stood undecided, but then his courage returned and he gazed once more at the scene before him. A Japanese cruiser was pounding one of the Russian ships at a lively rate and he was unwilling to miss the exhibition.

Thinking to get a better view from another part of the tower, Gilbert started to walk in that direction. He had scarcely taken two steps when he heard a crash overhead, and in a twinkling a mass of stones and dirt came tumbling down around him. A stray cannon ball had hit the point of the tower, and the missile must have passed within a few feet of the young American’s head.

 

The stray shot was a most unexpected one.—Page 50.

The stray shot was a most unexpected one.

 

The stray shot was a most unexpected one, and Gilbert cannot be blamed if he dodged and thought of running away. Some of the stones hit him, and [Pg 51]the dirt filled his eyes, but he was not seriously hurt.

[Pg 51]

“Reckon I had best get out of here,” he told himself, and started to go below, when a voice from the inside of the tower startled him.

“There is somebody up here,” came in Russian. “That American they told us about!”

[Pg 52]

[Pg 52]

CHAPTER VI AN ESCAPE AND A FIGHT

AN ESCAPE AND A FIGHT

From the tone of the speaker Gilbert realized that he had a rough individual with whom to deal. But it was too late to back out or hide and he faced the man boldly. He proved to be a corporal, and behind him were several Russian privates, all in heavy winter uniforms, for the day was stinging cold.

“What are you doing up here?” demanded the corporal.

“I was looking at the battle,” answered Gilbert.

“Who gave you permission to come in this building?”

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