LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO
As soon as the _Columbia_ could make the proper landing, Captain
Ponsberry went ashore and reported his arrival to the authorities, and
also reported the escape of Shamhaven and Peterson. The authorities had
already heard of the capture of the _Columbia_ from the Russians, and
said that the schooner would have to remain at Nagasaki until the whole
case could be adjusted. The Japanese were inclined to favor both the
Richmond Importing Company and the owners of the vessel, so it was not
likely that our friends would lose much in the end. In the meantime the
_Columbia_ could be put in a dry-dock and given the overhauling that she
needed.
"We shall do all we can to locate Shamhaven and Peterson and get back
your money," said an official of the secret service department. But his
hands were so full with other matters of greater importance that little
attention was paid to the disappearance of the two rascals.
"Well, this will tie me up at Nagasaki for some time to come," said
Captain Ponsberry to Larry, on the third day after arriving at the
Japanese port.
"Which means, I suppose, that I can join the Japanese navy if I wish,"
returned the young second mate, quickly.
"I don't want to force you to leave the ship, lad. But you said----"
"I know, Captain Ponsberry, and I am glad of the chance to get away.
Luke and I have talked it over once more, and yesterday we met a gunner
named Steve Colton--he served on the _Brooklyn_ at the time Walter did.
He is now a gun captain on board of Admiral Togo's flagship, and he is
almost certain he can get us good positions. He says gunners and
gunners' assistants are just now badly needed."
"Then go by all means, Larry, and make even a bigger record for yourself
than your brother Ben is making in the army. Perhaps, when this war is
over, you'll come back to the old _Columbia_, eh?"
"More than likely, and I guess Luke Striker will come, too."
What Larry had said about meeting Steve Colton was true. As readers of a
story of mine entitled "Fighting in Cuban Waters" know, Colton had been
a gun captain under Commodore Schley, and as such had become fairly well
acquainted with Walter Russell and had also heard of Larry, who was at
that time serving under Admiral Dewey at Manila.
A detail from Admiral Togo's flagship had been sent ashore at Nagasaki,
and Larry and Luke, as they walked through the streets, had met several
of these men. Hearing two of them speaking English they had halted the
pair; and introductions had followed.
"So you are Larry Russell," said Steve Colton. "Any relation to Walter
Russell that once served on the U. S. Cruiser _Brooklyn_?"
"Walter is my brother," replied Larry, quickly.
"Oh, so you are the chap that was cast away in the Pacific and picked up
by Admiral Dewey's flagship, eh?"
"The same, and this is the friend who was with me, Luke Striker."
"Glad to know ye both." Steve Colton shook hands. "This is my friend,
Bob Stanford--he hails from San Francisco and is a gunner's mate with
me. What are you doing in this corner of the earth?"
A long talk followed, in which Larry and Luke told their story, and
Steve Colton and his friend related how they had come to join the
Japanese navy.
"It's this way," said Colton. "I've got the fighting blood in my veins
and it won't come out. As soon as this war broke out, I cut sticks from
'Frisco with Bob and we comes to Tokio. There I met another American who
was in the navy here, and it wasn't two days before we were booked for
Admiral Togo's flagship. We've been down to Port Arthur twice, and I
reckon we'll go again before long."
"Perhaps we'll go up to Vladivostok next time," came from Bob Stanford.
"I've heard something of bombarding that Russian port."
Colton and Stanford had a couple of hours to themselves and Larry and
Luke invited them over to the _Columbia_. In return they were asked to
come over to Admiral Togo's flagship, the gunners having the privilege
of bringing their friends aboard during the brief stay in Nagasaki
harbor.
"You can come aboard to-morrow," said Steve Colton. "They have an
inspection and drill, and you can see how they do it in the Japanese
navy--not but what it's a good bit like it's done on Uncle Sam's
warships."
Larry and Luke were very willing to go aboard of the Japanese warship,
and were taken out by Colton the next day, and introduced to several
gunners and others who could speak a little English. They were also
taken before the head gunner, who took them to the commander of the
warship.
"They both served under Admiral Dewey at Manila," said the head gunner,
and this made the commander smile quietly as he shook hands and told
them to make themselves at home.
"Everything is as clean as a whistle," was Larry's comment, as they
walked around the forward part of the warship and through the gun decks.
"The Japs certainly know how to take care of things. Luke, just look at
how the brasswork shines!"
