young American.

“I am afraid I’ll have to keep out of sight of the Russian authorities for the present,” said the ex-lieutenant. And he did what he could to explain the situation. They listened with keen interest to his story, and at the conclusion said, if he would remain with them, they would do their utmost to protect him.

“Got better room for American,” said one, and after a consultation with Jiru Siko led the way along another passageway and up a narrow and dirty flight of stairs to a small apartment in the rear of a Chinese furniture shop. The shop had been closed ever since the first bombardment in the harbor, and many of the goods had been carried away.

The apartment was small but clean and had one narrow window, overlooking some sheds which lined the upper harbor entrance. Gilbert was told[Pg 66] he could remain there as long ass he pleased, and the Japanese and Chinese would see to it that he did not suffer for the want of food.

[Pg 66]

The fighting in the harbor had now come to an end, and only the occasional distant booming of a cannon could be heard. Satisfied with sinking or disabling the flower of the Russian navy located at Port Arthur, Admiral Togo left the vicinity, fearful that sooner or later the fire from the forts might reach him. This fire had been incessant, but the aim of the Russian gunners had been poor and but little damage had been done.

Sitting down on a stool near the window, which was tightly closed to keep out the cold air, Gilbert gave himself up to his reflections. His mind was in a tumult, and for some time he could scarcely straighten out his thoughts.

The sudden breaking out of this war between Russia and Japan had upset all his calculations. He realized that it would be utterly useless for the present to attempt to find Ivan Snokoff, or bring that rascal and Captain Barusky to justice. He also knew it would be useless to attempt to send any message to Nagasaki or any other Japanese port, or try to get a message from the Columbia and those on board.

“The best thing I can do is to get out of Manchuria[Pg 67] just as quickly as possible,” was the conclusion he reached. “These Russians feel sure I am friendly to the Japanese, and that being so they’ll handle me without gloves, if I let them catch me. They are forcing me to become an enemy in self-defense.”

[Pg 67]

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