"One word, sir; are any saved but me?"
"Yes, sir; one officer—young, not handsome—and one brave brown man. He would not permit himself to be saved until you and your friend were hauled on board our boat."
How glad was Creggan next morning to meet Goodwin and the Duck. All were fresh, though the memory of the terrible accident lay heavy at their hearts.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The Japanese officers were more than civil, they were the quintessence of hospitality. They would do all they could for our Osprey heroes, but meanwhile they were guarding a fleet of thirty transports, under the command of Marshal Yamagata, who was proceeding to Corea to land 10,000 men, 4500 coolies, and nearly 4000 horses.
The Chinese fleet was somewhere else similarly engaged, and the bold Japs were hoping to meet them.
"Ah!" said the surgeon laughing, as he addressed Creggan, "depend upon it, we shall give them battle and blazes both. You shall see how our bold iron-clad navy can fight."
Both Creggan and his companions were delighted.
"If an engagement does take place," said the former, "I greatly fear that we will not be able to resist the temptation to work a gun or two."
"I was thinking," said the Jap doctor, "that as you belong to a neutral nation, I should requisition your services to assist me with the wounded down below."