And how you told us of your adventures in China? I shall never forget that meeting, and of how we celebrated with a big dinner. “As soon as I saw Larry I knew he had a card up his sleeve, and it came out pretty quick. He wanted me to take the trip on the Columbia. He had arranged it with Captain Ponsberry so that I could have half of his quarters (Larry’s, I mean), and he said it would give me a chance to try an ocean trip on a sailing vessel and also an opportunity to see you and see another part of the world. “I didn’t think so much of the trip on a sailing vessel, but I did think it would be pleasant to sail with Larry and with our old friend the captain, and when he mentioned you that settled it, and I said yes almost before I knew it. And then you ought[Pg 31] to have seen Larry hug me! ‘It’s just boss, Ben,’ said he. ‘We’ll have the best times ever!’ And he fairly danced a jig over the prospect. The captain was pleased, too, and said so. [Pg 31] “We sail early in the morning, and you know as much about when the Columbia will arrive as I do. I shall look for you either at Nagasaki or Port Arthur, and let me say frankly that I can hardly await the time when we shall be together again. When I arrive you must knock off for awhile and go sight-seeing and holiday-making with me.” [Pg 32] [Pg 32] CHAPTER IV TROUBLESOME DAYS IN PORT ARTHUR TROUBLESOME DAYS IN PORT ARTHUR Gilbert read Ben Russell’s letter with keen interest. The contents surprised him, just as his chum had thought they would, and he drew a long sigh of uncertainty as he laid the epistle down. “Ben and Larry!” he murmured. “Yes, I’ll be more than glad to meet them both, but if the old Columbia gets into trouble with her cargo, what will become of them?” And then he fell to wondering if Ben was still wearing his uniform as a captain of the volunteers, or if he had donned civilian’s costume. The Russians would certainty not care for an American officer, in uniform, among them. The following afternoon
Prev.
Back
Top