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196 Manila that he lost two ships and four hundred sailors."

"You ought to know better. Couldn't you see the battle?"

"No, the Spanish soldiers drove everybody indoors on penalty of death. It is also reported that another Spanish fleet will soon come here to wipe Dewey out."

"I don't know anything about that," I said. "But if the fleet comes I reckon our commodore can take care of himself."

"So he can, every thrip!" put in Matt Gory. "Oi'll foight wid him meself, next toime, so Oi will!"

"Plundering is becoming a common thing here," resumed Harry Longley, as he led the way to his apartments above. "Last night four offices and six stores were looted. The Spanish authorities try to catch the offenders when the places belong to the English, French, or Germans, but if an American is robbed they merely wink the other eye, as the saying goes."

"Do they offer you any protection at all, if you promise to keep out of the fight?"

"They do, in words, but that is as far as it goes. An American is not safe here, no matter if he gives up all his arms and swears to remain neutral. The Dons hate the very sight of us. They never wanted us here in the first place