“I’ve heard that it is to be upward of ten thousand. General Chaffee is to leave San Francisco with some troops soon,--or he has left already,--and, when he arrives, he is to take command of the American forces on land.” “Why, I met General Chaffee in Cuba!” cried Gilbert. “He was one of the leaders in the Santiago campaign.” “Yes, and he is an old and experienced army officer to boot. I think he will prove the right man in the right place.” “He’s all right, I reckon,” put in a voice behind Gilbert at this juncture. “Lieutenant, you didn’t expect to meet me as a fellow-passenger, did you?” The young lieutenant turned swiftly, for the voice had a familiar sound. He was almost struck dumb to find himself face to face with Nuggy Polk and his boon companion, Jerry Nickerson. CHAPTER VIII A DISCOVERY ON SHIPBOARD “What! you?” stammered Gilbert. For the moment he did not know what to say. A brief glance told him that Nuggy Polk had entirely recovered from his spree of three days before; and so, also, had Jerry Nickerson. Both were freshly shaven, and dressed in clean outing suits of the latest pattern; and they looked as bright young Americans as are to be found anywhere. “Yes, lieutenant,” went on Nuggy Polk, with a good-natured laugh. “As I said before, you didn’t expect to see me, did you?” “Hardly,” answered Gilbert, slowly. He was trying to determine how he should treat this fellow, who was in reality his enemy. “How did you manage to obtain passage on this transport?” “Oh, I had to use a bit of diplomacy in order to get myself and my friend Jerry aboard; and it wouldn’t be just right to expose how it was done. You see, our little outing to the military camp up at the Manila water-works made us miss the regular steamer. But I was bound to get to China, anyway, and as soon as possible; and here we are.” “Perhaps you intend to join the army?” suggested Gilbert. “Hardly.” Nuggy Polk glanced at Major Morris. “Won’t you introduce your friend? I know precious few fellows on board, and I should like to get acquainted.” The major was introduced; and then Nuggy Polk introduced “his one particular friend,” Jerry Nickerson. “Sorry I can’t invite you down to the bar,” said Polk. “But the government isn’t up to date on those things.” And he gave a light laugh. “And a good thing,” answered Major Morris. “We want to keep all our soldiers sober.” He spoke pointedly; for Gilbert had told him of the first meeting with the sporty young man, and also of his family affairs, so far as they concerned the doings of the Richmond Importing Company. Nuggy Polk’s face grew red, and he looked on the point of saying something bitter; but this passed off, and he changed the subject by remarking that he hoped the trip to China would prove a pleasant one. “I understand Nagasaki is the first stop,” put in Nickerson. “How long do you suppose it will take to reach that Japanese port?”