as much of the Russians as we have." And then Larry's story had
to be told again.

"I don't know where we shall go after we leave here," said the young
sailor. "Are you going back to Liao-Yang?"

"We don't know that either. Our orders are to escort the powder train
wherever it may be sent," said Ben.

For two days the Japanese warship remained in the harbor of the seaport
village and during that time Larry managed to see quite a good deal of
Ben and Gilbert. He wished he could take them on board of the cruiser,
but this was not permitted.

On the third day the _Shohirika_ received orders from a dispatch boat
which steamed into the harbor, and an hour later the anchors were hove
apeak and she steamed away, carrying Larry and his old Yankee friend
along. Ben and Gilbert stood on a dock watching her departure. They
waved their handkerchiefs at Larry and he waved his own in return.

"I wonder when I'll see Larry again," mused Ben. He felt rather sober at
the parting from his younger brother.

"Oh, you'll see him again before long," answered Gilbert, trying to be
cheerful.

"Maybe not. It all depends upon where that cruiser sails to. She may go
half around the world."

"More than likely she has been sent to take part in the bombardment of
Port Arthur."

"Do you really think we'll be sent to Port Arthur, Gilbert?"

"It is not unlikely, Ben."

The pair watched the cruiser fade away in the distance, and then
returned to that part of the village in which Major Okopa's command had
been located.

"By the way," said Gilbert, as they hurried along. "There is one thing I
forgot to tell you. Meeting Larry drove it completely out of my mind. On
the way to this village we stopped at a place called Wikelipe, and there
I met, whom do you suppose?"

"I don't know, I'm sure."

"That rascal Ivan Snokoff. He was at his same old tricks--selling things
to the inhabitants at exorbitant prices. When he saw me he shook his
fist at me and my men and then ran away and hid."

"Why didn't you root him out, Gilbert?"

"What good would it have done? Besides, I didn't have time. The fight
with the brigands made us lose three hours. But do you know, I think
Snokoff has it in for me."

"Yes, and in for me, too," added Ben. "He hasn't forgotten how I brought
along the guard that placed him under temporary arrest."

There was no time to say more, for the command was to move in half an
hour and both of the young captains had to round