The gale subsided after a blow of twenty-four hours and then the bow of the Columbia was once more set towards her destination. Only a few knots had been covered when the lookout reported a vessel in sight.
"It's a steamer!" cried Larry, for the smoke from the craft's funnels was plainly to be seen.
"Maybe she's a warship," returned Tom Grandon, who was beside him. "If so, I hope she's a Japanese."
The steamer was coming along at a good rate of speed and soon they made her out to be a British vessel. She was a "tramp," that is, a vessel going from port to port, picking up whatever cargo can be found.
"Ahoy, there!" cried Captain Ponsberry, as the tramp slowed up. "What ship is that?"
"The Lord Duffield," was the answer. "What ship is that?"
"The Columbia."
"Where are you bound?"
"For Nagasaki. And you?"
"For Hong-Kong."