But when the young captain was attacked by the three Russian privates, Ben saw the movement and lost no time in hurrying to his chum’s assistance. He was just in time to meet the onslaught of the Russian lieutenant, and sword met sword in a clash which drew fire from both blades.
“Not so fast, my fine fellow!” cried Ben, who, as my old readers know, knew how to handle his blade perfectly. “Not so fast!” And watching his chance, he gave a turn that sent the Russian’s blade flying into the air. Then he lunged at his enemy, but the fellow was too quick for him, and leaping back, he lost no time in taking to his heels and disappearing among the trees.
“Good for you, Ben,” panted Gilbert, as he leaped up. “You stopped him just in the nick of time.”
“Glad I was able to do it,” was the laconic reply. “They thought they had you sure, didn’t they?”
The battle was now on the wane, and a little later the Russians were in full retreat. The Japanese thought at first to follow them up, but were too tired and hungry to do so. The Russians lost no time in reaching the Yalu, and that night, under cover of darkness, made their way by one of the fords to the other side.
Following this battle—which, indeed, was little more than a brisk skirmish,—came several other encounters in that vicinity, in which, however, our friends did not participate. Meanwhile the Japanese general lost no time in massing his forces along the Yalu, as previously mentioned, bringing up his batteries to the most commanding positions, and making all in readiness for a battle which both sides knew would be long and bloody.
To understand the great battle so close at hand, it is necessary for a moment to look at the geography of the locality. The Yalu is a broad and rather shallow stream, bounded in some places by hills and in others by low, marshy land. Opposite to the town of Wiju, is the Manchurian river Ai, above which is a high spur of land called Husan, or Tiger Hill. Between this spur and the Korean side of the Yalu is Kulido Island, and there is a ford to this island from each side of the river.
Some distance below where the Ai joins the Yalu the main river is cut into three channels by two islands, each about thirteen miles long. There are fords to both islands, but they are deep and dangerous, while the middle channel of the river can only be crossed by means of a bridge.
Following several skirmishes of slight importance, came a sharp attack by the Japanese on some Russian sharpshooters located on Kulido Island. This was at dawn on the 26th of April, and the Russians replied with vigor. But the Japanese fire proved too heavy for them, and presently they retreated to the mainland, being shelled by a battery located on a hill behind Wiju.
This was an opening the Japanese were looking for, and in a twinkling some boats were brought forth, and the troops either rowed or waded to the island. It may be mentioned here that among the troops to move to this new position were the sharpshooters to which Dan Casey and Carl Stummer belonged, and both distinguished themselves by what they did upon that occasion.