“Five or six days, most likely,” answered Gilbert. “It will depend somewhat on the weather. These waters are full of islands and reefs, and a ship has to be mighty careful how she runs in foul weather.” “I hope we reach China in time to see the first real fighting,” was Major Morris’s comment; and then he was called away, and Gilbert was left alone with his new acquaintances. “Lieutenant, I owe you something for what you did for us the other night,” said Nuggy Polk, confidentially. “I don’t know how I should have got back to Manila if it hadn’t been for you.” “I am glad I was of service to you,” answered Gilbert, coolly. “But I owe you something, and I want to pay you,” insisted the young man from Richmond, as he drew his ever-present roll of bills from his pocket. “I want no pay for what I did at Manila,” answered the young lieutenant, decidedly. “But you put yourself out a good deal.” “If I did, it’s all right.” “You acted as if you were my bosom friend.” “Thank you for the compliment.” “Don’t you think I mean it?” “Certainly I do, Mr. Polk.” “Don’t Mister me, lieutenant. Call me Nuggy. I’m not proud, even if I have money to spend.” “Then, Nuggy, let me tell you that it is all right, and that I don’t wish a cent of your money.” “But you might as well have it.” “Oh, don’t offend the lieutenant,” put in Nickerson, as Gilbert remained silent. “If he doesn’t want your money, put it up.” “I don’t wish to offend anybody, and I will put it up,” said Nuggy Polk, stiffly. “But, if he wants ten or twenty dollars, he is welcome to it.” “Thanks, but you can’t hire me to take it,” laughed Gilbert. “Let us talk about something else. Tell me about Richmond. I am always interested in news from Virginia. You told me, I believe, that you are in the importing trade.” “Yes, my father and I run the Richmond Importing Company. We export as well as import.” “And you have some trade in China, so you said.” “Yes, a large trade,--with Shanghai and Tien-Tsin.” “I am afraid that your trade is going to suffer on account of this war.” “That depends upon how you look at it. My belief is that this war won’t amount to shucks.” “Exactly my idea,” broke in Jerry Nickerson. “The soldiers will go there and relieve the ministers, and that will be the end of it. No foreign power will dare to make war on China because of the other powers.” “I am of the opinion that the war is already on around Taku and Tien-Tsin,” answered Gilbert. “The forts at the mouth of the Pei-Ho have been taken, and that will probably madden the Chinese beyond endurance.” “Humph! A good deal of that is all talk,” said Nuggy Polk. “When I reach Tien-Tsin, I expect to have no trouble whatever in landing and in transacting business.” “You are going to do business in Tien-Tsin?” “I am, if I can find a man I am after,--a certain Amos Bartlett.” “You speak as if you had a bone to pick with him,” said Gilbert, more to draw Nuggy Polk out than because he thought this was so.