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158 close to the enemy," said Roundstock. "Orders are to keep at the guns."

"There isn't a sail in sight."

"No; but how long would it take a heavy steam vessel, under a full head of steam, to come out from one of yonder headlands and open fire, lad? Not more than ten or fifteen minutes, if as long."

"How far will our heavy guns carry?"

"Six to eight miles—and more, on a pinch."

"A good deal further than a fellow can see, even with an ordinary glass," put in Dan.

"Our telescopes are the finest in the world."

The loss of sleep the night before had tired me out, and I soon retired, and Dan followed.

But I was not to sleep long, as I soon discovered.

As I had supposed, the squadron was running for Manila Bay. Commodore Dewey wanted to get past Corregidor Island unnoticed, if such a thing was possible.

But it was not to be, and presently we received half a dozen heavy shots from the land batteries, one or two of which struck the ships behind the Olympia and Boston.

Then rockets flared up in the air, and a small-sized engagement was on.

"This is war and no mistake!" I cried to Roundstock, but he merely tossed his head.