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140 the booming of a cannon in the direction of Chung-Liang-Cheng. There was a wide paddy field to cross; and beyond was a small wood, flanked on the right by a mud embankment and a ditch.

"Some Russian troops ahead," announced Major Morris, after surveying the situation with his field-glasses. He turned to Gilbert. "Lieutenant Pennington, take two men with you over to yonder embankment, and find out what is going on."

"I will do so, Major Morris," answered the young lieutenant, and saluted. The major next issued a command for the battalion to halt, and the four companies came to a rest at the edge of the rice field.

Gilbert knew that he could trust no men more than Stummer and Casey, and soon had them at his side. The trio hurried across the field, but with caution, and soon entered the wood previously mentioned. From a distance the cracking of rifles continued, but the sounds showed that both the enemy and the Russians were shifting their positions.

"We'll be nixt to it very soon now," muttered Dan Casey, as he clutched his gun in such a manner that he might use it at the slightest warning. "It