalu you speakee to Genelal Yeh 
 fol us ?" slowly asked the Chinaman. 
 
 "Certainly ; and I can assure you that our word will go
 
 178 A Desperate Game. 
 
 a great way with those in authority. If not, you will 
 still have us in your power." 
 
 The last argument settled the matter. Bidding several 
 of his companions construct another stretcher, the fellow 
 soon had the party on the march once more, but this time 
 we were treated with honor instead of as prisoners. 
 
 It was comical to see the way in which Forbes "lorded* 7 
 it over his bearers. Stretched out at full length, he calmly 
 surveyed the surrounding scenery, and took his ease with 
 the air of a high mandarin. 
 
 I followed his example, going so far as to compel one 
 of the soldiers to bring me water from a neighboring 
 stream. After a while I beckoned to the English-speak 
 ing subofficer. 
 
 "Where did you learn the language?" I asked, curi 
 ously. "Have you been to America?" 
 
 "I in Melica thlee yea's. I washee-washee allee time. 
 Make plenty money, come back China. When Japan 
 make fight, high man takee my money, make me come 
 fight." 
 
 "You didn't care to join the army, then?" 
 
 The Chinaman looked at me in disgust. . That any 
 sane man would go to war of his own free will was be 
 yond his comprehension. He did not even consider the 
 question worthy of an answer, and stalked to the rear as 
 if further conversation with me was words thrown away. 
 
 Motioning my carriers to trot alongside the young 
 Englishman's stretcher, I exchanged views with him un 
 til a halt was called to enable the men to rest. We were
 
 A Desperate Game. 179 
 
 now alone in the road, the bulk of the fugitives having 
 disappeared in the distance. 
 
 Fear of the Japanese pursuers caused the guards to 
 resume before many minutes had expired. From then 
 until nightfall, nothing of interest occurred. 
 
 Shortly after dark, the subofficer whom Forbes had 
 named "Ghun Sling," after his favorite laundryman 
 left us, taking three soldiers with him. Presently he re 
 turned with a pot of rice and vegetables. This he di 
 vided impartially among all. 
 
 After partaking of this, our first meal that day, we set 
 out once more and traveled throughout the night. The 
 following day at sunrise found us within sight of the 
 broad Yalu River.
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 IN WHICH WE ARE RECEIVED WITH UNDUE WARMTH. 
 
 "Jove ! the beggars are going to make a stand here for 
 certain," was Forbes' first remark after we had reached 
 the river bank. "There must be twenty thousand pigtails 
 in that camp." 
 
 He pointed toward a stretch of level plain opposite to 
 where we were standing. It was fairly teeming with a 
 multitude of soldiers, who, from all appearances, were 
 rapidly constructing earthworks and more pretentious 
 forts. 
 
 The location seemed well calculated for defense, as it 
 commanded the river approaches, including the ford at the 
 crossing of the main highway. The stream was quite 
 broad, and seemed to move with a rapid current. Not a 
 boat of any kind was visible. 
 
 "We will have to wade, I suppose," I remarked, eying 
 the water askance. 
 
 "No, the soldiers will do that for us," cheerfully replied 
 the young Englishman. "But what stumps me is the re 
 ception we will meet with. This General Yeh will prob 
 ably order us decapitated at once." 
 
 "You speak as if you merely expected a 'hair-cut/ " I 
 replied, resentfully. 
 
 "If we do manage to escape, it will be a close shave,"
 
 We are Received. 181 
 
 chuckled Forbes. "All joking aside, my dear fellow, we 
 are in a bad box, don't you know. I don't know this 
 General Yeh from Li Hung Chang, and I am no more of 
 an engineer than old Ghun Sling himself." 
 
 "The outlook is not very promising," I acknowledged. 
 "All we can do is to keep a bold front, and try to hood 
 wink the general as we have fooled our guards." 
 
 "And if he don't take it, off goes our heads, eh?" 
 
 "We have escaped thus far, perhaps our good fortune 
 will continue." 
 
 "I hope so. ' If Osaki knew our whereabouts he'd try 
 to rescue us, I presume." 
 
 "He certainly would," I replied, emphatically. "Per 
 haps he is on his way here now. He must have discov 
 ered our absence last night." 
 
 "And spent all this morning looking over the field for 
 our bodies," added Forbes. "Well, if he does follow us, 
 I am afraid he'll arrive too late. The guards are getting 
 ready to cross now. In another hour we'll be taken be 
 fore the general." 
 
 "It is understood, then, that we carry on our engineer 
 ing pretenses?" I asked, hurriedly, as the soldiers ap 
 proached. 
 
 "Yes ; say you know all about laying out fortresses and 
 all that. If he believes us and sets us to work, we'll make 
 out somehow." 
 
 The subofficer came up and said that we would cross 
 at once. Forbes selected a stalwart coolly, and climbed 
 upon his shoulders with great sang froid. I did the same
 
 1 82 We are Received. 
 
 with another Celestial, and in half an hour we were 
 dropped on the other bank dry shod. 
 
 "You come to Genelal Yeh," said Ghun Sling, im 
 portantly. "He talkee you high chop. You tellee him- 
 about me, eh?" 
 
 "Surely," replied the young Englishman. "Guide us to 
 headquarters without delay. I am just dying to see my 
 old friend, the general." 
 
 "Perhaps you will die after seeing him," I could not 
 help whispering. "Ghun Sling told me this morning that 
 the general has been in a towering rage since leaving 
 Ping An, and that no one can speak with him." 
 
 "Pleasant lookout that," remarked Forbes, with a 
 whistle of dismay. 
 
 He cast a wistful glance at a pile of swords nearby, and 
 added : 
 
 "If we were only armed, don't you know. I would like 
 to give an account of myself if the worst comes." 
 
 "That's easily arranged," I replied, carelessly. "Ghun 
 Sling believes in us, from all appearances. Let's see if 
 he won't fit us out with weapons." 
 
 I hardly hoped for success while making the request, 
 but the subofficer instantly obeyed, giving each of us a 
 sharp-pointed sword. I saw Forbes grasp his weapon 
 with a gesture of great relief. 
 
 It was evident that Ghun Sling wished to placate us as 
 much as possible. Otherwise he would hardly have 
 armed us. I confess I had little hope of deluding the 
 Chinese general, and the possession of a means of defense 
 signified a great deal.
 
 We are Received. 183 
 
 Where we had left the river several hundred soldiers 
 were actively engaged in constructing a couple of forts. 
 An officer of high rank directed them, but his knowledge 
 of military engineering was superficial. 
 
 Some distance back an army of men was toiling upon 
 the unfinished walls of a stone fortress, and still farther 
 inland a round, towerlike fort had been almost completed. 
 
 In all directions could be seen soldiers at work. I was 
 early impressed by their lack of enthusiasm. It was 
 plainly apparent that only the fear of summary punish 
 ment prevented them from taking to their heels. Surely, 
 such a craven-hearted army deserved defeat. 
 
 Our appearance attracted little attention. Several of 
 ficers eyed us curiously, and one or two addressed our 
 guide, but his explanation seemed satisfactory. 
 
 In the interior of the largest earthworks we found the 
 general in command. He was surrounded by a host of 
 officials of all ranks, who were listening respectfully to 
 their superior officer. All eyes were turned to us when 
 we were led in by Ghun Sling, and during the momentary 
 silence I had a good opportunity to see the arbiter of our 
 new fortunes. 
 
 One glance settled the matter. There was little to be 
 expected save the worst from the cruel, evil-marked face 
 of the general. His narrow, slitlike eyes contracted at 
 sight of us, and he demanded an explanation in such a 
 harsh tone that poor Ghun Sling fell upon all fours and 
 kow-towed industriously. 
 
 "No hope here," muttered Forbes. "I am afraid we 
 are gone up, old fellow."
 
 184 We are Received. 
 
 "I'll have a try at the brute first," I replied, vindictively. 
 "He shall not murder us without a struggle." 
 
 The subofficer wasted no time in stating the facts in 
 the case. He must have enlarged on Forbes' claim about 
 meeting the general in Pekin, as I saw the latter give a 
 start of surprise and glare keenly at us. 
 
 Then he broke out in what must have been an angry 
 denial, and for a moment I thought we would be attacked 
 by the enraged officers. Our guide's face fell at the un 
 expected turn of affairs, and I saw him glance around, as 
 if meditating an ignominious flight. 
 
 I instinctively moved over toward the young English 
 man, and grasped my sword in readiness for an assault. 
 The action did not escape General Yeh. Springing to his 
 feet, he uttered a command in a voice of thunder. 
 
 A moment later the entire group of officials, reinforced 
 by Ghun Sling and a number of soldiers, rushed upon us. 
 Placing our backs to the thick wall, we stood on the de 
 fensive, and prepared to sell our lives as dearly as possible. 
 
 Just before the foremost of the officials reached us an 
 unexpected interruption took place.
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 IN WHICH I STUMBLE UPON A MYSTERY. 
 
 I was on the point of thrusting at a thick-jowled Celes 
 tial in a torn and mud-stained uniform, when the insti 
 gator of all the trouble General Yeh himself forced his 
 way through the throng, and fiercely bade us throw down 
 our weapons. 
 
 To my surprise, he spoke in excellent English. 
 
 "You are fools!" he said, harshly. "You cannot ex 
 pect to defeat twenty-five thousand soldiers." 
 
 "No; but we'll make some of you suffer before yield 
 ing," replied Forbes, boldly. 
 
 I expected an instant renewal of the attack, but instead 
 of giving the order, the general laughed as if highly 
 pleased. 
 
 "If I had a few hundred soldiers like you, those off 
 scourings from Japan would sneak back to their holes," 
 he said, abruptly. "Give up your swords; no harm will 
 come to you." 
 
 "With your kind permission, we will retain them," I 
 replied, coolly. "We take your word, sir, but there is no 
 telling what your soldiers will do." 
 
 General Yeh made an impatient gesture, and fiercely 
 dismissed his subordinates. I saw Ghun Sling signal us 
 from a distance, as if pleading for our aid at headquar-
 
 1 86 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 
 
 ters, and it convinced me that we really had won over the 
 formidable general. 
 
 It was an encouraging change from the previous mo 
 ment, and I resolved to make the most of it. Like all 
 tyrants, the commander of the defeated Chinese army was 
 vacillating. 
 
 Our desperate stand to him the acme of courage had 
 aroused his admiration. Accustomed to the cowardice of 
 his men, and not very brave himself, he probably thought 
 that we would form good material in the next battle with 
 the enemy, and for that reason he spared our lives. 
 
 When the last member of his official staff had disap 
 peared, he seated himself upon a block of stone and re 
 garded us fixedly. Forbes coolly examined his sword and 
 whistled a few bars from a recent opera. 
 
 "In his explanation that dog told me you were military 
 engineers," the general presently remarked. "Did he 
 lie?" 
 
 "No, sir," replied the young Englishman, striding up to 
 the speaker. "He told the truth. I am a graduate of 
 Aldershot, in England, and my friend is a practical fort 
 ress builder. We have the honor to offer our service to 
 you." 
 
 This unblushing assurance caused the general to smile 
 grimly. 
 
 "You are wise," he exclaimed. "Come ; I will put you 
 to the test at once. But let me add, if you fail to please 
 me, something very unpleasant will happen." 
 
 Turning his back to us, he crossed to an opening in the 
 wall and called a sentry.
 
 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 187 
 
 "Gad! we must fool the beggar this time," muttered 
 Forbes. "Do you know anything about military engi 
 neering, Bennett?" 
 
 "Nothing, absolutely," I replied. "I couldn't tell an 
 embrasure from a parapet. Do you ?" 
 
 "About as much. We will have to brazen it out. If 
 the general knows as little as we do, it will not be diffi 
 cult." 
 
 A moment later we were called to the opening, and then 
 escorted in person from one earthwork to another until 
 we had made the entire rounds. General Yeh did not 
 ask any questions until we reached the round, towerlike 
 fort previously mentioned. 
 
 It was situated on a slight elevation, some distance from 
 the river, and close to the main road. On all sides save 
 one, high hills, covered with dense forest, could be seen, 
 the highway winding in and out through tortuous valleys 
 between them. The location was well chosen for defense, 
 but I quickly saw that it would have little effect in guard 
 ing the ford. 
 
 While making the investigation with the general, I pre 
 tended to take notes in my book, adding a rude sketch 
 now and then. Forbes confined himself to an approving 
 grunt at odd intervals. 
 
 "Well, what do you say?" suddenly asked General Yeh. 
 "Have you any suggestions to make?" 
 
 "Plenty," I replied, curtly. 
 
 Forbes gave me a quick glance of approval. The gen 
 eral showed his teeth in an unpleasant smile, and asked, 
 sarcastically :
 
 1 88 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 
 
 "So you have discovered defects in the \vork of my 
 engineers, eh ? Are the forts badly put together ?" 
 
 "No, but they are badly situated, as a rule. This one 
 is all right as a place of last resort, but it does not com 
 mand the ford. Those earthworks over there represent 
 so much labor thrown away. If you take my advice you 
 will throw up a line of breastworks clear across the road, 
 and for five hundred yards on each side. 
 
 "Then mount in them all your machine guns and your 
 sharpshooters, if you have any. This done, plant three 
 or four long-range cannon on the nearest hill, and several 
 more up here." 
 
