Page:Under Dewey at Manila.djvu/311

Rh lungs, but he was too far off to be heard, and had to content himself with locating the craft as best he could, while the despatch boat steamed up to the regular landing.

"What's the news?" was the first question asked by a hundred throats, for the vessel had been seen from afar.

"Complete victory for the Americans—Spanish fleet utterly wiped out!" was the answer that started a rapid flow of conversation upon every hand. Soon the news was known everywhere, and scores of telegrams were speeding in every direction. When the news reached the United States, everybody was jubilant, and Congress voted thanks to the men who had taken part in the glorious contest, while Commodore Dewey was made Rear Admiral.

Once on shore, Larry lost no time in making his way along the busy street skirting the harbor, until he came to the quay at which the Columbia was tied up. A rope ladder was out, and soon he was climbing on board.

"Bless my soul! Is it really Larry Russell?" ejaculated Captain Ponsberry, when confronted. "Why, I thought you were at the bottom of the China Sea!" And he caught the boy by both hands.