"That's the way it ought to be," was the Yankee tar's reply. "No
slackness, an' I'm glad on it. I love a clean ship above all things."
Steve Colton and Bob Stanford were enthusiastic over the gun they
commanded and explained how it worked. It was certainly an effective
weapon and Larry and Luke were thoroughly interested.
"I could handle sech a gun myself," said Luke. "An' do some damage, too;
eh, Larry?"
"Anyway, I'd like to try it," returned the youth.
Orders were now being issued for the inspection and drill, and presently
nearly all on board of the flagship hurried to the main deck. Here the
marines were drawn up in long lines, with the officers in their proper
places. The sailors and gunners were also at hand, each togged out in
his best, for inspection by an admiral on any warship means a great
deal.
Presently Admiral Togo appeared, followed by several other naval
officers of lesser rank. He was in full dress, with many decorations on
his breast, and carried his sword. He proved to be a man well along in
years, with a round face, and small mustache and goatee.
"He looks like a fighter!" whispered Larry.
"True for you, lad," returned Luke. "An' I reckon he knows how to handle
men."
What our friends said about Admiral Togo was true. He was a fighter and
a born leader of men. When the Naval Academy of Japan was inaugurated he
was one of the first graduates, and he was sent by the government to
complete his nautical education in England, where, during 1873 and 1874,
he served on the training ship _Worcester_, making a record for himself
as a first-class pupil in every respect.
On returning home Togo Heihachiro--to use his full name--found a great
task confronting his people. They were becoming civilized as we term
civilization and needed a modern navy. He set to work with vim and
vigor, and then and there laid the foundation of that navy which is
to-day known as one of the most effective in the world.
The navy had scarcely come into existence when there came rumors of war
with China. The rumors grew, and China became more and more hateful
toward the Japanese. To the outside world it looked as if China, with
her vast territory and her immense number of people, would swallow up
the sons of Nippon bodily.
At last it was discovered that China was transporting troops with which
to begin the war. Togo waited for no instructions from his home
government. He went at the Chinese with vigor. The war followed, and
after a number of thrilling contests the Japanese were victorious, and
Admiral Togo emerged from the struggle covered with glory.
"He is the man to lead us to victory against the Russians!" was the cry
throughout the navy, when war was declared between Russia and Japan, and
how he sent his ships to Port Arthur and other places, and what
effective work was done by them, has already been related. In the whole
of the Japanese navy, to serve on the admiral's flagship, the _Mikasa_,
was considered a great honor.
The inspection and drill were exceedingly interesting to Larry and Luke,
and they watched both with close attention. After it was over Admiral
Togo addressed the men briefly and then turned to the commander of the
ship.
"See, he is pointing to us!" whispered Luke. "Hang me if I don't think
he is talking about us to the captain!"
"An officer is coming," replied Larry, and a moment later one of the
admiral's staff came hurrying to them.
"Are you the two Americans who served under Admiral Dewey at Manila?"
questioned the staff officer.
"We are," answered Larry.
"Admiral Togo wishes you to come to him."
"Oh, Luke, we are going to be presented to the admiral!" cried Larry.
"Great pewter!" groaned the Yankee tar. "I didn't expect this nohow. But
I don't care," he added, bracing up. "He ain't no bigger nor Dewey. Come
along."
He followed the staff officer and Larry did the same. They felt that the
eyes of many of the sailors and marines were on them, and stepped out as
firmly as possible. Coming up to the admiral, they took off their caps
and saluted.
Admiral Togo surveyed the two Americans with interest. He had heard how
they had come to serve under Dewey at Manila and he smiled pleasantly as
he held out his hand, first to Larry and then to Luke.
"Let me give you a welcome, my men," said he. "I have been told your
story. I hope this visit to my ship has interested you."
"Very much, sir," answered Luke.
"I liked the drill, sir," answered Larry, with a smile. "It was fine.
And everything is so clean! Really, I don't think it could be cleaner!"
At this Admiral Togo smiled again. "That is a compliment,--since it
comes from one who has served in the American navy."
He then asked them to remain where they were, while some of the men went
through an exercise with their cutlasses. There was also a gun drill,
and they were asked to show how they had handled a gun during the battle
of Manila Bay.
"You are well drilled, I can see that," said the admiral, on dismissing
them. "They tell me you think of entering our navy. If you wish to do so
I think likely we can find suitable openings for you."