 The very audacity of this speech carried conviction. 
 General Yeh clapped his hands together, summoning an 
 aid. To him he gave an order, then turning to me, he 
 added, firmly : 
 
 "I see now that you are right. I will degrade my chief 
 of staff and make you the engineer in command. If our 
 next battle with the enemy results in our favor, your for 
 tune is made if it does not, you will lose your head." 
 
 The latter stipulation was not very pleasant to hear, but 
 I shrugged my shoulders as if such a contingency was out 
 of the question. I was rather surprised at the general's 
 ready acceptance of my criticisms, as the suggestions 
 were simply made at a venture. 
 
 While waiting for the officers he had summoned, Gen 
 eral Yeh asked various questions, to which I replied as 
 best I could. Forbes joined in with a condemnation of 
 the towerlike fort, which he stated was entirely useless. 
 
 "Not so," replied that Chinese official. "I had that
 
 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 189 
 
 constructed for my own safety. If those dogs capture 
 the outer works I will retreat to this fort and defy them." 
 
 "It won't hold your army, or one-tenth of it," I re 
 marked. 
 
 "It will hold me and my personal guard," was the in 
 different reply. "The rest can shift for themselves. I 
 hope the emergency won't arise for your sake." 
 
 The last part of the sentence was uttered in such a 
 brutal tone that I could hardly keep my temper. It was 
 evident that our lives depended upon the outcome of the 
 next encounter with the Japanese forces. 
 
 "It is a very slender reed to depend on," I thought. "It 
 behooves us to escape before that event, as the Japs will 
 surely be the victors." 
 
 "Here comes my engineer," suddenly remarked the gen 
 eral, indicating a fat, waddling Celestial, clad in gorgeous 
 robes. "I'll place him under your orders at once. If he 
 objects, off goes his head. You can have all the help you 
 need, and all you will have to do is to give your orders." 
 
 "In that case I wiil need some person to translate them," 
 I replied, reflectively. "That subofficer who brought us 
 before you understands English. Why not promote him 
 to the position of aide-de-camp ?" 
 
 "It is done," promptly replied the general. Then ad 
 dressing the native engineer, he peremptorily dismissed 
 him with a few sonorous phrases. I saw the fellow leer 
 at me, then he shambled away in haste. 
 
 "He didn't like his dose," whispered Forbes. "I rather 
 think he'd make it warm for us if he had a chance, don't 
 you know."
 
 190 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 
 
 "I wouldn't be surprised. We'll keep out of his way 
 until we find an opportunity to escape from this place. It 
 won't do to wait very long, either, as the Japs may attack 
 any day." 
 
 At that moment our former guide, Ghun Sling, came 
 up bowing, with extreme humility, to the general. He 
 was acquainted with his promotion, and I saw that it 
 pleased him immensely. It soon became evident that we 
 had made one friend. 
 
 "I thankee you vely much," he said, after General Yeh 
 had withdrawn to his quarters. "Bimeby I pay you 
 plenty chop." 
 
 Ghun Sling bobbed his head knowingly while speaking, 
 and ended with a prolonged wink. His actions encour 
 aged me to hope that we might rely on his assistance in 
 case of an emergency, and I signaled Forbes to cultivate 
 him as much as possible. 
 
 An hour later we were hard at work supervising the 
 construction of the new fortifications. It was evident, 
 from the eagerness with which the subordinate officers 
 and soldiers obeyed our orders, that General Yeh had 
 issued strict commands to that effect. 
 
 Once during the day we caught a glimpse of the de 
 posed chief military engineer, but he fought shy of us. 
 When night came we were provided with quarters in the 
 round fort. A cordon of sentinels not far away indicated 
 that we were prisoners still. 
 
 That evening Forbes and I talked over several plans of 
 escape, but we could not come to any decision. We 
 agreed upon one thing that Ghun Sling's assistance was
 
 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 191 
 
 imperative. Daybreak found us again at work. Shortly 
 before noon, while talking with the subofficer concerning 
 the moving of several heavy cannon, he slipped close to 
 me and whispered : 
 
 "If I tellee you something you no tellee Genelal Yeh? 
 It about you." 
 
 Suspecting that he was in possession of some important 
 information, I called to Forbes who was in another part 
 of the earthwork and told Ghun Sling to proceed. He 
 waited until the young Englishman had joined us, and 
 then said, impressively : 
 
 "You in gleat danger. Bad man whose job you took 
 makee high chop plan to killee you. He slittee you thloat 
 plenty quick." 
 
 "The deuce you say!" exclaimed Forbes, exchanging 
 glances with me. "When is that delightful ceremony to 
 take place ?" 
 
 "Don't know; maybe to-night. Fellow told me Man 
 darin Ching dat his name pay thlee, five Chinamen to 
 kill you. You lookee out." 
 
 "By Jove! I think we will," I said, hurriedly. "I 
 thought the beggar would hold malice because we super 
 seded him, but I didn't expect trouble so quickly. Ghun 
 Sling, you are a friend of ours ?" 
 
 The subofficer nodded his head decisively. 
 
 "Well, we must escape from camp this very night, and 
 I now ask you to help us. I will pay you liberally, and 
 you can come with us if you wish to. What do you say ?" 
 
 "I do it," promptly replied the Chinaman. "I know 
 way flom camp to coast. Bimeby when you go sleep you
 
 192 I Stumble Upon a Mystery. 
 
 wait me. Sabe ? I come outside big flot and makee noise 
 likee owl. Den you come plenty quick." 
 
 Overjoyed at the prospect of leaving our perilous situ 
 ation, Forbes and I worked industriously until nightfall, 
 and then retired to await anxiously Ghun Sling's signal. 
 
 A few moments after entering our quarters in the round 
 fort, a summons came for me from General Yeh. I 
 obeyed in haste, and, after answering a number of ques 
 tions regarding the work, I returned to the little tent 
 which the young Englishman and I occupied. 
 
 To my surprise, I found it empty. Going outside, I 
 called his name softly, but without result. A hurried 
 search of the uncompleted fort revealed nothing. Ex 
 cited and unnerved, I re-entered it, when the mournful 
 hoot of an owl sounded beyond the breastworks. Drop 
 ping- the lantern, I hastened in that direction, and a mo 
 ment later stumbled across the body of a man lying almost 
 underneath the parapet. 
 
 Quickly striking a match, I glanced at the upturned 
 face. It was the subofficer, Ghun Sling, dead, and rest 
 ing upon the inanimate body was Forbes' sword covered 
 with blood!
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 IN WHICH I MAKE GOOD MY ESCAPE FROM CAMP. 
 
 On catching sight of the young Englishman's sword 
 with the bloodstains bedimming its bright blade, I recoiled 
 in horror. What did it all mean? Who had killed the 
 subofficer ? 
 
 Lighting another match, I picked up the weapon and 
 examined it carefully. I was not mistaken. I knew by 
 its peculiar handle that it was the one worn by Forbes not 
 an hour previously. 
 
 "My heavens! he could not have no, it is simply im 
 possible," I muttered, shocked at my own suspicions. 
 
 Suddenly a slight noise in a neighboring bush caused 
 me to step toward the entrance I had just quitted. It 
 was well I did, as a steel-pointed lance came whizzing 
 through the air, striking the stone face of the fort with a 
 resounding clang. 
 
 "Ah; you assassins, you are afraid to use firearms !" I 
 exclaimed, aloud, forgetting all discretion in my anger. 
 
 Another spear struck at my feet, and then, just as I 
 dodged behind the thick wall, several more shot past me. 
 Deeming it better to leave such warm quarters without 
 delay, I darted across the fort and slipped through a nar 
 row porthole on the opposite side. 
 
 Hearing footsteps behind, I took to my heels and ran
 
 194 My Escape from Camp. 
 
 toward the river bank, arousing several sentries on the 
 way. They immediately gave the alarm, and in an in 
 stant the camp was in an uproar. 
 
 Crouching beneath a gun carriage, I deliberated 
 whether to claim protection from General Yeh or attempt 
 an escape. I speedily decided in favor of the latter. 
 Forbes had disappeared, Ghun Sling was dead, so to re 
 main would mean a friendless waiting until the coming 
 of the Japanese forces would decide the question of life 
 or death. 
 
 "Better trust to luck," I muttered, slipping from my 
 hiding-place. "It hasn't failed me yet." 
 
 Flaring torches in the hands of a hundred soldiers cast 
 an unwelcome light upon the scene, but I managed to 
 reach the new breastworks lining the river front without 
 discovery. A moment later I was on the outer side, 
 wading knee-deep down the stream. 
 
 Then, just as a keen -eyed soldier espied me, I gained a 
 sufficient depth and disappeared beneath the surface. A 
 faint rattle of musketry came to my ears, and I felt the 
 water agitated by the leaden bullets, but none struck me. 
 
 Finally forced upward for air, I managed it so that 
 only my face showed above the surface, then diving 
 again, I swam with the current. After a while I ven 
 tured a cautious glance, and found to my great joy, that 
 I was far below the camp. 
 
 Behind, and just dimly visible, was a red glow marking 
 the site of General Yeh's fortifications. Presently a bend 
 in the river caused even that to vanish, and I was alone 
 in darkness on the broad bosom of the Yalu.
 
 My Escape from Camp. 195 
 
 For a moment a feeling of exultation at my successful 
 escape took possession of me ; then I began to realize the 
 seriousness of my situation. Floating down the river in 
 the extreme northern part of Corea, with the probability 
 of meeting Chinese camps at any turn, was not very 
 pleasant, to say the least. 
 
 Then I was unarmed, a fugitive from the Japanese, sep 
 arated from my few friends, and progressing toward the 
 open sea at the rate of five knots an hour. 
 
 The latter could be remedied, anyway, and I proceeded 
 to do so without delay. Ten minutes previous the moon 
 had struggled from behind a bank of clouds, throwing a 
 sufficient light upon the scene to bring out in faint relief 
 both banks of the river. 
 
 I noticed with some alarm that the stream had broad 
 ened considerably. It appeared to be at least several 
 miles in width, and was becoming rather turbulent under 
 the force of a strong breeze. 
 
 Turning over, I struck out for the nearest bank, and 
 finally managed to crawl from the water. After resting a 
 while, I walked slowly along the edge of the river, un 
 decided what to do next. 
 
 "There isn't any use in staying here," I murmured. 
 "It's too near the main roads, and I am liable to be 
 picked up by some wandering band of Chinese refugees 
 at any moment. Guess the coast is the safest place. I 
 may strike a port there." 
 
 I accordingly prepared for a long walk by removing 
 my clothes and wringing the water from each garment.
 
 1 96 My Escape from Camp. 
 
 A lucky precaution had caused me to wrap my note 
 book in oiled silk, so it had escaped injury. 
 
 "I'll have use for you before long," I said aloud, care 
 fully examining the leather-backed volume. "If all 
 goes well I'll cover about fifty pages of you in a most 
 interesting dispatch. Heigho, I wonder if the Associa 
 tion has rceived my message from Shanghai yet ?'' 
 
 That led me to think of my Japanese friend, Osaki. 
 Although personally worth very little money, I would 
 have given every cent and six months' salary in addi 
 tion if he had popped into view from some bush just 
 then. 
 
 "He thinks that I am dead, and has rejoined the army 
 by this time, I suppose," I muttered, rather bitterly. 
 "Well, I am worth a whole graveyard full of defuncts 
 yet. Here goes for the coast." 
 
 Striking out along the bank of the river, I walked 
 steadily for several hours. My thoughts kept pace 
 with my steps, and I recalled and elaborated numerous 
 incidents of the past few days. 
 
 Finding that the -moon gave sufficient light, I halted 
 presently and jotted down the outlines of a long dis 
 patch. The longer I wrote the more interested I be 
 came, until finally I found that I had fairly covered the 
 ground. A description of poor Jack Bunce's end and 
 the mysterious disappearance of Alfred Montague 
 Forbes was not forgotten. 
 
 The latter was a very perplexing subject. I could 
 not bring myself to believe that he had caused the
 
 My Escape from Camp. 197 
 
 death of Ghun Sling, although the circumstances cer 
 tainly pointed in that direction. 
 
 "What could be his object?" I asked, aloud, resum 
 ing the journey along the river bank. "It would not 
 help him to escape without " 
 
 I paused, struck with a sudden thought. 
 
 "What if the subofficer had turned traitor, and 
 Forbes had killed him to keep from being captured?" 
 
 It was plausible. Perhaps the young Englishman 
 had heard the signal while I was with General Yeh, had 
 gone outside to ask Ghun Sling to wait, and had been 
 set upon by the men hired by the deposed engineer. 
 In his anger and desperation, he had probably turned 
 on the subofficer and killed him. 
 
 "If such was the case, it served the traitor right," I 
 muttered. "And I hope Forbes made his escape." 
 
 An hour later I saw a few scattered lights ahead. It 
 did not require much investigation to discover that I 
 had stumbled upon a town of considerable size. Men 
 tally recalling a map of the neighborhood, I knev^ that 
 it was the port of Wi-Ju, which was still in the hands of 
 the Chinese forces. 
 
 To advance was utterly out of the question, and to 
 skirt the city would entail great risk. Only one method 
 of passing remained, and that was to float down the 
 river. That point settled, I hastily selected the trunk 
 of a fallen tree and launched it from the bank. Then 
 plunging in, I concealed myself in the trailing branches. 
 
