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Rh getting back to your ship if she has managed to reach Hong Kong, which seems doubtful, but I don't see what I can do unless we speak some vessel bound for that port. Do you know our mission in these waters?"

"Yes, commodore, we jest larned it," answered Striker, with a knowing nod of his lean head. "And, commodore, it's jest come into my mind to ask ye a favor," he went on, earnestly.

"Well?"

"Ye know how I stood in the rank o' gunners—leas'wise ye can soon find out by the record. Let me stay aboard this ship with ye an' help wipe them Spanish garlic-eaters off the face of the earth! Maybe ye ain't got no opening aboard now, but I reckon there will be openings enough after the fightin' begins."

At this earnest and original speech the commodore smiled. "You can stay if you wish, Striker, and I was going to offer you the chance, seeing that we are short a few men. I remember you were among the gunners, and it is such a position you shall fill, if you can arrange it with Captain Gridley. But what of you, my lad?" and the commander of the squadron turned to Larry.