Transcriber’s Note
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EDWARD STRATEMEYER’S BOOKS
Old Glory Series
_Six Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.25._
UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA.
A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA.
FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS.
UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE.
UNDER MacARTHUR IN LUZON.
Stratemeyer Popular Series
_Twelve Volumes. Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $0.75._
THE LAST CRUISE OF THE SPITFIRE.
REUBEN STONE’S DISCOVERY.
TRUE TO HIMSELF.
RICHARD DARE’S VENTURE.
OLIVER BRIGHT’S SEARCH.
JOE, THE SURVEYOR.
TO ALASKA FOR GOLD.
THE YOUNG AUCTIONEER.
BOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN.
SHORTHAND TOM, THE REPORTER.
FIGHTING FOR HIS OWN.
LARRY, THE WANDERER.
Soldiers of Fortune Series
_Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.25._
ON TO PEKIN.
UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG.
AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR.
WITH TOGO FOR JAPAN.
American Boys’ Biographical Series
_Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.25._
AMERICAN BOYS’ LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY.
AMERICAN BOYS’ LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
Colonial Series
_Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.25._
WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST.
MARCHING ON NIAGARA.
AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL.
THE FORT IN THE WILDERNESS.
ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC.
TRAIL AND TRADING POST.
Pan-American Series
_Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.25._
LOST ON THE ORINOCO.
THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS.
YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS.
YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON.
TREASURE SEEKERS OF THE ANDES.
Dave Porter Series
_Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.25._
DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL.
DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS.
DAVE PORTER’S RETURN TO SCHOOL.
TWO YOUNG LUMBERMEN. _Price $1.25._
BETWEEN BOER AND BRITON. _Price $1.25._
[Illustration: HE RAISED HIS WOUNDED COMRADE FROM THE WATER.
_Page 210._]
Soldiers of Fortune Series
UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG
OR
YOUNG SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE
BY
EDWARD STRATEMEYER
Author of “On to Pekin,” “Two Young Lumbermen,” “Old Glory
Series,” “Colonial Series,” “American Boys’ Life of
William McKinley,” etc.
_ILLUSTRATED BY A. B. SHUTE_
[Illustration: Decoration]
BOSTON:
LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.
Published November, 1904
COPYRIGHT, 1904, BY LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD COMPANY
_All rights reserved_
UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG
NORWOOD PRESS
BERWICK AND SMITH CO.
NORWOOD, MASS.
U.S.A.
PREFACE
“Under the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young Americans
in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war between
Russia and Japan, which has for its primary object the settling of the
vexing question of how much of the Liao-tung Peninsula shall remain
under Russian control, and whether or not this control shall eventually
be extended to Korea.
In the tale are related some of the causes which led up to this
struggle, and also the particulars of the sinking of many ships of war,
the numerous attacks upon Port Arthur, the landing of the Japanese
troops at Chemulpo and other points, and the advance northward through
Korea to the Yalu River. Here the Russians made a strong stand, but
being outnumbered they were forced to retreat; and then followed
numerous other skirmishes and battles, leading up to the great conflict
before Liao-Yang, in which half a million men fought desperately for
days—an encounter which has few parallels in modern history.
To those who have read a previous volume of mine, entitled “On to
Pekin,” the leading character of the present story will perhaps seem
like an old friend. Gilbert Pennington had already served in Cuba, in
the Philippines, and in China, so it was no new thing for him to don a
soldier’s uniform and go forth to fight as of yore. And what was true
of the young man who had once been a lieutenant of the United States
regulars, was likewise true of his bosom chum, Ben Russell, and their
faithful old comrades-in-arms, Carl Stummer and Dan Casey.
At the present writing it is impossible to predict what the outcome of
this great war will be. The resources of Russia are tremendous, but
that nation has many troubles at home. On the other hand, the sturdy
Japanese are fighting with wonderful bravery thinking nothing of facing
death at every turn and with a strategy which is as successful as it is
astonishing.
Once more let me thank my young friends for the interest they have
shown in my previous books. May they find the present volume equally
interesting and profitable.
EDWARD STRATEMEYER.