 The rus was thoroughly successful, and I drifted 
 past the town without discovery. Finding the situation
 
 198 My Escape from Camp. 
 
 not uncomfortable, I concluded to stick to the log for 
 a while. The night waned rapidly, and when morning 
 dawned I was still floating with the current. Not far 
 below I caught sight of the open sea. I was near the 
 mouth of the great river. While glancing in that direc 
 tion, I suddenly observed something that caused me to 
 toss up my arms in frantic delight.
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 IN WHICH I WITNESS A NAVAL BATTLE AND MEET AN OLD 
 
 FRIEND. 
 
 Steaming around the southern point of the estuary 
 was a large black-painted transport, apparently crowded 
 with men. Following in its wake came another, and 
 behind that several more, until at last I counted eight 
 vessels. 
 
 My joy vanished when I espied the yellow flag of 
 China floating over the stern of each craft. Seeking 
 refuge on board such a fleet would mean tumbling from 
 the frying-pan into the fire. 
 
 Even if I had entertained such an idea, I speedily saw 
 that it would be impossible. For some reason the 
 squadron of transports was in a desperate hurry. 
 Dense columns of smoke poured from the funnels, their 
 glistening hulls trembled under the strain, and every indi 
 cation pointed to a frantic haste. 
 
 Seeing that one of the steamers would pass near me, 
 I lowered myself among the branches and waited in si 
 lence until the vessel had gained a safe distance. A 
 few moments later I ascertained the cause of their 
 speed. 
 
 Out in the offing suddenly appeared the masts of 
 another fleet. When the hulls cleared the horizon, I
 
 2OO I Witness a Naval Battle. 
 
 saw that it was composed of war vessels. They, too, 
 were under all steam, and at first I thought it was a 
 Japanese squadron. 
 
 A glimpse of the peculiarly shaped ensigns bearing 
 the dragon fit symbol of a barbarous race proclaimed 
 their identity. They also were Chinese. Completely 
 puzzled, I awaited developments. 
 
 Steaming within a mile of me, the squadron wheeled 
 and stood out to sea again just as several blotches of 
 smoke appearing above the distant rim of the sea indi 
 cated the approach of still another fleet. 
 
 This time I understood matters. The transports, 
 bearing reinforcements for the Chinese Army and es 
 corted by a strong convoy, had been chased by the Jap 
 anese. The vessels of the Celestial Navy had seen 
 their charges safe into the broad mouth of the Yalu, 
 and were now outward bound to give battle to the 
 enemy. 
 
 As it stood I was in a fair way to witness a naval en 
 gagement, and I waxed highly enthusiastic. Abandon 
 ing my log, I swam ashore and hurried to a promontory 
 overlooking the estuary. 
 
 Selecting an advantageous position, I whipped out 
 my notebook and prepared to do a novel bit of re 
 porting. 
 
 "It isn't every correspondent that can have such a 
 chance," I chuckled, adjusting my pen. "What a glori 
 ous 'beat' I'll score against the Britishers if I suc 
 ceed in sending my dispatches. Stanley Bennett, you 
 are favored of the gods, my boy."
 
 I Witness a Naval Battle. 201 
 
 While waiting for the performance to begin, I noticed 
 a small coasting vessel rigged very similar to an Ameri 
 can schooner, creeping along the shore. Its presence 
 excited my curiosity, as it was not the kind of craft one 
 would expect to meet near the mouth of the Yalu. 
 
 It was standing in under easy sail, and seemed to be 
 waiting for something. Those on board had every op 
 portunity to steer their vessel into the river, but for 
 some reason did not do so. 
 
 The muffled sound of a heavy gun again drew my at 
 tention to the war fleets, and I forgot the mysterious 
 schooner for the time being. 
 
 The rival squadrons were rapidly approaching each 
 other. The leading Chinese vessel a formidable bat 
 tleship flying an admiral's pennant had already com 
 menced firing. 
 
 I saw a heavy shell from one of her guns skip across 
 the water and explode within a short distance of the 
 Japanese flagship. It was not heeded. A few mo 
 ments later another Celestial cruiser let fly with a whole 
 broadside. 
 
 When the smoke cleared away, I saw the Japanese 
 vessels calmly steaming toward their antagonists and ap 
 parently untouched. As yet not a gun had been fired 
 by them. 
 
 "Jove ! they must intend to follow the example of the 
 hero of Bunker Hill," I muttered, "and not pull a trig 
 ger until they can see the whites of the enemy's eyes. 
 It's certainly splendid tactics."
 
 202 I Witness a Naval Battle. 
 
 The silent, irresistible march of the Japs had an im 
 mediate effect. The right flank of the Chinese, which 
 had been hurrying forward in obedience to a signal, 
 wavered and broke. 
 
 Then the first division took fright and ceased steam 
 ing. This led to an entanglement with the second line 
 of ships, and instantly the utmost confusion ensued. I 
 saw a string of flags soar aloft on the Chinese flagship, 
 but the maneuver called for was not obeyed. 
 
 Still the Japs advanced with unbroken front. 
 
 "Fire, confound it!" I cried, brandishing my book in 
 excitement. "Give them a volley now, while they are 
 rattled. Now is the " 
 
 Crash! boom! 
 
 As if in obedience to my eager words, a thunderous 
 discharge echoed across the water, and an impenetrable 
 wall of smoke hid the battling fleets. It did not lift, 
 and all that met my gaze were the sharp, vivid flashes of 
 the guns, and an occasional glimpse of a towering mast. 
 
 The Japanese had opened fire at last. 
 
 For fully ten minutes the scene was veiled in a sul 
 phurous vapor. I could hear the stupendous crashing 
 of cannon, the whistling shriek of shells, and at times 
 when the wind served, faint wails of agony, but naught 
 could I see save that dull barrier of smoke resting like 
 a pall over the water. 
 
 It was a strange and, withal, thrilling situation, and it 
 recalled to me those familiar words of Longfellow :
 
 I Witness a Naval Battle. 203 
 
 "I remember the sea-fight far away, 
 
 How it thundered o'er the tide ! 
 And the dead captains, as they lay 
 In their graves o'erlooking tHe tranquil bay, 
 
 Where they in battle died." 
 
 That many a poor fellow would go to his last rest be 
 fore the combat ceased was assured. Presently I no 
 ticed a Chinese gunboat, stripped of its top-hammer and 
 on fire in several places, drift away from the center of 
 the fight. 
 
 It seemed to be entirely disabled and apparently sink 
 ing. The trend of the sea carried it slowly toward the 
 point of land upon which I had taken my stand, and at 
 the end of ten minutes it was almost ashore. 
 
 The crew had taken refuge near the stern, where they 
 could be seen attempting to lower a couple of boats. 
 Suddenly a Japanese cruiser of small size shot into 
 view, and steamed rapidly toward the wreck. 
 
 A moment later a puff of smoke came from her bow. 
 A shower of glistening splinters rose above the gun 
 boat's forward deck, then with a terrific crash the bow 
 was hurled upward, scattering a mass of debris over the 
 Chinese crew. 
 
 Frantic with fear, a number leaped into the sea. 
 Part were drowned before my eyes, and part managed 
 to struggle up on the beach. Hastily thrusting my 
 notebook into a pocket, I rushed down to the water's 
 edge and assisted five or six of the poor wretches to a 
 place of safety. 
 
 They were completely exhausted, and lay on the 
 sand as if dead. Seeing a head bobbing in the water a
 
 2O4 I Witness a Naval Battle. 
 
 dozen yards below, I ran in that direction with the in 
 tention of giving aid to the swimmer. Before I had 
 taken many steps, however, he disappeared, doubtless 
 carried under by diverse currents. 
 
 I paused with the intention of returning to the point. 
 Chancing to glance seaward, I caught sight of a small 
 sailing vessel emerging from behind a slight eminence 
 some distance down the beach. It was the schooner 
 already mentioned. 
 
 At almost the same moment a murmur of voices 
 came to my ears from inland. Wheeling quickly, I saw 
 a number of Chinese burst from a thicket and advance 
 toward me. Not caring to encounter them for obvious 
 reasons, I took to my heels. 
 
 A swift glance behind convinced me that I had acted 
 with discretion, as the whole mob were in pursuit. I 
 had fortunately started in a southerly direction, so I 
 had the whole Corean peninsula before me. 
 
 With loud shouts and cries of rage the newcomers 
 followed, straining every nerve to overtake me. I had 
 a good start, however, and was confident of outrunning 
 them if no accident occurred. After a while I ventured 
 a glance toward the rear, and saw, to my surprise, that 
 the band of Celestials had halted. 
 
 The reason was soon forthcoming. A short distance 
 from the shore the strange schooner lay to with her 
 sails slatting in the wind, and between her and the 
 beach was a small rowboat containing several men. It 
 was headed directly toward me, and had evidently come 
 from the vessel.
 
 I Witness a Naval Battle. 205 
 
 Hoping against hope, I waited impatiently, mean 
 while keeping a wary eye on the Chinamen. A few 
 moments later the light craft had arrived near enough 
 for me to distinguish the faces of those in the stern- 
 sheets. 
 
 One person in particular attracted my attention. I 
 advanced to the water's edge, and then, with a shout of 
 joy, rushed up to my middle in the foaming breakers. 
 I had good cause for exhibiting emotion. 
 
 It was Osaki!
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 IN WHICH WE RUN INTO WARM QUARTERS. 
 
 Not waiting for the boat to make a landing, I scram 
 bled through the surf at the cost of several bruises, and 
 was soon alongside the yawl. Willing hands dragged 
 me over the gunwale, and then I received such a greet 
 ing from the young Japanese officer that tears came 
 into my eyes and I am not ashamed to confess it. 
 
 The sight of his friendly face was almost a recom 
 pense for all the hardships I had undergone since part 
 ing with him near Ping An. 
 
 "Not a word yet, old fellow," interrupted Osaki, 
 when I started to ask several questions. "Wait until 
 we return to the Messenger, then we will have a good 
 talk. Thank Heaven, I recognized you through the 
 telescope an hour ago!" 
 
 I echoed his fervent words with equal heartiness. 
 
 "The Messenger?" I added, in surprise. "Is that the 
 name of the schooner?" 
 
 "Yes, and she is an American vessel," replied the 
 young officer, with a smile. "It astonishes you to find 
 one of your craft up here, don't it? Wait a while and 
 I'll explain everything. Pull, men, pull away; we must 
 get nearer to the fight." 
 
 In the excitement at meeting Osaki I had almost for-
 
 Into Warm Quarters. 207 
 
 gotten the naval battle. It was still in progress, but 
 the firing had slackened considerably. The two fleets 
 had also drifted into the broad mouth of the Yalu 
 River, and were almost hidden from sight by the point 
 of land from which I had witnessed the beginning of 
 the combat. 
 
 A short pull brought us to the schooner's gangway. 
 On climbing over the side I noticed that every member 
 of the little crew was evidently an American. A 
 stocky-built man with sandy whiskers met us in the 
 waist. 
 
 "I was right, Captain Roach," exclaimed Osaki, in 
 dicating me with a wave of his hand. "It is my friend, 
 Stanley Bennett." 
 
 "Then I have lost the bet," replied the skipper, in a 
 deep, sonorous voice, "and right glad I am, too. 
 Young man, shake. This gentleman tells me that you 
 are an American from New York." 
 
 "That is so, sir, and you, I take it, are from the 
 States?" 
 
 " 'Frisco. I am out here on a venture and " 
 
 "Excuse me, captain, but I wish you would get un 
 der way at once," suddenly interrupted the young of 
 ficer. "Run as close to the fight as you can with 
 safety. In the meantime I'll have a talk with my friend. 
 I see he is almost frantic with curiosity. Come aft, 
 Bennett." 
 
 "Now, the very first thing I wish to know is whether 
 you succeeded in sending that dispatch?" I asked, 
 eagerly.
 
 so8 Into Warm Quarters. 
 
 "Don't let that worry you, my dear friend," replied 
 Osaki. "It must have been in print in the United 
 States yesterday. It was sent from Kiang Tsin by 
 steamer the very night I left you at Ping An." 
 
 "By steamer?" I echoed, in profound surprise. 
 "How in the deuce did you manage to charter a 
 steamer? This is simply wonderful." 
 
 "Oh, no, it isn't. Money can do almost anything, 
 you know. You intrusted me with a liberal amount, 
 and I used some of it to grease the palms of a certain 
 deck officer on board an English steamer bound to 
 Yokohama." 
 
 "Then you didn't send the message to Shanghai, after 
 all ?" 
 
 "No; I thought that it would go more quickly in the 
 manner just mentioned." 
 
 "You were right. My agent at Yokohama under 
 stands the cipher. By Jove! I feel relieved in mind. 
 Now, old fellow, explain your most fortunate presence 
 here." 
 
 "No, not until you tell me how you happen to be in 
 the northern part of Corea instead of on that hill where 
 I was to, meet you. What did I tell you about running 
 around and getting into mischief? And, by the way, 
 where is Forbes?" 
 
 Osaki spoke in a tone of mock severity. 
 
 "I'll answer the last question first," I replied, gravely. 
 "I am afraid he has gone to join poor Jack Bunce." 
 
