In the camp they found a number of letters awaiting them. Ben had two from home—one from his brother Walter, and one from his Uncle Job Dowling. Both said that matters were running smoothly, and that Walter was doing remarkably well in his new business. They were surprised that Ben had gone into the army with Gilbert, but wished him well. They added that so fair they had not heard from Larry since he had left Nagasaki on the Columbia.
Gilbert’s principal letter was from the Richmond Importing Company. In this he was complimented on having made such a good bargain with the Japanese authorities for the Columbia’s cargo, and for having sent the schooner to Manila for another cargo. He was also advised to keep his eyes open for Ivan Snokoff, and bring that rascal to justice if it could possibly be done.
“As if I hadn’t done my best to run him down,” said Gilbert, after reading the letter to his chum.
“I suppose they do not realize the difficulties in the way,” answered Ben. “But, somehow, I feel it in my bones that you’ll run across Snokoff some day, and before this war is over, too.”
“It doesn’t seem possible, Ben. He’ll be sure to keep away from any Japanese advance.”
Both Gilbert and Ben were glad to rest for several days after returning to camp. The men of their companies were delighted to have them back, and each insisted upon coming up and shaking hands.
During those days of idleness Gilbert was surprised one day to receive a visit from Jiru Siko.
“Come to war las’ week,” explained the little brown man. “All wife an’ children in Nagasaki now. Going to fight Russians all time, show ’em what Jiru Siko can do—not afraid of them, no!”
“Good for you, Siko!” laughed Gilbert. “I hope you come out of the campaign a general.” Then he asked about the O-Taka and her captain, and learned that the vessel was now being used to transport soldiers and stores along the Korean coast.
The advance of General Kuroki’s army in the direction of Liao-Yang began August 23. There was a smart skirmish with a small body of Russians who immediately fell back towards An-Ping. After this Field Marshal Oyama ordered a general advance of the three Japanese armies, and it was this advance which brought on the great chain of fights lasting ten days, which are now known as the battle of Liao-Yang—a bloody struggle which has few parallels in history. In this contest over four hundred thousand men were engaged, the battlefield extending over a distance of seventy-five miles, and the killed and wounded numbered fully thirty thousand.