_October 1, 1904._
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. A MATTER OF BUSINESS 1
II. GILBERT LEARNS SOMETHING 12
III. DETAINED BY THE RUSSIANS 22
IV. TROUBLESOME DAYS IN PORT ARTHUR 32
V. THE FIRST NAVAL BATTLE 42
VI. AN ESCAPE AND A FIGHT 52
VII. AMONG JAPANESE FRIENDS 61
VIII. AT THE GERMAN HOTEL 70
IX. GILBERT LEAVES PORT ARTHUR 80
X. AT SEA IN A SNOW SQUALL 90
XI. AN ORDER TO LAY-TO 100
XII. IN THE LAND OF THE MORNING CALM 110
XIII. OLD COMRADES IN ARMS 119
XIV. ON BOARD THE “COLUMBIA” 129
XV. JOINING THE JAPANESE ARMY 139
XVI. ON TIME WAY TO PING-YANG 149
XVII. SURPRISED BY THE COSSACKS 158
XVIII. FACE TO FACE WITH A LEOPARD 168
XIX. GILBERT MAKES A PRISONER 177
XX. THE SINKING OF THE “PETROPAVLOVSKI” 186
XXI. THE BATTLE OF THE YALU 196
XXII. CROSSING THE RIVER 206
XXIII. AMONG THE RUSSIAN SPIES 214
XXIV. FIGHTING IN A STORM 223
XXV. ON THE MARCH 232
XXVI. PRISONERS OF WAR 240
XXVII. CAPTAIN BARUSKY HAS HIS SAY 249
XXVIII. A RIDE FOR LIFE 258
XXIX. GILBERT PLAYS THE SPY 267
XXX. CAPTURED BY THE CHUNCHUSES 276
XXXI. THE GREAT BATTLE OF LIAO-YANG 285
XXXII. FACE TO FACE—CONCLUSION 294
ILLUSTRATIONS
PAGE
He raised his wounded comrade from the water (_Frontispiece_) 210
“What are you doing here?” demanded the Russian officer 20
The stray shot was a most unexpected one 50
“We’ll be run down!” cried Gilbert 99
“Hullo, Ben! Hullo, Larry!” exclaimed Gilbert 135
The runaways were bounding forward at a furious pace 170
It was hard, exhausting labor, with little of glory in it 238
The Chunchuses surrounded the Americans and compelled them to halt 277
UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG
CHAPTER I
A MATTER OF BUSINESS
“Then you have no idea what has become of this Ivan Snokoff, Mr. Chase?”
“Not the slightest, Lieutenant Pennington. I met him at Dalny about a
month ago, but since that time I have not seen him.”
“Can you give me any information concerning this trading company of
which he was the head?”
“Perhaps,” was the slow answer. Nathan Chase rubbed his chin
reflectively. “Would you mind telling me why you put the question?”
“The answer is simple enough,” replied Gilbert Pennington. “As you
know, I am connected with the Richmond Importing Company, of the United
States.”
“Yes, I know that. They tell me you are one of the principal
stockholders.”
“I am a stockholder, although not the principal one. But I am also
connected with the company as a selling agent. About six months ago
our concern sold Ivan Snokoff five thousand dollars’ worth of goods. We
have been trying to collect the bill ever since.”
“Phew! No wonder you are interested. Is the whole amount still due?”
“No, one thousand dollars have been paid. But it looks now as if we
should have to whistle for the remaining four thousand unless I can lay
my hands on Snokoff.”
“I thought there was something crooked about Snokoff and his company
from the very start,” went on Nathan Chase, as he settled back in his
office chair. “They didn’t do business in the fair and square fashion
of most Russian firms. They sold goods almost regardless of cost. No
firm can do that and pay its debts. They claimed to be establishing
trade, but trade established in that manner isn’t worth having.”
“I agree with you.”
“The offices across the way were shut up ten days ago. Only a clerk and
a porter were in charge. They have disappeared like them employer.”
“Can you give me their names?”
“The clerk’s name was Vanskynov. Somebody said he came to Port Arthur
from Mukden. I know nothing of the porter.”
“It’s too bad.” Gilbert Pennington drew a long breath. “I’d give a few
dollars just to lay my hands on this Ivan Snokoff. I’d let him know
what I thought of him.”
