In a plain, direct manner the master of the Columbia told his tale, starting from the time the schooner left Manila with a cargo intended for the Japanese Government. He told of the trouble with Semmel and of the mutiny, and then of the capture by the Pocastra.
"You have assuredly been unfortunate," said Captain Tonkaka. "Have you any idea where your schooner is now?"
"I have not, but I thought she must be close to the Russian ship—she and that Chinese junk, too. The Pocastra was taking them to Vladivostok as prizes."
"Ah!" The Japanese captain mused for a moment. "I dare say you would like to gain back your ship?" he continued.
"Indeed I would!" cried Captain Ponsberry. "I'd give a pretty dollar to do so!"
"I shall interview the captain of the Russian warship again to-morrow. It may be that he will tell us where she is—although I doubt it."
After this a few questions were put to Larry and Tom Grandon and both corroborated what Captain Ponsberry had said. They were also questioned concerning the treatment they had received while on the Pocastra.
"You may be thankful that the treatment was no worse," said Captain Tonkaka. "Of late some of the Russians have treated their prisoners in a most brutal fashion."
"We are thankful," replied the master of the Columbia.
The majority of the staterooms aboard of the Mimora Juri were occupied by the officers of the cruiser, but one small room was turned over to Captain Ponsberry, and a larger apartment was turned over to Tom Grandon and Larry. At Larry's solicitation Luke Striker was allowed to "bunk in" with the first and second mates.