 "What! Not dead?" 
 
 Commencing with our capture in the cemetery near
 
 Into Warm Quarters. 209 
 
 Ping An, I explained briefly all that had taken place, 
 including the mysterious disappearance of the young 
 Englishman. 
 
 Osaki listened in amazement. 
 
 "For goodness' sake! it sounds like a fairy tale," he 
 exclaimed. "Do you mean to say that you have been 
 acting as a military engineer for General Yeh?" 
 
 "Yes, and with some success too, I pride myself." 
 
 "It is wonderful. Why, he was never known to 
 spare a prisoner. I have heard since that during his 
 flight from Ping An, he came across a Japanese field 
 hospital and butchered every one in it, including a num 
 ber of his own men, whom my people had picked up 
 hiring the battle." 
 
 t doubt it after seeing his cruel 
 face. I am well out of his clutches, and I hope that 
 poor Forbes is also." 
 
 "His disappearance, as you describe it, is certainly 
 strange. He must have killed that sub-officer for 
 treachery, as you say. Well, if he did not get away, 
 the British Press Association has lost its correspond 
 ent at the seat of war, and you are without a rival in 
 the field." 
 
 "I would much rather have one than to feel that 
 Forbes has lost his life," I replied, frankly. "Now for 
 your explanation. Where did you pick up this craft?" 
 
 "At Kiang Tsiu. After sending your dispatch, I 
 returned in Kaste to Ping An and found the city in the 
 hands of my people. Crossing the river, I searched in 
 the vicinity of the hill, but of course did not meet you."
 
 2io Into Warm Quarters. 
 
 "By that time we were on the road to the Yalu." 
 
 "Fearing some mishap, I visited all the hospitals," 
 continued Osaki, with a smile. "But neither your 
 gory bodies nor any signs of you did I find. At last, 
 by the merest chance, I ran across a Chinese prisoner 
 who had seen you and Forbes captured at the tomb, 
 which, by the way, is where Ki Cha, the founder of 
 Corea, is buried." 
 
 "I thought it was some great man from the rich 
 ness of the ornaments. I apologize to him for profan 
 ing his jars, but they were mighty convenient hiding- 
 places." 
 
 "After learning the truth, I was on the point of 
 following you, when a friend told me that it would be 
 well for me to absent myself, as word had come about 
 that little affair near Seoul, when I escaped from the 
 guardhouse to liberate you. Knowing that I was in 
 danger of arrest, I returned to Kiang Tsiu and char 
 tered this schooner, which was at anchor in the har 
 bor." 
 
 "And your intention was " 
 
 "To sail up the- Yalu and rescue you if your life had 
 been spared." 
 
 "Thanks, old friend," I exclaimed, fervently. "In the 
 darkest hour of our peril I know that you, at least, 
 would make an effort to help us. Now what is your 
 plan?" 
 
 "First of all, to witness this fight. Oh, Bennett, my 
 rightful place is on the deck of one of those battle- 
 ?hips. It is a cruel fortune that has made me helpless
 
 Into Warm Quarters. 211 
 
 and a fugitive from my own people when Heaven 
 knows that I would die in defense of Japan. Now I 
 am compelled to stand off and see my comrades fight 
 the enemy." 
 
 "It is hard indeed, Osaki," I replied, sympathetic 
 ally. "I would do anything to help you. Perhaps 
 when this war is over I can do something. I will 
 go personally to your emperor. I will enlist the aid of 
 my employers, and through them, the people of the 
 United States, and if it is possible, you will be righted. 
 Rest assured that your kindness and assistance to me 
 shall not go unrewarded." 
 
 We were interrupted at this interesting point by 
 Captain Roach, who came to announce that we had ar 
 rived as close to the combatants as safety would per 
 mit. For the next fifteen minutes we watched the wan 
 ing battle with eager eyes. 
 
 At the expiration of that time and just as it became 
 evident that a crisis was about to occur in the fight, an 
 unexpected incident placed us in momentary but deadly 
 peril. 
 
 Despite the carefulness of the skipper, he had per 
 mitted the schooner to drift dangerously near the two 
 fleets. A sudden change in the maneuvering brought a 
 half-dozen of the Chinese ships close on our starboard 
 bow. A moment later a wooden corvette was forced 
 toward us by the wind, and to our horror, we saw 
 that she had been abandoned and was on fire in a 
 score of places.
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 IN WHICH THE SCHOONER IS SAVED. 
 
 Osaki was the first to see the danger. Quick as light 
 ning, he sprang to the wheel, and sent it spinning to star 
 board. 
 
 The schooner, which had been hove to, slowly paid off, 
 and gathered a slight headway. 
 
 In the meantime Captain Roach hurried forward, and, 
 aided by the crew, set both jibs and a staysail. Scant as 
 was my knowledge of seamanship, I could readily under 
 stand that even these extraordinary efforts could hardly 
 help us, as the burning cruiser was bringing the win-! 
 down with it; which means that the breeze, which ha-,1 
 died out a few moments previous, now began to blow 
 from a northerly direction, or beyond the combating 
 fleets. 
 
 By the time the edge of the wind had reached us, the 
 fire ship was within two hundred yards and moving rap 
 idly. Already we could feel the hot breath of the con 
 flagration. 
 
 Burning embers, blazing bits of sail cloth, and a shower 
 of sparks were blown in our direction, carrying danger 
 with every missile. Captain Roach, pallid with appre 
 hension, set his men to work with buckets extinguishing 
 the incipient fires springing up here and there.
 
 The Schooner is Saved. 213 
 
 Joining Osaki at the wheel, I asked if nothing could be 
 d:ne to save the schooner. For answer he cast a hesitat 
 ing glance at the yawl hanging from the quarter. 
 
 \Yhether it was an inspiration or whether my wits had 
 been sharpened by danger, I know not, but I instantly 
 understood his meaning. Running to the boat, I cast off 
 the ropes at one end, while the young Japanese followed 
 iry example at the other. 
 
 Not a word was said until Captain Roach rushed up 
 to ask the meaning of our actions. 
 
 "Getting ready to abandon the schooner?" he queried, 
 with an anxious glance toward the burning vessel. 
 
 "No," I curtly replied. 
 
 "We'll save your vessel for you, captain," added Osaki. 
 
 "What! You ain't going to board her, man?" shouted 
 the skipper, aghast. 
 
 "Just that. If we can manage to reach the tiller we 
 may send her off a point or two." 
 
 "But she's liable to blow up at any moment. Come 
 back, I tell you. Don't risk your life like " 
 
 By that time we were out of hearing, pulling for dear 
 life toward the fireship. We were compelled to make a 
 sweeping detour to escape the flames that surged to lee 
 ward from the doomed vessel, but at last we managed 
 to near the stern, which was comparatively free from the 
 blaze. 
 
 I glanced at Osaki. His pale face and set teeth told 
 me more regarding our perilous work than words could, 
 yet I had no desire to flinch from my duty. We could 
 h?.v3 turned the yawl's bow toward the nearby shore and
 
 214 The Schooner is Saved. 
 
 thus escaped, but such a thought never entered my mind, 
 and I could vouch for the young Japanese officer as well. 
 
 Presently Osaki gave a quick turn of his oar, sending 
 the yawl under the cruiser's counter. 
 
 "Catch that rope dangling from the rail!" he called 
 out. "Quick ! make a half hitch to the bow ring. Whew ! 
 isn't it hot ?" 
 
 It was, as I could well testify. A sudden change in 
 the wind sent a scorching blast over our heads, fairly 
 singeing us. The heat was so terrific that we were driven 
 overboard in self-protection. 
 
 A moment later I saw Osaki slip up the counter like 
 a cat. I was on the point of following, but he motioned 
 me back, shouting: 
 
 "Get into the yawl and stand by to pick me up. The 
 breeze has shifted again, and I think I can get her past 
 the schooner if " 
 
 His voice died away in a mumble, but I knew what 
 he meant well enough. 
 
 He would get the cruiser past the Messenger if we 
 were not all blown up before that happy consummation 
 of our labors. 
 
 In the meantime the naval fight had slackened by de 
 grees. Only an occasional gun could now be heard, and 
 from all appearances they were fired from the Japanese 
 battleships. 
 
 While waiting for the young officer I glanced astern, 
 and saw that the fleets had entered the mouth of the Yalu 
 in their maneuvering ; the half-dozen Chinese vessels that 
 had neared us also edging away.
 
 The Schooner is Saved. 215 
 
 We were now alone with the blazing cruiser, and, to 
 tell the truth, I was not sorry. We were in ample peril 
 without adding a stray broadside to it. 
 
 Hearing a shout from Osaki, I looked up and saw 
 him waving his hand. The expression of relief upon his 
 face indicated that he had been successful in working 
 the wheel. 
 
 "Pull to windward," he shouted, "and pick me up 
 when I jump. I have lashed the wheel hard a-port, and I 
 think it will remain so until the fire reaches it. Stand by." 
 
 I sculled the yawl to the point he mentioned, and a mo 
 ment later he sprang into the sea. When he had finally 
 climbed into the boat we fell to at the oars and speedily 
 rowed the light craft to a safe distance. 
 
 By that time the effect of the rudder was such that the 
 cruiser had changed its direction materially. If nothing 
 occurred it would now pass entirely clear of the Messen 
 ger. 
 
 We could see Captain Roach bustling about with the 
 crew putting out fires here and trimming sails there. 
 He stopped presently, and waved his cap .to us. Slowly, 
 but surely, the burning vessel slipped past the schooner. 
 We followed in its wake, and boarded the latter craft. 
 
 "Gentlemen, I owe the safety of my property to you," 
 exclaimed the skipper, meeting us at the gangway. "If 
 it had not been for your bravery the old hooker would 
 now be a goner." 
 
 "Get under way and head for the river," said Osaki, 
 coolly. "What we did was as much for our own safety
 
 2i6 The Schooner is Saved. 
 
 as for yours. Come now, get your men on those ropes ; 
 I want to see the last of the battle." 
 
 "It's a strange thing about that craft," I remarked, 
 watching the cruiser as it drifted seaward. 
 
 "What do you mean ? v 
 
 "How is it she don't blow up ? There must be powder 
 and shells on board, and that fire must reach it " 
 
 Boom ! Crash-h-h ! 
 
 With a flash and a roar that seemed the crack of doom, 
 a terrific explosion interrupted me, sending every man 
 aboard the schooner headlong to the deck. Although 
 partially unconscious, I could feel the Messenger reel 
 over, over until the port bulwarks touched the water's 
 edge. 
 
 Then she righted, only to list to almost an equal dis 
 tance on the other side. After three or four such rolls 
 she became comparatively steady, pitching somewhat to 
 a head sea. 
 
 A perfect hail of debris fell upon the schooner's deck 
 for a brief moment, then the smoke and dust cleared 
 away, revealing to our startled eyes a broad space of 
 water literally covered with fragments of wood, bits of 
 sail, blocks and innumerable other objects. 
 
 The burning Chinese cruiser was gone. The fire had 
 at last reached the magazine. 
 
 A hurried inspection revealed the welcome fact that 
 none of us had been injured, a most fortunate escape 
 under the circumstances. 
 
 "I thought she would go up sooner or later," said 
 Osaki, rubbing a spot on his head which had been struck
 
 The Schooner is Saved. 217 
 
 with a piece of falling debris. "Lucky dogs we are to 
 have it postponed until now. Captain, please get under 
 way." 
 
 "I will that, and glad I am that I have a sail to hoist," 
 replied the skipper, hurrying forward. 
 
 By the time the mouth of the river was reached we 
 had entirely forgotten the explosion, and were looking 
 forward to fresh excitement. I made a brief note re 
 garding the affair, intending to elaborate it later on for 
 insertion in my next dispatch. 
 
 Since boarding the schooner I had found time, despite 
 the many thrilling events that had taken place, to reach a 
 decision having an important bearing on my role as a 
 war correspondent.
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 IN WHICH I RECEIVE STARTLING NEWS. 
 
 It was nothing less than a resolution to carry my own 
 message to Shanghai, and that just as soon as the Mes 
 senger's sails could waft us down the Yellow Sea. 
 
 First, however, I intended to gain the latest intelligence 
 concerning the naval battle now drawing to a close. By 
 so doing, I expected to be the first to send the news to 
 the United States. 
 
 Osaki received my plan with enthusiasm. 
 
 "Just the thing !" he exclaimed. 
 
 "You don't think I will miss any important battle?" I 
 asked. 
 
 "No. I have reason to believe that General Nodzu's 
 army will not reach the Yalu, where General Yeh is en 
 camped, for at least two weeks." 
 
 "What is the cause of the delay?" 
 
 "It seems that we lost considerable men at Ping An, 
 and then word has come from headquarters at Hiroshima 
 where the emperor is now stationed to await reinforce 
 ments before proceeding." 
 
 "That is certainly significant," I remarked, eagerly. 
 "Why, it must mean " 
 
 "The invasion of China by way of Moukdin," replied 
 the young Japanese, proudly.
 
 Startling News. 219 
 
 "And it also means that within three or four months 
 at the latest the flag of Japan will float from the royal 
 palace of Pekin." 
 
 "I truly hope so." 
 
