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2 "It's the truth, Pennmgton. I got it direct from the colonel. We are to proceed to Manila without delay, and there take the Logan or some other transport direct for China."

"And what are we going to do in China? Has Uncle Sam declared war on the heathen?"

"Hardly that, I imagine. But you know the missionaries and other foreigners are having a lot of trouble with the Boxers, as they are called; and I reckon our government wants some soldiers on hand in case matters get worse."

"Yes, I've heard about the Boxers, although I don't exactly know what they are."

"They call themselves a band of Patriots, but in reality they are a secret society having for its object the extermination of all foreigners in the Celestial Kingdom. They are the worst cut-throats in China, so I have been told."

"Well, this is certainly news," mused Gilbert Pennington. "I had an idea that my fighting days were about over for the present. I never dreamed I should be sent away from the Philippines excepting it would be back to the States."

"I hope the prospect doesn't displease you," went