"We'll have a fight before very long—I can feel it in my bones," declared Larry. And he was right; but before telling of that contest, and what surprising results it led to, we shall have to tell of something else which occurred, to delight Larry exceedingly.
[CHAPTER XXII]
A MEETING AND A PLOT
"Some Japanese transports are coming up," said Larry, two days later. "Six of them, and they are crowded to the rails with soldiers."
"I reckon we are to act as an escort to them," replied Luke. "They would need an escort, if they fell in with a Russian cruiser or two."
The Japanese transports were bound for the coast of Manchuria, to land near the village of Petaka. Soon they fell in behind the Shohirika; and then those on the warship knew that they were going to go close to shore, if not to make an actual landing.
A fog came up that night, which made the transports hold off. But the next day was as bright and clear as before, and about noon land was sighted to the westward. A patrol boat was sent ahead and came back stating that all was clear for a landing. Then the warships went closer and the transports followed.
On the following day Larry found himself on shore—having been taken along by one of the officers of the ship to interview an English merchant who wished to sell some goods to the Japanese. The officer could speak some English, but wanted somebody along who could help him out in case he could not make himself clearly understood.
The landing was at a small Chinese town which was partly in ashes—the Russians having tried to burn it down before leaving. There were a dozen shops, but all were closed and with the windows boarded up. Many of the Chinese had fled to the country beyond; and a Japanese regiment was on guard to preserve order and to keep the Chunchuses, (Chinese brigands) from looting the place.
"This shows what war will do," thought Larry, as he walked along beside the Japanese naval officer. "I suppose some of the Chinese have lost all they possessed—and through no fault of their own either."