The Chinese admiral came on board the yacht daily, and the more the lads came to know him the more they respected and liked him. He was the type of the Oriental that was fast being born out of that kingdom of antiquity, unfettered by the prejudices of conservatism. A new and enlightened China had been his purpose. “Here’s what we’ve been waiting for,” O’Neil called out at last from the wireless room, his voice joyful and triumphant, while Phil met the boatswain’s mate in the salon waving a paper on which had been roughly penciled a message just intercepted. “Manila was sending it to our admiral; he is somewhere in the southern islands of the Philippines,” the sailor exclaimed, handing Phil the paper. “He’s looking for us, I guess,” he added with a grin. The lad received it, his hand trembling with excitement, and read aloud the words with a fast beating heart. “The United States and Japan have concluded a treaty of better understanding over affairs in the Far East. Each has disclaimed any intention of acquiring the lost Chinese squadron.” The paper fluttered from Phil’s hand to the deck and a faintness suddenly came over him. But on his young face a great joy was written as he aroused himself and actually hugged the astonished O’Neil. Sydney and Marley stood by, their faces wreathed in happy smiles. “Signal this to the Chinese admiral at once, Syd,” Phil cried joyfully, “and come on, O’Neil; we’ll call up our admiral and solve the mystery of the Chinese squadron.” Two days afterward the new Chinese navy, with their dragon banners fluttering in the breeze, steamed toward their own country. Admiral Ting wrung the midshipmen’s hands warmly in parting, and heaped upon them many handsome gifts from artistic China, declaring that his Emperor would decorate them with the “Order of the Dragon” for their great service to the Dragon Kingdom. It was with hearts full of joy that they turned the bow of the “Sylvia” northward with Yokohama as their destination. Impey and his co-conspirators had been sent away on the Chinese ships. Randall and Wells were truly penitent, and told O’Neil that hereafter they would live honest lives. Impey was game to the last, only remarking as he was bidden a cold good-bye by the Americans that “one couldn’t always win.” Poor, disconsolate Takishima! He alone was the one thorn in the midshipmen’s happiness. On the way north the lads sent a long cipher message to the “Alaska,” telling of Takishima’s loyalty in his Emperor’s cause. The message was to Captain Inaba as the friend of all concerned. The following morning Phil and Sydney entered Takishima’s cabin. The lieutenant was sitting with his head in his hands, while on his face was an expression of great sadness. “Here’s a message for you, Taki,” Phil said, his voice trembling with joy.