At last came a shout, which was quickly answered by the Japanese. They saw the light of several lanterns, and waved a small light in return. Then there loomed up in the darkness the form of a fair-sized Japanese sailing craft, with several sails set. These were speedily lowered and in a moment more the two rowboats drew alongside.
There was some danger of the rowboats being swamped, for the sea was running strongly. But with the aid of the sailors on the larger craft all in the rowboats were transferred to the deck of the big vessel. Then one of the rowboats was also taken aboard, and the other cast adrift, and the sailing ship proceeded on her course to the southeast.
The Japanese ship was named the O-Taka, which means The Hawk. She was a fairly comfortable vessel, broad of beam, and with sailing qualities better than ordinary. Her captain, a keen-eyed Japanese named Toyano, had served in the war between Japan and China years before, and had an abnormal hatred of the Russians. He knew that he was in dangerous waters, but laughed to scorn the anxiety of the sailors under him.
“We can show them a clear stern,” said he, in his native tongue. “And if a steamship comes close we can give them a taste of a sailor’s muscle and shooting qualities.”
On board of the O-Taka were Jiru Siko’s family and also the families of several other Japanese refugees. The women and smaller children were crowded into the cabin of the ship, while their belongings were either thrown into the hold or lashed fast in a heap on the deck. Everybody on board was Japanese but Gilbert, and many gazed curiously at the young American. He was introduced to the captain, who told him to make himself at home as best he could.
“You will have to rough it with us,” said he. “I can offer you no stateroom, since those are given to the women and children. And should we fall afoul of a Russian warship all of us will have to take what comes.”
“I’ve roughed it many times before,” answered Gilbert, with a quiet smile. “As a soldier I served in Cuba, Luzon, and in China.”
“Good! Then you are no stranger to war. I am glad to meet you,” and Captain Toyano shook hands once more. “Jiru Siko tells me they took you for a spy in Port Arthur.”
“They did, and I am running away now to escape being put into a Russian prison just for nothing at all!”
“In that case you must sympathize with us Japanese?” And the captain bent a penetrating glance upon the ex-lieutenant.