“Have you reported the affair to the authorities?”
“Not yet. I have been hoping right along that I might spot Snokoff
somewhere. Besides, matters here seem to be very unsettled just now.”
“You are right there, lieutenant. And they may be more unsettled before
long.”
“Do you think there will be war between Russia and Japan?”
“It looks very much like it. How long have you been in Manchuria?”
“I came over from Nagasaki a week ago.”
“Then you know but little of affairs here. Russia has been fortifying
this port for several months, and our harbor is filled with warships.”
“I saw some of the warships as our vessel came up the harbor. If war
should come, Port Arthur may have a hot time of it.”
“Exactly.” There was a pause. “Anything else I can do for you,
lieutenant? If not, I’ll get at my desk work. My correspondence has
been very heavy lately.”
“Nothing more, Mr. Chase. I am much obliged to you.”
“Not at all. I am always glad to do what I can for a brother American.
Come in again and let me know how you make out.”
“I will,” answered Gilbert Pennington, and after a hearty handshake he
left the main offices of the Anglo-Chinese Trading Company and walked
slowly up the broad and well-kept business street of Port Arthur upon
which the buildings of the concern were located.
Gilbert Pennington was a young man of Southern blood and strong
military tendencies. He came from Richmond, Virginia, and upon the
death of his parents had drifted, first to the West Indies and then to
New York. This was during the opening of our war with Spain, and fired
with patriotism, the young Southerner entered the volunteer service
and became one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, as related in one of my
previous books, entitled “A Young Volunteer in Cuba.”
From Cuba the young soldier shifted to the Philippines where, in
company with his old-time chums, the Russell boys, he saw much active
service under Generals Otis and McArthur, and the much-lamented General
Lawton, many particulars of which are given in “Under Otis in the
Philippines” and other volumes of the “Old Glory Series.”
While the young soldier was in the Philippines he joined the regular
army and shortly after this was sent to China, to aid in the
suppression of the Boxer uprising and the rescue of many missionaries
and others who had fled to the legations in Pekin for safety. As a
lieutenant in the regulars Gilbert saw a good deal of hard fighting,
the particulars of which have been set forth in “On to Pekin.” In this
volume are also related how the young soldier overturned a plot to
cheat him out of his legal share of stock of the Richmond Importing
Company, and how he at last came into possession of sixteen thousand
dollars of stock which was then worth exactly twice its face value.
Since those strenuous days many changes had taken place. With the
rebellion in the Philippines and the uprising in China at an end, the
young American had left the army as speedily as possible and applied
himself strictly to business. New men were now at the head of the
Importing Company, and as Gilbert had a fair knowledge of Japan, Korea,
and the eastern coast of China, he was made the selling agent in that
territory. For over a year he had done very well at this receiving both
a salary and a commission, with all expenses paid.
The first real snag had been struck when he had started to do business
with Ivan Snokoff, who represented himself as the head of the
Russian-American Importing and Exporting Company, with headquarters at
Port Arthur,—a city leased to the Russians by China, and located at the
extreme southern part of the Liao-tung Peninsula of Manchuria.
Snokoff could speak English fairly well, and he was one of the
smoothest talkers possible to imagine. He said he had many relatives in
the United States, and loved to do business with the Yankees because
they were so straightforward and honest.
“I lof not the Germans or the Englees,” said Ivan Snokoff. “It is them
who are too sharp for the poor Russian, yes. Ivan Snokoff will trade
with his friend Pennington, yes—then he will be safe,” and he nearly
crushed Gilbert’s fingers with the warmth of his grasp.
Gilbert was too easy-going to see through such a wily schemer as
Ivan Snokoff. He took the Russian’s words in good faith, and a mere
statement from several others that Snokoff undoubtedly had money was
accepted without question. He also learned that a certain Captain
Barusky had a share in the Russian company, and that the Baruskys were
wealthy.
The first consignment of goods had amounted to four hundred dollars and
the second to twelve hundred dollars. Both consignments had been paid
for promptly, and Gilbert and the others connected with the Richmond
Company had congratulated themselves on having acquired such a customer
at Port Arthur, which was rather a hard city in which to sell American
goods.
