The march was taken up a short while later and led out of the woods and back to the high cornfield. They were just entering into the cornfield when one of the soldiers in front set up a cry of warning.
“What is it, Gishuan?” questioned the Japanese officer.
“Russians, a regiment of them!” was the startling reply.
The report was correct, a whole regiment of Russian infantry was moving swiftly and silently across the cornfield. With them was a small detachment of Siberian cavalry, the Cossacks looking fierce and warlike.
“We cannot give battle to such a number!” murmured the Japanese major. “Back, all of you, and hide!”
Gilbert and Ben saw the wisdom of this move, and turned to do as bidden, and so did the majority of the Japanese soldiers. But one soldier, with more enthusiasm than judgment, shouted a loud war cry and discharged his gun.
Instantly there was a commotion among the Russians, and some of the Cossacks came riding in the direction whence the report had come.
“The Japanese!” was the cry. “The dirty sons of Nippon! Charge upon them! Do not let them escape!”
There was intense excitement, and orders were quickly given to surround the Japanese if it could be done. Heedless of the brushwood the Cossacks dashed into the forest to get behind the enemy, while the Russian infantry charged from the front.
The Japanese and Gilbert and Ben met the shock as bravely as possible. But with such an overwhelming force against them the battle could terminate in but one way. When nearly half of the Japanese company had been shot down the balance were called upon to surrender.