came up that night, which made the transports hold off. But the
next day was as bright and clear as before, and about noon land was
sighted to the westward. A patrol boat was sent ahead and came back
stating that all was clear for a landing. Then the warships went closer
and the transports followed.

On the following day Larry found himself on shore--having been taken
along by one of the officers of the ship to interview an English
merchant who wished to sell some goods to the Japanese. The officer
could speak some English, but wanted somebody along who could help him
out in case he could not make himself clearly understood.

The landing was at a small Chinese town which was partly in ashes--the
Russians having tried to burn it down before leaving. There were a dozen
shops, but all were closed and with the windows boarded up. Many of the
Chinese had fled to the country beyond; and a Japanese regiment was on
guard to preserve order and to keep the Chunchuses, (Chinese brigands)
from looting the place.

"This shows what war will do," thought Larry, as he walked along beside
the Japanese naval officer. "I suppose some of the Chinese have lost all
they possessed--and through no fault of their own either."

The business with the English merchant was transacted quicker than
anticipated, and, not caring to go back to his ship at once, the naval
officer visited the camp of the Japanese regiment, taking Larry with
him.

"We expect another detachment here this afternoon," said one of the
regimental commanders to the naval officer. "They are to escort a powder
train through the mountains."

A little while later the detachment came in on foot, looking somewhat
tired and dusty from a long tramp through an exceedingly rough country.
As the soldiers came to a halt in the public square of the seaport
village, Larry uttered a cry of amazement:

"Ben!"

"Why, Larry, can it be you?" came in a tone of astonishment, and on the
instant Ben Russell rushed forward and caught his brother by the hands.
"I must be dreaming!"

"I guess I'm dreaming myself!" said Larry, and gave his brother a warm
hug. "This beats the Dutch! I thought you were at Liao-Yang. How are you
and how did you get here?"

"One question at a time, please," returned Ben, with a happy smile. "I'm
pretty well, although I had a little dose of fever a couple of weeks
ago. Our Japanese doctor fixed me up in double-quick time. Our command
was ordered down here to look