There had been no
war-ships at Manila for several weeks, and every one was surprised
that so many should arrive at once. There were rumours of a German
onslaught, and also gossip saying that Japan had decided to interfere,
but all these were set at naught when the general announced that the
war-ships were to be sent around the islands to bombard the rebel
villages, and to drive the rebel troops to the interior of the
islands, where it would be hard for them to receive supplies.
This news made Archie very happy, and a plan at once occurred to him.
Why shouldn't he and Bill Hickson be allowed aboard a cruiser? It
would be the best thing possible for their health, and he set about
getting the necessary permit from the admiral.
Bill Hickson was able to be about now, and he was overjoyed when
Archie said he thought they could arrange to go. "I'd like nothing
better than a voyage in the good salt air. I believe it will do me
more good than a month in the hospital," he said. Archie secured a
very strong letter from the general, and one day he stepped aboard the
flag-ship in the harbour. He had no difficulty in seeing the admiral,
and found him to be a very pleasant man to talk with. He read the
letter carefully, and then shook Archie cordially by the hand. "Yes,"
he said, "I've heard of you, and of your friend, too. Every one in
Hong Kong knows how you two together bearded old Aguinaldo in his den,
and robbed him of most of his troops.
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