addressed and posted them, and then he and Luke
took a short stroll through Nagasaki, past the many curious shops, and
the fine residences. Some of the shop windows displayed flaring war
pictures, done in glaring colors,--all telling of tremendous Japanese
victories on land and sea.

"They certainly believe in tooting their own horn," said Larry, with a
laugh over one of the pictures. "Just see this one, Luke--one Japanese
officer mowing down three Russians with his sword!"

"They ain't no worse nor we had at home during the Spanish war, lad. I
know one picture I see o' a Rough Rider riding down half a dozen Spanish
soldiers. An' the truth o' the matter is, them Rough Riders didn't have
no horses at all but fought on foot!"

"You're right, Luke. We'll have to put all such pictures down as freaks
of the artist's imagination. But I guess I know why some of them are put
out--to draw the young fellows into the army and navy."

"Right ye are. Some fellers seeing a picture like that want to march to
glory right off,--an' so they go an' enlist. When it comes to hardtack
an' black coffee----"

"Hold on, Luke. Remember you are in Japan. Here it is rice and tea."

"So it is, Larry. Say, but I had to laugh yesterday, when I see some of
them jackies on board o' our ship gettin' out their teapots with tea."

"It did look funny. But they do the same thing in the army, so I have
been told. They can make the Japanese soldier and sailor do everything
as we do it but give up his tea."

"Well, I reckon tea is better nor rum."

"Certainly it is,--and if I were an officer I'd let them have all the
tea they wanted--if they would fight any better for it."

"Those Russian sailors and soldiers drink an awful lot of _vodka_. I
should think they would try to stop that. A half-drunken sailor or
soldier isn't of any account."

"They are so used to having it, I've been told, that to stop it would
bring on a regular mutiny. It's hard to break off using a thing when you
are used to it."

"Right ye are, lad; a habit if it ain't proper is something awful."

All was bustle throughout Nagasaki, for several regiments of soldiers
had come in, bound for some transports which were to take them to
Manchuria. Banners were flying everywhere, and from a distance came the
music of a band.

"Wonder how soon we will leave," said Larry, when he and his old friend
were returning to the warship. "Now that we have enlisted, I'd like to
see some fighting