"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?"