 "Thanks ; I know you do, and that heartily. Now, my 
 friend, let me give you a bit of advice, or what your peo 
 ple quaintly call a 'pointer.' If you intend to visit one 
 of the Japanese battleships for news to-day, conceal your 
 identity thoroughly, or else you will be hauled up by the 
 heels." 
 
 "I'll go as a rich young American." 
 
 "I know a better disguise than that," said Osaki, re 
 flectively. "You had better palm yourself off as the mate 
 of this schooner. Don sailor clothing and take Captain 
 Roach with you as a blind." 
 
 "I'll do it," I replied, slapping him upon the back. 
 "Osaki, you are a diplomat. Now, what vessel had I bet 
 ter tackle?" 
 
 "The flagship, by all means. It is the only place you 
 will be able to secure authentic information. Look up 
 Commander Sato. He speaks English, and dotes on 
 Americans. But, whatever you do, don't mention my 
 name.. Ah ! the fight is over. Look at those Chinese ves 
 sels, how they are scampering ! If they would only show 
 as much energy in battle as they do in retreat we wouldn't 
 have such an easy thing of it." 
 
 We had rounded the point where I first witnessed the 
 massing of the rival fleets, and were now in a good posi 
 tion to watch the concluding events.
 
 220 Startling News. 
 
 There was not much to chronicle. We could see two 
 Chinese cruisers or gunboats ashore a short distance up 
 the river ; three others were in wild retreat to the north 
 ward, and two battleships were evidently trying their ut 
 most to do likewise. 
 
 The Japanese fleet soon ceased firing. A couple of 
 swift cruisers started in pursuit of the fleeing enemy, but 
 they returned before long. As far as we could see, the 
 Mikado's navy had escaped with little damage. 
 
 In the course of a couple of hours, I boarded the flag 
 ship, disguised as Osaki had suggested, and accompanied 
 by Captain Roach. We were regarded with evident sus 
 picion at first, but finally I succeeded in getting the gen 
 eral details of the engagement, including a list of the 
 ships of both fleets. 
 
 Shortly before sunset the bow of the Messenger was 
 turned toward the south, and every possible stitch of can 
 vas spread that the slender masts would carry. 
 
 The following morning found us clear of the land and 
 bowling along in front of a stiff norther. Captain Roach 
 handled his schooner like a yacht, and reeled off the knots 
 at the rate of twelve each hour. 
 
 At sunrise on the morning of the sixth day, the mouth 
 of the Yangtse Kiang River was sighted, and several 
 hours later the Messenger's anchor was dropped off Woo- 
 sung, a small town at the entrance of the river leading up 
 to Shanghai. 
 
 It had been decided that Osaki should remain in con 
 cealment on board the schooner, while I was to make the
 
 Startling News. 221 
 
 journey alone. This precaution was necessary because of 
 the vindictive nature of the Chinese along the coast. 
 
 Securing a small steam tender, I soon reached the for 
 eign "bund" on the outskirts of Shanghai. During the 
 voyage from the Yalu, I had carefully prepared my dis 
 patches, and was entirely ready to send them off just as 
 soon as I could communicate with my agent. 
 
 I had no trouble in finding him. A small sign over one 
 of the most pretentious counting houses lining the main 
 street told me that the firm of "Walton & Company" could 
 be interviewed within. 
 
 My card which I had carried through all my adven 
 tures proved an open sesame to Mr. Walton's inner of 
 fice. I found an old, gray-haired man, with a complexion 
 as yellow as any Chinaman's, seated at the principal desk. 
 
 He cleared the room of his secretary and clerks, and 
 motioned me to a chair. Then scrutinizing me closely, he 
 asked, with a peculiar smile: 
 
 "Is it possible you are the special war correspondent 
 of the Consolidated Press Association of the United 
 States?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," I replied, modestly. "That is my position 
 by the grace of Mr. Jared Parker." 
 
 "Humph! you are over young for such delicate work. 
 I am afraid Mr. Parker has made a mistake." 
 
 I felt my blood go in a wave to my face at this cool rev 
 mark. 
 
 "I beg your pardon, sir," I replied, endeavoring to keep 
 my temper, and finding it a very hard task. "I beg your
 
 222 Startling News. 
 
 pardon, sir, but do you speak with authority, or is it sim 
 ply your private opinion?" 
 
 "Tut! tut! young man, don't try to be sarcastic," re 
 torted Mr. Walton, reaching for a paper nestling in one 
 of the pigeon-holes of his desk. "I have a short cable 
 gram here from New York addressed to you. I have 
 also received several recent messages from Parker this 
 very morning." 
 
 "Concerning me?" I queried, with some foreboding. 
 
 "Yes, concerning one Stanley Bennett, special corre 
 spondent of the Press Association. Before I deliver it, 
 however, I want to ask you if you have any dispatches 
 for transmittal to New York?" 
 
 For answer I silently handed him a package containing 
 <letails of my adventures, and a thrilling account of the 
 battle of the Yalu. He hastily scanned the manuscript 
 and then sprang to his feet with an exclamation of ex 
 citement. 
 
 "The Japs and Chinese did fight, after all, eh ? And you 
 have full particulars here? Good! Only the most mea 
 ger information has reached the outside world concerning 
 the affair. This must go at once." 
 
 Ringing a bell he gave the papers to a clerk, and bade 
 him convert it into the proper cipher at once. Then 
 again turning to me, he added, meaningly : 
 
 "That dispatch will go far toward restoring you to 
 Parker's good graces, my boy." 
 
 "His good graces ?" I echoed, in bewilderment. "What 
 do you mean, sir? What has happened?"
 
 "I aimed a blow at the nearest of the enemy." See page 81.
 
 Startling News. 223 
 
 "It is not what has happened, but what did not happen. 
 Your description of the battle of Ping An, sent from 
 Yokohama on the twenty-first of September, was behind 
 a similar account published by the British Press Associa 
 tion just forty-eight hours!"
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 IN WHICH WE ARE BOARDED BY AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. 
 
 "Impossible!" 
 
 "Not so a fact." 
 
 "But the English correspondent was with me during 
 and after the fight," I insisted, utterly dumfounded by the 
 news. 
 
 "Then you know him?" 
 
 "Yes, his name is Alfred Montague Forbes. I would 
 stake my life that he did not send a dispatch concerning 
 the Ping An affair. It is simply impossible." 
 
 "Impossible or not, details of the fight, written on the 
 scene, were received and published in London forty-eight 
 hours before your message reached New York." 
 
 "Then mine was delayed on the way," I exclaimed, 
 firmly. 
 
 Mr. Walton gave a brief chuckle. 
 
 "No, even that consolation is denied you, my young 
 friend. Your dispatch was dated at Ping An on the six 
 teenth of September, it was sent from Yokohama on the 
 twenty-first, and received in New York the following 
 morning." 
 
 "And the English dispatch ?" I asked breathlessly. 
 
 "Was sent from Shanghai on the nineteenth." 
 
 "From Shanghai ? Great Greeley ! how could that hap-
 
 We are Boarded. 225 
 
 pen ?" I cried, in amazement. "Forbes hadn't the slight 
 est chance of dispatching a message during the battle, 
 and not before, in my opinion. Good heavens! this is 
 simply terrible. And I thought I had scored a 'beat' too." 
 
 "You have with this last cablegram, my boy," replied 
 Mr. Walton. "I am an old newspaper man myself, and 
 I can just see how large a feather it will be in your cap. 
 Why, it'll be a whole feather duster, ha ! ha ! ha !" 
 
 I joined in his laugh, but it was a hollow mockery. The 
 astounding news had taken all the enthusiasm from me. 
 The mystery of the affair also worried me. How it was 
 possible for Forbes to circumvent me like that was simply 
 unexplainable. 
 
 "You said you had a cable for me from Mr. Parker," I 
 said, after a while. 
 
 My companion gave me the paper in question, and I 
 glanced at it in a listless manner. It was sharp and to the 
 point a characteristic of all the eminent editor's manu 
 scripts. 
 
 It read, simply : 
 
 Your Ping An dispatch two days behind British Association. 
 This will not do. Am disappointed by your failure. If better 
 work is not shown by October first, expect your recall. 
 
 PARKER. 
 
 "Well, he'll have to acknowledge that I am doing bet 
 ter work," I said to Mr. Walton, with a forced laugh. 
 
 "You are, and I think you will receive a message of 
 commendation by to-morrow morning." 
 
 "I will not be here over night," I replied, firmly. "I 
 will sail for Corea this evening at the latest."
 
 226 We are Boarded. 
 
 "That's the proper spirit, my young friend," exclaimed 
 my companion, heartily. "Don't let the grass grow under 
 your feet, and you'll get along. By the way, you haven't 
 explained how you managed to reach Shanghai, nor how 
 you discovered the identity of the British correspondent. 
 Just make yourself at home, and spin your yarn. I'll 
 order tea, and we'll have a comfortable chat." 
 
 I placed him in possession of all the facts in the case, 
 not omitting a single detail. He listened with the greatest 
 interest, and was pleased to compliment me on my actions. 
 
 "You are not to blame in that Ping An affair," he said. 
 "I can see that plainly. There is some mystery about it 
 which you will do well to solve on your return to Corea. 
 So the English correspondent is dead, eh ?" 
 
 "I am almost positive he could not have escaped. It 
 was only by a hair's breadth that I managed to get away 
 from General Yeh's camp." 
 
 "Now, what are your future plans ?" 
 
 "I will charter the schooner for an indefinite period, and 
 use her as a messenger between the seat of war and 
 Shanghai. You can therefore expect dispatches every 
 week or so." 
 
 "Good. A first-class idea. Now you must need 
 some money. Here is a package of Japanese, Chinese 
 and Corean coins, and five thousand dollars in Amer 
 ican gold. That should see you through for a while. 
 Just sign this receipt." 
 
 "You intend keeping the news of the Yalu naval 
 battle a secret, do you not?" I asked, after affixing my 
 name to the document in question.
 
 We are Boarded. 227 
 
 "Certainly. It will never do to let it out until it is 
 published in the Association papers. To do otherwise 
 would spoil your 'beat.' I hope you score many more 
 before the war is over." 
 
 I heartily echoed the wish. After a few moments 
 of further conversation I took my leave, and in the 
 course of a couple of hours boarded the schooner. 
 Captain Roach had gone ashore to purchase a sup 
 ply of fresh provisions, but Osaki was waiting in the 
 little cabin. 
 
 During the trip down the river in the tender I had 
 gone over my interview with Mr. Walton, especially 
 that part referring to the Ping An dispatch. The fail 
 ure was a sore disappointment to me, as I had antici 
 pated receiving great credit for early news. 
 
 Instead, my reward was Mr. Jared Parker's curt 
 cablegram. I had no fear of being recalled the Yalu 
 news would prevent that but still the sting of being 
 found wanting remained with me, and it was with a very 
 downcast face that I greeted the young Japanese officer. 
 
 "What in the deuce has happened?" he asked, after 
 welcoming me. "Has your Press Association failed?" 
 
 "No, but I have, Osaki," I replied, gloomily. 
 
 "Good Heavens! explain yourself, old fellow; you 
 frighten me." 
 
 I silently handed him Parker's message, and watched 
 his countenance while he read it. He finished with a 
 prolonged whistle. 
 
 "Impossible!" he exclaimed. 
 
 "Not so a fact!" I replied, unconsciously echoing
 
 228 We are Boarded. 
 
 Mr. Walton's words. "The news of the battle was 
 sent from the field at Ping An to London by way of 
 Shanghai, just two days before my message was dis 
 patched from Yokohama." 
 
 "If that is the case, Forbes must have been an 
 adept at cunning. Why, he was with us during the 
 last of the fight, and was captured with you before the 
 surrender of the citadel. My boy, there is a mystery 
 somewhere." 
 
 "So I think myself," I replied. "And I intend to solve 
 it if possible. If poor Forbes is alive, and we meet 
 him again, I'll have an understanding just to satisfy my 
 curiosity." 
 
 "When do you wish to sail?" 
 
 "Just as soon as Captain Roach can get under way. 
 The quicker the better. We will return to the Yalu 
 River and try to reach the vicinity of General Yeh's 
 camp." 
 
 An hour later the worthy skipper of the Messenger 
 arrived on board with a quantity of stores. With 
 Osakt as a witness, I chartered his craft, and paid him 
 the first installment. 
 
 The arrangement of a reliable means of carrying my 
 dispatches removed a great load from my mind, and I 
 at last felt that I could do satisfactory work for my 
 employers. 
 
 Shortly before dark the anchor was hoisted, and we 
 stood slowly toward the broad mouth of the Yangste 
 Kiang River. We had hardly gained headway, when 
 Osaki, who was standing near the wheel, called out
 
 We are Boarded. 229 
 
 that a tender was approaching us with a signal in its 
 bow. A brief period later the pigmy steamer puffed 
 alongside, and a man clad in European clothing sprang 
 over the schooner's low bulwarks. I gave the new 
 comer a startled glance of recognition, and then turned 
 to Osaki with a cry of amazement.
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 IN WHICH JACK BUNCE BECOMES EXCITED. 
 
 There was good reason for surprise. The newcomer 
 who had boarded us from the tender was none other 
 than Jack Bunce ! There he stood, with the same genial 
 smile on his good-humored face, and with outstretched 
 hand awaiting a welcome. 
 
 He received it. 
 
