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Rh "We have struck the Allies at last," was Captain Banner's comment. "I have already counted ten different flags, not to mention the banners belonging to the Japanese shipping."

"Or the Banner we are carrying," put in Major Morris, by way of a joke.

"Don't, major! That pun on my name is old enough to vote," answered the captain of Company A.

"Then it is time it was buried," said the major, promptly. "I'll never pun on your name again." And he never did.

All the soldiers were anxious for news from shore; and this was not long in coming, in the shape of newspapers, letters, and cablegrams.

"General Chaffee has left San Francisco with the first American troops for China, on the transport Grant," said one of the captains, spreading the news. "He is coming direct to Nagasaki; and he will be followed by four or five thousand other men, from Cuba, New York, and elsewhere."

The Grant carried the Sixth United States Cavalry, eight hundred strong, and about three hundred sailors and marines.