CHAPTER XXIV
FIGHTING IN A STORM
“Here they come!”
It was Ben who uttered the cry, a few minutes after the smoke rolled into the barn, and he was right. Four of the Russians had found the spot too hot for comfort, and they rushed out with their guns in hand.
A volley from those hidden behind the haystack greeted the enemy, and two were killed outright and another wounded. The fourth ran behind the house, and a moment later he was followed by two Chinamen.
By this time the barn was in flames from top to bottom, and it was not long before the house also caught. Then came a fierce yelling from both the Russians and the Chinese, and all that were able to do so rushed through the smoke to the shelter of the nearest cornfield.
“After them, men,” cried Gilbert, in Japanese, and he led the way, followed closely by Ben. Before the cornfield could be gained one of the Russians was hit in the leg and laid low. The others, with the Chinese, managed to make their escape.
“Well, that was a hot skirmish while it lasted,” was Gilbert’s comment, on returning to the vicinity of the house and the barn.
“Yes, and the worst of it is, that Major Okopa has been seriously wounded.”
Leaving the buildings to burn down the Japanese detachment counted up its loss. One man had been killed and two, including the major, wounded seriously. All were cared for as tenderly as possible, and then it was decided to return to camp without delay and report what had occurred.
“We didn’t catch many Russian spies this trip,” was Ben’s comment, as they stalked along, the soldiers carrying the wounded ones between them.