 Osaki and I greeted him with the utmost heartiness. 
 I seized one hand, while the young Japanese grasped 
 the other. After working them for a moment like verita 
 ble pump-handles, we discharged a volley of questions 
 at him. 
 
 "Great Greeley ! this can't be you, Jack !" I exclaimed. 
 
 "You are dead, man!" shouted Osaki. "You were 
 blown to pieces near Ping An. Get thee back to thy 
 grave !" 
 
 Bunce gave a credible imitation of a jig, and then 
 laughed so boisterously that the watch below tumbled 
 up from the forecastle. 
 
 "Dead, eh?" he cried. "Not much. Old Jack Bunce 
 hasn't signed articles for a cruise to Davy Jones' locker 
 yet awhile. My, but I'm glad to meet you fellers. I 
 thought that I'd never clap my peepers on this lad again. 
 The last I saw of him he was a-sailing down the Tatong 
 River like a clipper ship."
 
 Jack Bunce Becomes Excited. 231 
 
 "But I escaped all right," I laughed, "and I am glad 
 to see that you did also. When I saw that shell burst 
 at your feet on that pontoon bridge, I gave you up. 
 How in the deuce did you escape?" 
 
 "That'll be a long story, so we had better drop an 
 chor for an hour or so," spoke up Osaki. "We don't 
 want to carry Jack out of his way." 
 
 "Just you keep the mudhook where it is," replied the 
 ex-man-o'-war's-man. "I'm going with you." 
 
 "But we are bound for Corea," I said. 
 
 "So am I," chuckled Jack. "That's why I chased you 
 all the way from Shanghai in that tender. But I'll ex 
 plain that later. Now, I want to ask you if you'll give 
 a friend a passage on your hooker?" 
 
 "With the greatest of pleasure, old fellow. There is 
 nothing I would like better than to have your com 
 pany." 
 
 After bidding Captain Roach keep on his course, I 
 led the way aft to the cabin. Jack's luggage an atten 
 uated bag had been tossed aboard shortly after its owner 
 had made his unexpected appearance. 
 
 "Now, just make yourself comfortable and spin your 
 yarn," invited Osaki, placing several chairs around the 
 table. 
 
 Jack carefully filled his pipe, and, after a few prelim 
 inary whiffs, began his story. 
 
 "To commence, I want to say that shell didn't kill 
 me, but it came mighty near it. When Bennett here 
 missed stays with his oar, the boat swung around and 
 pitched me onto the pontoon bridge. I saw him
 
 232 Jack Bunce Becomes Excited. 
 
 a-whirling down stream, and I started for shore, in 
 tending to follow him along the bank. Before I 
 reached the end of the bridge a shell came sailing along 
 and exploded just in front of me." 
 
 "Right at your feet," I murmured. 
 
 "It knocked me silly," continued Bunce. "When I 
 came to, I was lying on the bank of the river, half in and 
 half out of the water. I got on my feet, and walked a 
 dozen paces and then tumbled down again in a dead 
 faint. Now comes the strangest part of it. When I 
 recovered my senses again, I was in a bunk on board a 
 steamer out at sea." 
 
 "Jove! I should think that was queer," remarked 
 Osaki. "How in the deuce did you get there?" 
 
 "I'm blessed if I know. They told me that I had 
 rowed aboard in a town called Kiang Tsiu, and then 
 got to raving so that it took five men to hold me." 
 
 "Brain fever," I remarked, exchanging glances with 
 the young Japanese. 
 
 "That's what it must have been," agreed the latter. 
 "But fancy him walking all the way to Kiang without 
 being picked up!" 
 
 "Yes, and to board a steamer in the same harbor you 
 visited." 
 
 "It was a queer experience," said Jack, with a remi 
 niscent puff of his pipe. "The people treated me first- 
 class. I was doctored by their captain as if I was a 
 cabin passenger. When we reached Shanghai they 
 made up a purse for me." 
 
 "How did you 'happen to find us?" I asked, curiously.
 
 Jack Bunce Becomes Excited. 233 
 
 "Help of Providence, I guess. I've been loafing 
 around Shanghai for almost two weeks waiting a chance 
 to get back to Corea." 
 
 "Looking for more fighting, I presume," smiled 
 Osaki. 
 
 "That's what. Well, this noon I was walking along 
 the wharf when I happened to see a tender passing by 
 down the river. I recognized Bennett in the stern- 
 sheets, and yelled to him to stop." 
 
 "I didn't hear you." 
 
 "I know you didn't, and the fact made me almost 
 crazy. I tried my best to secure a boat to follow you, 
 but it was most an hour before I succeeded. I knew 
 that you must have a vessel down around Woosung, 
 and I whooped it up like sixty, afraid that you'd sail be 
 fore I caught you." 
 
 "Jack, you have had an adventure worth writing up," 
 remarked the young Japanese. "It's certainly a most 
 remarkable experience. Stanley, why don't you em 
 body it in one of your dispatches?" 
 
 I saw Bunce give me a quick glance as if in surprise. 
 He was ignorant of my true identity, but I could see 
 no reason for concealing the fact from him. He was 
 a good fellow, and evidently as honest as the day is 
 long. Anyway, Osaki had "let the cat out of the bag," 
 as the saying goes, so I resolved to take the sailor into 
 my confidence. 
 
 "What do you think I am doing around here, Jack?" 
 I asked, with a smile.
 
 234 Jack Bunce Becomes Excited. 
 
 "Looking for fun, like me, I suppose. Leastwise, that 
 is what you told me up in Corea," replied Bunce. 
 
 "Hardly that. I'm gathering news for an American 
 press association." 
 
 The ex-man-o'-war's-man half rose from his chair, 
 then he settled back and laughed until the tears came 
 into his eyes. I was somewhat taken aback by his pe 
 culiar actions, and for the life of me could not under 
 stand the cause of his mirth. 
 
 "What in the deuce is the matter?" asked Osaki, 
 wonderingly. "Where's the joke?" 
 
 "One of them newspaper fellers, and I I thought he 
 was a rich young traveler all the time," replied Jack, 
 wiping his eyes. "Oh, you can pull the wool over me 
 any time. Why, you are on the same lay as that Eng 
 lish chap, Forbes." 
 
 "Yes, I am of the same profession," I said. 
 
 "What became of that feller? He and me didn't 
 hitch worth a cent, you know." 
 
 This question necessitated a long explanation. 
 When Jack's curiosity was satisfied, we adjourned to the 
 upper deck and found that the schooner had dropped 
 the Chinese coast astern. 
 
 "How did you happen to run across this tidy craft?" 
 asked Bunce, after a while. "She's a regular clipper." 
 
 "She picked me up off the Yalu River," I replied; then, 
 after a moment's hesitation, I added : 
 
 "By the way, I haven't told you about the great naval 
 battle between the Japanese and Chinese up there, 
 have I?"
 
 Jack Bunce Becomes Excited. 235 
 
 The effect of this entirely unimportant remark was 
 wonderful. The sailor jumped as if he had been shot. 
 His face flushed, and he gasped forth, in a half-strangled 
 voice : 
 
 "A naval battle ? Fought between the Japs and and 
 pigtails near the Yalu. You are fooling me, Bennett 
 for Heaven's sake, say that you are fooling me !"
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 IN WHICH WE HEAR GOOD NEWS AND ARE PLACED IN 
 JEOPARDY. 
 
 I looked at the man in profound amazement. What 
 on earth could be the cause of his excitement? I 
 glanced at Osaki; he was as dumfounded as myself. 
 Before I could speak, Bunce became calm again. 
 
 He bit his lip, seemed heartily ashamed of himself, 
 and said, with a sheepish laugh : 
 
 "Don't mind me, fellows. It's my head, I guess. 
 Since that shell gave me a rap on the cranium I have 
 been subject to sudden spells of excitement. Yor.r 
 mentioning that naval battle brought it on, I suppo? :. 
 But is it true ? Was it an important fight ?" 
 
 "Very important," I replied. "It is the greate?: 
 naval battle that has been fought for many years. The 
 Chinese fleet was almost annihilated." 
 
 "Yes, and the Celestial navy was far superior to 
 ours," broke in Osaki. "They had a greater weight of 
 ships, more guns, and more men, but we sent them 
 flying like cowards." 
 
 For some mysterious reason, Jack Bunce looked ex 
 tremely miserable. He tried to change the subject with 
 a few careless words, but his long face and general air 
 of dejection indicated that he was ill at ease for all the 
 world like a man who had received extremely bad news.
 
 We Hear Good News. 237 
 
 Strolling aft to the rail, he glanced toward the fast- 
 receding shores of China in a wistful manner. Then 
 suddenly returning to where Osaki and I were standing, 
 he said, abruptly: 
 
 "Bennett, I feel that I am making a mistake by going 
 back to Corea. This head of mine needs tending to, 
 and I ought to have medical treatment. Would it be 
 possible for you to put me ashore in Shanghai again?" 
 
 "I am afraid not, Jack," I replied, gravely. "I must 
 reach the Yalu as quickly as possible. There may be 
 a conflict between the two forces at any moment, and I 
 must be there to report it for my employers." 
 
 "Nonsense, old fellow!" exclaimed Osaki, addressing 
 the downcast sailor. "You are all right. Another 
 scrimmage or two will clear the cobwebs from your 
 brain. Don't back down like that." 
 
 "I will promise to send you back on this craft in a 
 week or so," I said. "I want to add some particulars to 
 my dispatch about the naval engagement, and I may 
 have Captain Roach return to Shanghai at once." 
 
 "Then you have cabled the fight?" asked Jack, rather 
 hoarsely. 
 
 "Yes, this morning. It will be published in to-mor 
 row's papers." 
 
 Before I could ask why he wished the information, he 
 walked away and vanished down the cabin companion- 
 way. Osaki and I talked over his strange actions for 
 a while, but we could see no other reason than the one 
 advanced by Jack himself. 
 
 "It's the effect of the explosion," said the young oflfi-
 
 238 We Hear Good News. 
 
 cer, decisively. "A piece of shell must have glanced 
 from his head, giving him a blow sufficient to affect his 
 brain. It's a pity, as he is such a good fellow." 
 
 During the following five days Bunce was rather re 
 served, but at last he regained his old genial manner, 
 and once more became the careless, happy-go-lucky 
 sailor we liked so well. 
 
 On the sixth morning after leaving Shanghai the 
 mouth of the Yalu River was sighted. Until that time 
 we had not met a solitary sail, much to Osaki's relief. 
 But when the sun rose on the last day the lookout on 
 the forecastle reported that he could make out two 
 steamers hovering around the entrance to the river. 
 
 "Japanese warships," decided the young officer in 
 stantly. "It is what I have dreaded. They are block 
 ading the Yalu in expectation that those Chinese trans 
 ports will try to escape." 
 
 "But what has that to do with us ?" I asked. 
 
 "It has a great deal to do with me. They will search 
 the schooner for contraband of war, and will find me. 
 By this time I am posted all through the army and navy, 
 I suppose." 
 
 He spoke with exceeding bitterness. 
 
 "Then if that is the case, we will not attempt to enter 
 the river," I replied, quickly. "We can make some 
 small port below here, and have Captain Roach call for 
 us in a given time." 
 
 "No, it won't be necessary to do that." 
 
 "What plan do you propose, then?" 
 
 "Better decide purty quick/' interposed Jack Bunce,
 
 We Hear Good News. 239 
 
 pointing ahead. "We'll soon be within range of them 
 bulldogs." 
 
 A fresh volume of smoke pouring from the funnel of 
 the smaller craft indicated that we had been seen, and 
 were regarded as worth investigating. 
 
 "I think we had better put about at once," I said, 
 anxiously. "That nearest fellow is heading this way." 
 
 "It is too late," replied Osaki. "I'll hide somewhere 
 until after they search the schooner." 
 
 "And I'll follow your example. News of my escape 
 from the village near Seoul must have been spread broad 
 cast through the army and navy. No doubt orders 
 have been given to arrest me on sight." 
 
 "They wouldn't dare to touch you on board an Amer 
 ican vessel," replied the young Japanese, "but they 
 might prevent you landing on Corean terrtitory. I think 
 you would better hide also. Come below; we'll leave 
 the management of affairs to Jack and the skipper." 
 
 "We'll bamboozle them, never you mind about that," 
 chuckled Bunce. "I'll tell them we have a cargo of rats 
 for the Chinese Commissary Department." 
 
 "They'll stop you then," said Osaki, with a laugh. 
 "Just say you are looking for a cargo. I think, after 
 all, that we will be turned away. In that case, we'll 
 take Bennett's advice and call in at some small port 
 lower down. Ah, there's an international code signal 
 on the nearest gunboat. It's a polite request to heave 
 to." 
 
 "What'll we do?" asked the skipper, nervously. 
 "Obey?"
 
 240 We Hear Good News. 
 
 "Yes, at once. Come on, Bennett, we haven't much 
 time." 
 
 We took a last look at the approaching warships, and 
 then dived down the forecastle hatchway. I had not 
 the slightest idea where Osaki intended to seek a place 
 of concealment, but I realized that it must be thor 
 oughly secure, as the Japanese officers would undoubt 
 edly institute a strict search. 
 
