Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/226

196 "I reckon I am," answered the Yankee sailor. "Larry, how is it?"

For answer the youth slid from the keel of the Treasure, and grasped the gunwale of the Olympia's small boat. Willing hands helped him on board, and Striker followed.

"You have done us a great service," murmured Larry. "I was afraid we were gone."

"You look played out," smiled the officer detailed to bring the pair in. "How did you chance to be wrecked?"

"It's a long story, sir. We were on board of the Columbia, a three-master bound from Honolulu to Hong Kong, and went overboard during a storm. We struck an island first and found that boat, and then set out to make Luzon—"

"And the plagued craft went to pieces on us," finished up Striker. "Am I right? is that the Asiatic Squadron under Commodore Dewey?"

"It is."

"Then I reckon as two Americans, born and bred, we've fallen into jest about the right hands. It was a welcome sight to see the glorious stars and stripes, I can tell you that, sir. When I made you out to be warships, I was afraid we had run next to a lot of