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Rh "Only children's play, lad," he replied. "See, we are already safely past."

The engagement lasted ten minutes, and then the batteries were passed and we hauled out into Manila Bay proper.

It was almost full moon, but the clouds made it dark. Far away could be seen the twinkling lights of Manila city and other places.

A strange silence prevailed throughout the ships. It was the calm before the storm.

The night seemed long, but for all on board sleep was out of the question.

The men lay at their guns or on the deck, while the officers paced about or held long whispering conversations.

"I'll wager we have a fight to-morrow," I said to Dan. "Even if the Spanish ships are not here I think Commodore Dewey will capture the city, so as to have a new base of supplies."

"If he does that a good deal of our troubles will be over, Oliver."

"He won't touch anything until he has ferreted out old Monto-what's-his-name," broke in Roundstock.

"Montojo," corrected Dan. "Well, well have to take what comes, that's all."

"Correct, lad."

At early dawn our squadron crept closer to Manila city. We could now see the numerous