 "I have had in mind just such an emergency," said 
 my companion suddenly. "And I have provided for it. 
 That small door over there leads into the fore hold, 
 which has nothing but ballast in it, you know. There 
 is a connecting door in the after end giving access to 
 the cabin. We'll remain here until we hear them com 
 ing, then walk into the hold. While they are searching 
 one part we can skip into another." 
 
 "It'll work if they don't scatter their men," I replied, 
 dubiously. 
 
 As no better plan occurred to us, we were compelled 
 to try it Presently we heard a boat rub against the 
 schooner's side, then a murmur of voices floated down 
 the hatch. After a while we caught the sound of ap 
 proaching footsteps. 
 
 It was time to move. After bidding one of the sail 
 ors pile a lot of old ropes against the little door, we 
 passed through and closed it behind us. A few mo 
 ments later the forecastle was invaded by the search 
 party. 
 
 We crept close to the partition and listened. One of 
 the Japanese naval officers was speaking to Jack and
 
 We Hear Good News. 241 
 
 Captain Roach. At first the words were indistinct, but 
 finally we made out the purport. 
 
 "It is our duty to search your vessel for contraband 
 articles," came faintly to our ears. "I am very sorry 
 to put you to all this trouble, but, really, your presence 
 in this part of the world is very queer, to say the least." 
 
 "You can look at all you please, Mister Officer," re 
 plied Bunce, aggressively, "but you'll have your trouble 
 for your pains. We are cruising around looking for a 
 cargo of that there paper plant what grows in this part 
 of Corea, and without you stop us we'll git some of it." 
 
 "I am afraid you will find it hard work to obtain per 
 mission from the admiral to enter the Yalu," said the 
 officer; "but you can try after we finish. By the way, 
 one of our prisoners captured ashore here yesterday says 
 he saw a white man either an Englishman or an Amer 
 ican in a camp a short distance above Wi-Ju." 
 
 "Forbes, by all that's wonderful !" I exclaimed, aloud. 
 
 "Sh-h-h !" warned Osaki. "For Heaven's sake, don't 
 make a noise ; they'll hear you." 
 
 His caution came too late. My exclamation had 
 reached the sharp ears of the Japanese officer, and be 
 fore we could retreat to the other end of the hold, the 
 little door was forced open, revealing us to the aston 
 ished gaze of the Japanese search party !
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 IN WHICH FORBES TURNS UP UNEXPECTEDLY. 
 
 "Osaki!" 
 
 The name came from the lips of a Japanese officer 
 standing just within the forecastle. It was uttered in 
 tones of extreme surprise, and I saw the speaker shrink 
 back as if confronted by a ghost. 
 
 My companion also appeared startled for a moment. 
 Then he folded his arms and replied, quietly: 
 
 "Yes, Sukama, it is Osaki, the outcast. I am your 
 prisoner." 
 
 Then happened a wonderful thing. The commander 
 of the search party turned upon his men and sternly 
 bade them leave the apartment. After the last one 
 had disappeared up the hatchway, the officer held out 
 both hands to Osaki with a gesture of joy. 
 
 He spoke passionately in Japanese for several min 
 utes, and I saw that his words had a great effect on 
 my companion. The latter listened at first with an 
 air of incredulity, then set to trembling, and finally 
 wept. 
 
 "Oh, Bennett!" he exclaimed. "It has come at last! 
 it has come at last! This is the officer who was asso 
 ciated with me when my man-of-war ran aground near 
 Yokohama, and "
 
 Forbes Turns Up. 243 
 
 "You mean he is the one you saved from disgrace?" 
 I interrupted, bluntly. 
 
 "Yes, that is the actual truth. I acknowledge it, 
 and am thoroughly ashamed," spoke up the officer, 
 reddening. 
 
 "That is all past, and a glorious day has dawned 
 for me," interposed Osaki. "Sukama brings me the 
 news that I have been pardoned by the emperor 
 God bless him! and that I am to be restored to my 
 rank in the navy. It is all through Sukama's efforts; 
 he interceded for me." 
 
 "I told the truth," gravely replied the officer. "I 
 confessed my fault and was most graciously forgiven." 
 
 I was so overwhelmed with joy on hearing this most 
 welcome news that I could not trust myself to speak. 
 Grasping Osaki's hand, I wrung it again and again. 
 After a while we returned to the deck to talk over 
 matters. 
 
 "I couldn't tell you in a thousand years how glad I 
 am, old fellow," I said, to the young officer. "It lifts a 
 great load from my mind, but I must confess that my joy 
 is tinged with some regret." 
 
 "I know what you mean," smiled Osaki. "You think 
 I intend to leave you now, eh? Not so." 
 
 And he did not, to my great relief. He boarded 
 the gunboat with his brother officer, returning shortly 
 with the announcement that we could ascend the Yalu 
 at once. 
 
 "I have reported to my superior officer, and he has 
 given me a month's leave," he added, with a smile.
 
 244 Forbes Turns Up. 
 
 "Square away there, Captain Roach, and spread all 
 the canvas possible." 
 
 "Hurrah!" shouted Jack Bunce, tossing his cap in 
 the air. "Now for a little scrap. Going to look up 
 that white man your friend mentioned, I suppose?" 
 
 "Yes; I am positive it is Forbes. He evidently es 
 caped from General Yeh's camp, and was recaptured 
 further down the river by another band of Chinese." 
 
 This was also my opinion, and I resolved to rescue 
 the young Englishman if our little force could do it. 
 We mustered a dozen men all told, and some of them 
 Jack, for instance were worth five or six Celestial 
 soldiers in fighting qualities. 
 
 While on board the gunboat, Osaki had interviewed 
 the Chinese prisoner, learning from him that the white 
 captive was held by a detached body of General Yeh's 
 command, located in a small village several leagues 
 above Wi-Ju. 
 
 "He also told me that he was being cruelly treated, 
 and made to labor at the construction of earthworks," 
 added the young officer. 
 
 "A regular slave, I suppose?" 
 
 "Worse, from what I know of those brutes. I only 
 hope the poor fellow will live until we reach the place." 
 
 On the way up the river Jack Bunce spent the most 
 of his time sharpening a couple of formidable swords. 
 He toiled at his self-imposed task until the weapons 
 were keen enough to shave with." 
 
 "I never liked that feller Forbes much," he said, in 
 explanation, "but I'll be gosh-swizzled if I'm going to
 
 Forbes Turns Up. 245 
 
 see him ill-treated by a lot of yellow savages. Humph! 
 if I don't make a generous addition to my collection of 
 queues, it'll be because I have forgotten the way." 
 
 It was finally decided not to pass Wi-Ju, as the 
 Chinese transports were supposed to be lurking in 
 that vicinity; but to land five or six miles below the 
 town, and then make a detour inland. This plan en 
 tailed some danger, but it was the best under the 
 circumstances. 
 
 A party made up of Jack, Osaki, four sailors, and 
 myself were accordingly landed shortly after dusk, the 
 rest of the crew being left on board to assist Captain 
 Roach in working the vessel back to the mouth of the 
 Yalu. 
 
 The skipper was given instructions to return not later 
 than the following evening, and to show a signal con 
 sisting of three lights placed triangular fashion in the 
 mizzen rigging. 
 
 We reached the bank without opposition, and 
 marched direct south for several leagues. Wi-Ju was 
 given a wide berth for obvious reasons, and about 
 ten o'clock a halt was called in the vicinity of a small 
 town. Its location led us to believe that it was the 
 place indicated by the Chinese prisoner. 
 
 A consultation was held at once to determine the 
 best method of attacking the earthworks. Jack pro 
 claimed loudly his belief in a bold rush, but the rest 
 of us considered it the better plan to resort to strategy. 
 While we were arguing the matter, something occurred 
 which speedily settled the question.
 
 246 Forbes Turns Up. 
 
 From where we had halted, the lights of the village 
 could be seen twinkling between the trees of a small 
 grove. The distance to the first house was not more 
 than five hundred yards, but the darkness of the night 
 rendered our position safe for the moment. 
 
 I had just commented on the quietness of the place 
 when there suddenly came to our ears the sounds of a 
 most prodigious hubbub. Shouts, shrill yells, the re 
 ports of firearms, and the abrupt flashing of torches 
 indicated that some considerable row was in progress. 
 
 While we stood in uncertainty, the melee drifted in 
 our direction, and presently a man crashed through 
 the bushes within a dozen feet of us. As quick as a 
 flash, Jack Boune darted toward him with uplifted 
 sword. Before he could use the weapon, however, the 
 fugitive for such he was called out in a mixture of 
 English and Chinese: 
 
 "Hold up, there! I surrender! Jove! you wouldn't 
 kill a prisoner, would you?" 
 
 Jack burst into a hearty laugh, and rejoined us, 
 dragging the man by the arm. 
 
 "Here's the identical chap we're looking for, mates," 
 he exclaimed. "It's Forbes himself. Ho! ho! to think 
 how near I was to pinking him." 
 
 His identification of the young Englishman was un 
 necessary. Both Osaki and myself had instantly rec 
 ognized the voice in the darkness. Rushing forward, 
 we grasped his hands and wrung them in warm wel 
 come. We were thoroughly glad to see Alfred Mon 
 tague, especially under the present, circumstances,
 
 Forbes Turns Up. 247 
 
 when we had contemplated a lot of trouble and danger 
 in rescuing him. 
 
 His sudden appearance was explained in a few words. 
 He had taken advantage of the darkness and the laxity 
 of his guards to make his escape, and, as luck would 
 have it, had stumbled upon us, his only friends in the 
 whole peninsula. 
 
 "No time to say more," he added, hurriedly. "Let's 
 get away from here at once, or the whole camp will 
 be about our ears. Gad! I am so overjoyed at meet 
 ing you, Bennett, that I hardly know which end I am 
 standing on. Haste, friends; I hear those yellow fiends 
 in the woods. They are searching for me." 
 
 Without further delay, we scudded off and traveled 
 away from the village for the better part of an hour. 
 At the expiration of that time I proposed a rest. Cast 
 ing ourselves upon the leafy ground, we asked the 
 young Englishman for his story.
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 "I will tell you first how I managed to escape from 
 General Yeh's camp," he began. "I know that you are 
 dying to ascertain where I went to that night, Ben 
 nett." 
 
 "That I am," I replied. "It has been a great mys 
 tery to me. By the way, who killed Ghun Sling?" 
 
 "I did. The infernal traitor deserved it if any one 
 ever did. When you left me that night to go to the 
 general's quarters, I waited for a while in the little 
 tent. Presently hearing the Chinaman's signal as agreed 
 between us, I sallied forth to bid him wait. On stepping 
 through the gateway in the side of the fort, I was sud 
 denly attacked by Ghun Sling and a couple of soldiers. 
 My first thought was of revenge, and I ran the scoundrel 
 throught the heart. As he fell he grasped my sword, 
 carrying it down with him. 
 
 "His companions sprang upon me, but I managed 
 to thrust them back and make my escape in a direction 
 away from the river. I walked all that night, not dar 
 ing to return to the camp. The following morning I 
 swam the river, and was captured by a band of Chi 
 nese before I had been an hour out of the stream. From 
 that moment to this I have had a dog's life, slaving day 
 and night for my captors.
 
 Conclusion. 249 
 
 "At last it became so unbearable that I could stand it 
 no longer. Watching my chance, I contrived to elude 
 my guards to-night, and here I am, don't you know." 
 
 "And glad we are that you are alive to tell the tale," 
 I replied. "You have suffered a great deal, Forbes, but 
 you are among friends at last. My story is just as sen 
 sational, but it contains less hardships." 
 
 I described my adventures since leaving General Yeh's 
 camp, and also told my interested listener the details of 
 Osaki's pardon. To his credit, be it said that Alfred was 
 greatly pleased, and he congratulated the Japanese youth 
 with warm grace. 
 
 "Did ye hear any news from them fellers in the camp ?" 
 suddenly asked Jack Bunce. "I feel kind of disappointed 
 that we failed to stir up a scrap to-night. P'raps we can 
 run across a little row somewhere around here." 
 
 "By Jove! that reminds me/' returned the English 
 correspondent. "There is going to be a fight up the river 
 to-morrow morning. From certain words I overheard 
 in the camp, I believe that the Japs will attack General 
 Yeh's stronghold at daybreak. It is bound to be a lively 
 battle, and I would like to see it." 
 
 "So say we all," shouted Jack, springing to his feet. 
 "Where is this place ? Quick ! let's get on the road. 
 They may be scrapping even now, and here we are, loaf 
 ing around like a parcel of coolies. Whoop ! come on." 
 
 Osaki and myself were equally eager, so it was not long 
 before we had set out toward the northeast. The sailors 
 from the schooner were more than willing to accompany 
 us. Shortly before sunrise we heard the sounds of heavy
 
 250 Conclusion. 
 
 firing in advance. It spurred us to greater exertion, and 
 we speedily reached the scene of the battle. 
 
 The Japanese brigades were in the act of crossing the 
 Yalu. A part had reached the opposite side, and were 
 engaged with the defenders. I saw the forts and bat 
 teries erected under my supervision swarming with Ce 
 lestial soldiers, who made, however, only a half-hearted 
 resistance to the enemy. 
 
 As a matter of precaution, we selected a rendezvous in 
 case we were separated, and then crossed the river in one 
 of the numerous boats prepared by the Japanese. Five 
 minutes later we were in the thick of the fight. Shortly 
 after, I found myself alone, in front of an earthwork, my 
 companions having vanished in the excitement of the mo 
 ment. 
 
