Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/231

Rh "Montojo has not less than eight or ten."

"And we have how many?"

"Seven, all told."

Striker shook his head. "That don't figure right—exceptin' our ships outclass 'em. Everything else being ekel, it stands to reason the side with the most ships has got the best show. Ain't that accordin' to 'rithmetic, Larry?"

"I suppose it is, Luke; but then our brave American tars—"

"Will do the trick," finished Sergeant Joster. "That is what we are playing on. Roughly estimated, I think the two fleets carry about the same number of guns and the same number of men, although some think the Dons have more men than we have. But if we Americans keep up our reputation, we have nothing to fear, though, of course, the scrag won't be exactly a picnic."

"That officer in the small boat said we might have to remain on board of the Olympia," said Larry. "If that is so, we are bound to take part in whatever occurs, whether we want to or not."

"I should think any American lad would be glad to take part," rejoined the sergeant, quickly. "If we defeat that fleet, it will be a great glory to us, and