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124 Around this booth a number of men were congregated, talking excitedly.

"War has been declared between the United States and Spain!" were the first words which reached my ears.

"Can that be true?" I burst out.

Dan did not answer, but pushed his way to the stand, and bought a copy of the latest paper to be had.

"Yes, the war is practically on," he said, scanning the sheet. "Here is a dispatch from Washington. Havana, Cuba, is about to be blockaded."

"And the army is to be called out," I said, looking over his shoulder. "Oh, Dan, what about Manila now,—and our business?"

"Let us hurry to my father's office," answered my chum, and thrusting the paper in his pocket he stalked down the street and I after him.

The office of Raymond, Holbrook & Smith was a pretentious one of stone, located on a main corner of Hong Kong. Entering, we found Mr. Holbrook deep in some accounts.

"Dan!" he cried, and caught his son by both hands. "I was afraid you were dead,—that you had gone down with the Dart."

"Then you have heard of the foundering, father?"

"Yes, a cablegram came in a few days ago.