Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/309

Rh It was, of course, desirable that news of the victory should be sent to the United States by way of cable and telegraph without delay. But the only cable from Manila was that to Hong Kong, and that the Spanish held. As he could not send his own messages. Commodore Dewey promptly resolved that the Spanish should not send theirs, and he had one of his ships pick up the cable lying on the bottom of the bay and cut it. Then he prepared his despatches, and sent them to Hong Kong on the McCulloch.

Larry felt that the despatch boat would soon leave, and anxious, now that the big battle was over, to learn something concerning the Columbia, he asked for permission to take the trip across the China Sea.

"You can go, my lad," said Commodore Dewey, for the boy had gone directly to him. "I understand you did very well at the gun to which you were assigned. When you get to Hong Kong you can then make up your mind as to whether or not you care to return. If not, you may consider yourself as honorably discharged from the service," and then he shook hands and smiled.

Larry had expected that Striker would