. But Chunchuses
and vessels were gone and to where it was impossible to find out. But on
the beach Gilbert picked up an empty pocketbook which he knew was Ben's
property.

"They brought him here most likely," he said. "See, here are the marks
of a rowboat, and of many feet. They have gone off on the water."

"Then the hunt is at a standstill," returned his second in command.

The young captain was unwilling to believe this, and the remainder of
the night, and the next forenoon, were spent in an eager search after
the enemy. But it was useless; and at last Gilbert, sick at heart,
ordered his men to return to the camp.

On the following day the powder train moved onward once more. The first
lieutenant of Ben's company took command of the body, and Ben was marked
"missing" on the roll.

"It is certainly too bad, and I sympathize with you, Captain
Pennington," said Major Okopa. "Captain Russell is a fine fellow."

"It takes all the vigor out of me," replied Gilbert. "Ben and I were
like two brothers."

But Gilbert was given no time in which to grieve over Ben's
disappearance. Two days later, the powder train was attacked by a
detachment of the Russians, who seemed to spring out of the very ground.
One of the wagons loaded with powder was blown to atoms, killing two
horses and three soldiers.

"_Banzai!_" cried the Japanese, and when the order was given they
attacked the enemy with vigor. It was a hot fight, lasting half an hour,
and the Russians were driven among some high hills, backed up by several
mountains.

As the powder train had to go through one of the mountain passes so
close at hand, the soldiers were sent ahead, to clear the way of all
Russians that might appear. This was dangerous work, for the enemy had
the advantage of the higher position. But the Japanese were undaunted,
and rushed up one slope after another with a vigor and animation that
was surprising.

"Can't hold them back, when once they get started," said Gilbert, to the
major. "They are like our Southern bloodhounds, when once they strike
the scent."

"And that is the way to win victory," answered Major Okopa.

Not long after this Gilbert found himself at the foot of a steep hill
with his company. At the top of the hill were a number of great bowlders
and behind these some of the Russians were in hiding, sending down a
spiteful fire whenever the opportunity presented itself.

"We must dislodge those fellows," said Major Okopa. "It is