 The battle lasted until noon, and ended in the complete 
 defeat of General Yeh and his cohorts. After securing 
 a number of details, I left the camp and reported at the 
 rendezvous. Osaki and the American sailors were al 
 ready there, and before very long Forbes came limping 
 up. That he had been wounded was plainly evident. 
 
 "I have received a nasty shot in my right hip, fellows," 
 he said, faintly. "A Japanese nurse dressed it, and 
 wanted me to go with him to the field hospital, but I 
 thought it best to rejoin you. I wish, however, that we 
 could board your schooner, where I could get a little 
 rest." 
 
 "We shall, and at once," I exclaimed, warmly. "We'll 
 borrow one of these boats and drop down the river with-
 
 Conclusion. 251 
 
 out delay. But I think you had better see a doctor. 
 Hello ! where are you going ?" 
 
 The question was caused by a sudden action on Osaki's 
 part. He had started away without a word. Waving his 
 hand to me, he called out from a distance : 
 
 "Going to hunt up a surgeon. Will bring one back 
 in a moment, old fellow. That youth can't leave here 
 without being properly attended to." 
 
 While he was gone, I examined the Englishman's 
 wound, and found that it was, indeed, serious. Osaki 
 soon returned with a Japanese doctor, having met him 
 not far from the rendezvous. The practitioner skillfully 
 extracted the bullet, and then prepared a dressing which 
 brought immediate relief. He advised us to convey the 
 patient to Chemulpo or some other large town without 
 delay. 
 
 "We'll go just as soon as Jack Bunce turns up," I said. 
 "Wonder what can be keeping him !" 
 
 "Jack Bunce! Why, didn't I tell you!" spoke up 
 Forbes. 
 
 "Tell us what?" 
 
 "I saw the fellow leave the camp across there three 
 hours ago. He embarked in a small boat with a couple 
 of coolies, and disappeared down the river. When I 
 lost sight of him he was writing for dear life in a note 
 book." 
 
 I gazed at the speaker in profound amazement. 
 
 "Gone down the river? Writing in a notebook?" I 
 echoed. "Was he crazy?" 
 
 "No; as sane as you are," replied the Englishman.
 
 252 Conclusion. 
 
 "I have had my suspicions of that fellow for some time, 
 and I think I have about discovered his identity, don't 
 you know." 
 
 "What do you mean ?" demanded Osaki, with a glance 
 at me. 
 
 "I'll tell you later. But if you take my advice, you 
 will return to your schooner at once." 
 
 "We will do that for your sake, old boy," I said, 
 cheerily. 
 
 "You have still another reason," insisted Forbes. "You 
 would like to send an account to your newspapers in New 
 York without delay. Don't look at me like that, old 
 fellow; I have guessed your secret. You are a special 
 war correspondent, and not an absconder with your em 
 ployer's money. Ha! ha! ha!" 
 
 "Ho! ho! ho! I can laugh, too," I replied. "I dis 
 covered your secret in Yokohama over two months ago. 
 Do you remember the book with the cipher code, Forbes ? 
 I mean the one you dropped in the cable office ?" 
 
 The young Englishman turned white, then reddened 
 to his temples. 
 
 "What in the deuce do you mean, Bennett?" he stam 
 mered. "My book the one I dropped in Yokohama; 
 what do you know about it ?" 
 
 "Nothing, except that I found it, and glanced through 
 the contents to ascertain the name of the owner. It con 
 tained a cipher to be used in describing the present war. 
 Pshaw! what's the use of denying it, Forbes? You 
 know that you are the special war correspondent for the 
 British Press Association."
 
 Conclusion* 253 
 
 To my amazement, Alfred gave a shout of laughter. 
 The sudden exertion caused his wound to pain, and he 
 sank back with a grimace. 
 
 "By Jove! what a stunner!" he exclaimed, finally. 
 "Why, Stanley, old boy, you were never so mistaken in 
 your life. Has that been in your thoughts all this time ?" 
 
 "It certainly has," I replied, emphatically. "Why 
 not? Didn't that book give you away? Didn't it con 
 tain code words about the Chinese and Japanese armies? 
 If you are not a correspondent, what are you?" 
 
 "I'll tell you. I believe this wound of mine will in 
 capacitate me from further work here, so I won't break 
 any promises by letting you know my business out here 
 in Corea. I am not a war correspondent, but a special 
 agent sent here by a syndicate of English capitalists 
 for the purpose of keeping track of events. Then in 
 case the Chinese Government should attempt to secure 
 a loan, the syndicate to which I belong would be able 
 to tell whether it would be safe to risk it or not. 
 As you can see, having a man on the battlefields is 
 better than trusting to outside reports." 
 
 "For Heaven's sake, if you are not the English cor 
 respondent, who is?" I exclaimed, helplessly. 
 
 "I'll wager I know," suddenly remarked Osaki. "It 
 can be none other than our supposed sailor, Jack 
 Bunce!" 
 
 "Impossible!" 
 
 "Not so," spoke up Forbes. "Now that I come to 
 think of it, his face is familiar to me. He is not an 
 American tar; he is a very clever English newspaper
 
 254 Conclusion. 
 
 man, who was an actor in his time. If I am not mis 
 taken, Jack Bunce is no other than Willard Bronson, 
 of the London Times." 
 
 I stood for a 'moment completely stunned by this 
 totally unexpected climax to my Corean adventures. I 
 was overwhelmed with chagrin. After priding myself 
 on my shrewdness in discovering the English corre 
 spondent in the person of poor Forbes, I had permitted 
 the real individual to pull the wool over my eyes most 
 beautifully. It was simply shameful. 
 
 After a while I partially recovered my equanimity. 
 Although laboring in the dark, I had contrived to send 
 the news of the Yalu naval fight before any other cor 
 respondent. Bunce, or Bronson, to give him his real 
 name, had cabled the Ping An battle before me, but 
 the present affair with General Yeh would reach my 
 employers first, thanks to my schooner, which 
 
 I had thought thus far when like a flash the intelli 
 gence brought by Forbes recurred to me. He had 
 said that Jack had disappeared down the river in a 
 native boat. Where was he bound? It was undoubt 
 edly his idea to speedily reach a place whence he could 
 send a dispatch. 
 
 "Perhaps my heavens! perhaps he will try to se 
 cure the schooner," I cried, in a burst of anxiety. 
 "Quick, Osaki, men; get a large boat at once. Never 
 mind the expense. I'll give a thousand dollars to a 
 native crew that will place us aboard the Messenger 
 before that scoundrel reaches her."
 
 Conclusion. 255 
 
 "What under the sun do you mean, Bennett?" asked 
 the young officer, in bewilderment. 
 
 I hurriedly explained my suspicions, and in much 
 less time than it takes to describe it, Osaki had darted 
 off in search of a craft. He presently returned with the 
 welcome announcement that he had succeeded in en 
 gaging a swift boat and a good crew. In the course 
 of a half hour we were embarked and speeding toward 
 the mouth of the Yalu. 
 
 Shortly before dusk we came in sight of the point 
 of land from which I had witnessed the naval engage 
 ment. Shooting past it we rounded into the sea, and 
 caught sight of the schooner about four miles to the 
 south. 
 
 "Great Greeley! we are just in time!" I cried, ris 
 ing to my feet in excitement. "She's spreading sails! 
 she's spreading sails!" 
 
 "He's aboard," said Osaki, clinching his hands. 
 "There's a boat drifting astern. Hasten, men pull for 
 your very lives !" 
 
 Grasping my rifle, I fired a couple of shots in the air, 
 then waved my cap as a further signal. At first it passed 
 unnoticed, but presently we saw the mainsail flutter, and 
 the schooner came up to the wind. As we drew nearer 
 objects became visible on board. 
 
 I soon caught sight of two familiar figures aft near 
 the wheel. One was the squat skipper of the Messenger, 
 Captain Roach, and the other was Jack Bunce. The lat 
 ter appeared to be arguing with the mariner, and his arms
 
 256 Conclusion. 
 
 waved about as if the speaker was greatly excited. He, 
 no doubt, had ample reason to be. 
 
 After a long and steady pull we reached the side. 
 Osaki and I climbed on deck at the same time, leaving 
 Forbes to the sailors. Running aft, we found the sup 
 posed American Jack Tar standing near the companion- 
 way with his arms folded, and a look of resignation upon 
 his expressive face. 
 
 "What in the deuce does this mean?" I demanded, in 
 an angry voice. "What are you doing here, Bunce?" 
 
 The fellow made no reply, and simply grinned in my 
 face. Just then Captain Roach approached in a sheepish 
 manner. Osaki turned on him with the intention of re 
 proving him, but he was forestalled by the skipper. 
 
 "Now, don't fly off the handle, sir," spoke up the 
 mariner. "I see now that I have made a mistake, but just 
 you look at this." 
 
 He extended a paper which I grasped and read. It 
 was an order supposedly written by me, directing Captain 
 Roach to sail immediately for Shanghai with the bearer, 
 Jack Bunce. It was a clever forgery, and would have 
 deceived even me. Under /the circumstances, I could not 
 blame the skipper of the Messenger. But I did blame 
 the English correspondent, and I instantly proceeded to 
 lay down the law to him. 
 
 "This is a nice way to treat your friends," I said, 
 warmly. "Confound it ! you might have fought fair, any 
 way, and not sneak off in this despicable manner." 
 
 "The game is up, Bennett," replied Bronson, dropping 
 his rough-and-ready manner of speech. "I see that you
 
 Conclusion. 257 
 
 know me. Well, I have bamboozled you to the queen's 
 taste, and I can afford to rest on my laurels. You got the 
 better of me in that affair of the Yalu naval engagement, 
 but I scored a 'beat' in the Ping An battle. I guess we 
 are quits." 
 
 "Not much," I grimly responded. "I intend to put 
 you ashore here, and sail at once for the port to which you 
 were bound, Shanghai. If the wind serves, the New 
 York papers will soon have a full account of to-day's 
 fight, but I am greatly afraid our contemporaries of the 
 London press will have to take the news second-hand. 
 Get over the side there ; the boat is waiting for you." 
 
 Bronson looked blank. It was evident that he had not 
 anticipated such a result. He glanced ashore, and then 
 turned to me with an appealing gesture. 
 
 "I wish you wouldn't turn me adrift in such a place, 
 Bennett," he said, gravely. "You can afford to be mag 
 nanimous, I think. Why not permit me to accompany 
 you to Shanghai? I will give you my word to remain 
 aboard until you have sent your dispatches. What do 
 you say?" 
 
 I exchanged glances with Osaki. The kind-hearted 
 young Japanese nodded, as if asking me to consent. I 
 thought a moment, and then said to the Englishman : 
 
 "I will give you permission to go with us, Bunce, or 
 Bronson. You really deserve something for your clever 
 ness. I confess that you are the last person in Corea that 
 I would take for a correspondent. You have worked the 
 game very creditably, and if I have beaten you, it is sim-
 
 258 Conclusion. 
 
 ply by force of circumstances. Come with us and wel 
 come." 
 
 During the voyage to Shanghai, which was made in a 
 short space of time, we renewed our liking for the talented 
 correspondent. We could not help it, he was such a royal 
 good fellow. I was tempted to allow him the privilege of 
 telegraphing at the same time as myself, but my duties 
 to the Consolidated Press Association forbade it. 
 
 On arrival I found a cablegram from Mr. Parker, which 
 read as follows: 
 
 BENNETT, Shanghai : Description Yalu naval engagement 
 greatest event in journalism this year. Compliments. Keep up 
 good work. JARED PARKER. 
 
 I soon had my story of the Yeh fight burning the cable, 
 then I turned my attention to other matters. Forbes was 
 taken ashore to the English hospital, where he still re 
 mains, at last accounts, progressing slowly. Bronson, or 
 Jack Bunce, as I like to call him, disappeared one night, 
 evidently en route to the front. Since then I have not 
 seen his genial face, but from the entertaining dispatches 
 printed in the English papers, I know that he is still at 
 work. 
 
 The syndicate sent out a man to assist me shortly be 
 fore I returned to the upper part of Corea. I sent him 
 with the division bound for Moukdin, and devoted my 
 time to the naval forces, having secured permission 
 through my very dear friend, Osaki. The young Jap 
 anese was restored to his full rank, and distinguished 
 himself in several warm engagements. 
 
 As I write these last words in a miserable little hut
 
 Conclusion. 259 
 
 on the promontory known as the Regent's Sword, word 
 comes from headquarters that an early march is ordered 
 upon the fortifications at Port Arthur. It will probably 
 be the last important battle before winter. If the Jap 
 anese are forced to go into camp for the season, I intend 
 to make a flying trip homeward, if only to taste of the 
 fleshpots of civilization for a brief period. Then at the 
 expiration of my leave, I suppose I will be compelled to 
 buckle on my armor once more and sharpen my sword and 
 pen for the fray. 
 
 If I do return here, I hope it will be my good fortune to 
 meet both Alfred Montague Forbes and that jovial good 
 fellow, "Jack Bunce." It is a hard thing to write when 
 you enjoy your theme, but it must be said at last, so, my 
 dear readers, good-by. 
 
 THE END.
 
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