"Then you had better get around to-night or early to-morrow. He sails at noon."
"I'll go at once if you'll show the way," concluded Gilbert.
Larry was willing; and soon the three were on their way to new Manila, as it is designated, across the Pasig, and down to where the numerous wharves were lined with huge warehouses containing all sorts of merchandise from nearly every quarter of the globe.
The Columbia lay deep in the water opposite the wharf from which she had loaded, for she was laden with a cargo for China. At the wharf they found a small boat tied up, in charge of a sailor named Hobson, whom Larry Russell knew very well.
"Hullo, Larry, what brings you?" demanded Hobson, in surprise; for he had not expected to see the young soldier-sailor.
"My friend wishes to see Captain Ponsberry, Hobson. Is he ashore?"
"No, I'm waiting for Tom Grandon, the mate. The cap'n is on board."
"Will you take us over?"
"Certainly. Jump in."
The two entered the row-boat, and Gilbert was in-