Then came the five-thousand-dollar order. “I have a great chance to
make much money, yes,” said Ivan Snokoff. “Send the goods quickly,
and I will discount the whole bill. Do not delay, no—or my rival will
get the order instead of me.” And the goods were shipped as quickly
as possible, Gilbert sending the order by cablegram. Ivan Snokoff was
truly delighted and spoke enthusiastically of his profits. But the
settlement was delayed from time to time, and then suddenly the Russian
disappeared, the offices were closed up, and it slowly dawned upon
Gilbert and the Company that they had been led into a trap and swindled.
At first the young American knew not what to do. He was in a foreign
country, and his Russian rivals had never wanted him to do business
there. Not one of them was willing to give him any information
concerning Snokoff or his connections, and at the bank it was stated
that the rascal had closed his account and not shown himself since.
Even the customhouse officials could tell nothing. Gilbert had feared
to go to the police, knowing that the police department of Russia is a
wonderful and fearful institution, and that the officers might lock him
up for having had anything to do with Snokoff in the first place.
“But I’m going to bring that fellow to justice somehow,” said Gilbert
to himself more than once. “He shan’t escape as easily as he thinks.”
Mr. Nathan Chase was an American merchant who did business both at Port
Arthur and at Tien-Tsin. Gilbert had met him once at the latter city,
while the young American was still a soldier. The merchant had just
come back to Port Arthur after a trip to Pekin, and as soon as Gilbert
heard of this he made the call which has just been described.
Gilbert knew that a war between Japan and Russia would greatly
complicate matters. He had heard about this at Nagasaki, and could now
see that preparations for resisting an attack had been going forward in
and around Port Arthur during the entire winter. All the forts had been
strengthened, and the city was filled with soldiers from Russia. Many
of the Chinese and Japanese residents of the place were leaving, and
the railroad station was crowded from morning to night.
“If Port Arthur should be attacked by the Japanese, everything will be
upset here,” thought the young American dismally. “In the excitement
such a thing as having Snokoff arrested will be out of the question. I
wish——”
Gilbert’s thoughts were interrupted at this moment by the appearance
of a young man who was hurrying along the street, a bundle in each
hand. A second look at the fellow convinced the young American that the
individual was Ivan Snokoff’s clerk.
“Hold on!” he shouted, and running forward, caught the clerk by the
arm. The fellow stopped, looked at the young American in alarm, and
then tried to jerk away.
“Let me go,” he said, in Russian.
“I wish to talk to you,” answered Gilbert, who had picked up a
smattering of the language.
“What do you want?”
“I want to know what has become of Ivan Snokoff.”
“I know not.”
“You worked for him. How came you to close up the offices so
unexpectedly?”
“By my master’s orders.”
“Do you know he owes our company a great deal of money?”
At this the young Russian shrugged his shoulders.
“What have I to do with that? You made your bargain with him, not with
me.”
“That is true, but if you are honest you will not mind telling me where
he is.”
“Have I not said that I do not know?” The clerk hesitated and then
squinted at Gilbert suggestively. “No, I cannot tell you where Ivan
Snokoff is, but—but——”
“But what?”
“Sire, I am a poor man, and I have a wife and two children to support.”
“You are too young to have a wife and two children.”
“No, sire, it is true. I was seventeen when I was married, and Ulma, my
wife, was but fifteen.”
“Do you mean to say you need money?”
“It is true. Ivan Snokoff left me without work, and owing me money.
I have next to nothing saved. To-day I am moving my family to poorer
quarters. In another two weeks my money will all be gone.”
“What has all this to do with me?”
“’Tis plain enough, sire. You need information, Nicholas Vanskynov
needs money. Let us make an exchange.”
“You will tell me something of value if I will pay you for it?”
“Yes.”
“How much do you want?”
Again the young Russian shrugged his shoulders.
“What shall I say? You are a rich man and will never miss a few
_rubles_.”
“Well, I shall not mind paying you a few _rubles_ if you can really
tell me something of value,” answered Gilbert.
“Then come to some place where it is warm and I will tell you all I
know,” returned Nicholas Vanskynov.