“Well, the war seems to have come to an end in this vicinity,” remarked Ben, as they moved along, past a forest on one side and a tall cornfield on the other. “What do you think of it, Gilbert?”
“I think the general is preparing for another such ten-strike as we made when we crossed the Yalu. What do you think, major?”
“I think so myself,” answered the Japanese major, whose knowledge of English, thanks to Gilbert and Ben, was improving daily. “You must remember, we now have three armies in the field—one under our own general, one under General Oku, and a third under General Nodzu. I believe that before long the greater portion of the three armies will unite, and then we shall drive General Kuropatkin clear back to Russia.”
“They tell me the Russian commander has an immense force behind him.”
“That may be true. But we have also large armies,—and you know how our men fight.”
“Yes, they could not have done better,” put in Ben.
“There is another thing to consider,” went on the Japanese major. “We have no troubles at home to worry us, while Russia has troubles without number. She must always keep some soldiers at home, or there may break out a revolution which will annihilate her.”
“Yes, I know that,” said Gilbert. “Just the same, I hardly think this war is going to end this summer.”
“I am afraid not,” and the Japanese major sighed. “That is Russia’s one hope—that she may wear Japan out. She has so many more people, and her resources are so much greater. But, should Russia win in the end, it will be at a cost that will stagger her and her financiers.”
A little later the talk came to an end, because it was felt that a Russian detachment might be close at hand. They had now passed into the cornfield and were moving toward a slight rise of ground. To the east and the west were heavy woods, and behind them a fair-sized brook, where all had stopped to get a drink, for the march had proved a tiresome one.