Map of Korea and part of Manchuria
In the dusk, soon after passing between Quelpart and the southern extremity of Korea, Bob noticed that part of the fleet had disappeared. He remarked on the fact to Sub-lieutenant Yamaguchi.
"Yes," he replied; "some of the vessels have gone off northwards, to Chemulpo probably."
"Where are we going, then?"
"I don't know, but I should guess to Port Arthur—the place the Russians robbed us of nine years ago."
"Well, I hope that if there is to be any fighting we shall have first shot. What are the chances?"
"Port Arthur is nearly a hundred miles farther away than Chemulpo. If the Russians come out from Chemulpo, Admiral Uriu is bound to open the ball. But you needn't envy him that. Port Arthur is the nut to crack; the Russians have been spending heaps of money on fortifications, and, of course, if we can get past their fleet we shall have to bombard. Then you'll see what our gunners can do: and you'll come in there with that range-finding instrument."
"But you'll have to fight the Russian fleet first. You can't expect what we call in England a walk-over, you know."
The Japanese smiled.
"Come and have a game of 'go' in the cabin," he said.