Page:At the Fall of Port Arthur.djvu/178

160 "This looks black for us," said Shamhaven, moodily. "I wish we were out of it."

"I haf a plan got, yes," answered Peterson.

"To get away?"

The other nodded.

"Then let me hear the plan by all means, Peterson."

"It vos—vot you call him—risky, yes. Maype ve get shot—you no like him, no?"

"Of course I don't want to get shot. But what is your plan?"

"So soon like de ship come up by der harbor we vatch our chances an' trop oferpoard, yes."

"And swim ashore?"

"Maype ve schwim by some udder poat, yes. Of ve got money we go to leetle poat—gif Jap mans money to take us avay, you see now?"

"You mean to watch for some small Japanese boat—a bumboat, eh? And bribe the boatman to take us to some place of safety?"

"You got him now, yes."

"That's good enough if we can find the bumboat and get the money with which to do the bribing."

"Captain Ponsberry got money—an' Russell he got money pelt, like I told you."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten about that money belt," returned Shamhaven. "And I wouldn't mind