From one of the fishermen Gilbert learned that the ship had been stranded at a point about sixty miles south of Chemulpo, and that there was a fairly good road leading to the latter named seaport. There was also another road leading over the mountains to Fu-san, on the southeast coast of the Land of the Morning Calm, as Korea is locally called.
“Japanese steamers stop at both Chemulpo and at Fu-san,” said Captain Toyano, “or at least, they did so before this war broke out. If you wish to leave us I should advise you to go to Chemulpo, which is close to Seoul, the capital. All trade centers at Seoul, and if you get into any further trouble it will be best for you to be within call of that city.”
Matters were talked over for several hours, and in the end Gilbert arranged to be taken in a pony cart to Chemulpo. Jiru Siko remained behind with his family, and it was a long time before the young American saw his faithful Japanese friend again.
“I shan’t forget you, Siko,” said Gilbert, on parting. “You did a great deal for me.”
“Master Pennington do much for me,” was the reply. “Send Russian rent man ’bout business—make rent man give up money—nice thing to do—not forget dat! We come together some day—when Jiru Siko soldier, maybe;” and so they parted.
Gilbert had with him for company a sailor named Nouye, sent to Chemulpo by Captain Toyano. There was also the driver of the cart, an elderly Korean, who insisted upon having his pay for the trip before they started. As the amount was less than two dollars and fifty cents in our money Gilbert furnished the cash without hesitation. It was likewise agreed that the young American should pay about forty cents for a night’s lodging for himself and his companion, and twenty cents for food for the driver and his ponies.
Under other circumstances Gilbert would have noted many things on that trip through a new country. But the weather remained cold, with another light fall of snow, and he was glad to bundle himself up and huddle down in the cart to keep warm. Yet he noticed that in general the air was much drier than in Manchuria and consequently more healthful. As a whole, the climate of the Land of the Morning Calm is delightful, the spring and autumn being unexcelled anywhere for clearness and balminess, and the summer being far from sultry. To be sure, there is some bad weather, and a few days when the thermometer climbs into the nineties in the shade, but these are the exceptions.
The night’s stop was at a long row of nipa huts, some used as dwellings and others as stages. Much to his surprise, Gilbert was offered a fairly good bed and also a supper and a breakfast with which he could find no fault. He also met a Korean who could speak fairly good English.
“I learned your tongue from a missionary,” said the Korean. “I worked for him at his church. He was a nice man.”
“And where is the missionary now?” questioned Gilbert.