met his old friend, Captain Ponsberry, of the Columbia, the schooner in which the young tar had once sailed from Honolulu to Hong Kong.
"Captain Ponsberry says the natives along the coast are watching for every ship that comes in close, hoping to tackle her," said Larry.
"Is he here for a cargo?"
"No, he brought over some goods for an American firm—the Richmond Importing Company. From here he is going to sail for China, I believe. By the way, Ben, do you know that it looks as if there would be trouble in China before long?" went on Larry, after a pause. "Down in Manila I heard some talk about United States troops to be sent there."
"Well, I don't want to go, Larry. To tell the truth, I am getting tired of the army—now that regular battles seem to have come to an end."
"And I am just a bit tired of the navy. If we could find Walter and get that money José Lupez stole, I think I'd be for going home as soon as our present time is out."
"I don't care for the money as much as I did. If only we could find Walter, I would be satisfied. What does Si Doring think of the matter?"
