"If war breaks out between Russia and Japan," said Larkin, rising, after a little more conversation of this sort, "the big European Powers may be involved any day, with China as an uncertain force just behind the scenes. You know France is bound to take a hand if two nations attack Russia, and England has the same agreement with Japan. China will do lots of mischief, if she doesn't play in her own back yard." At daylight the _Osprey_ cast off her moorings, and dropping down the quiet Potomac, started on her long voyage. CHAPTER V. OTO'S STRANGE VISIT. In N. Latitude 36° Longitude 72° W. from Greenwich, the commander of the _Osprey_ opened his sealed instructions, and, having glanced over the lines, read them aloud to his subordinate officers, as follows: "WASHINGTON, D. C. "_Sir_: "Having your coal-bunkers full, and being in all respects ready for sea, in accordance with previous directions, you will proceed with vessel under your command to the port of Hongkong, China, where you will report to the commander of the North Pacific Squadron. If his flagship should be at Manila, Shanghai, or any other port at the time of your arrival, you will follow him to that port without delay, and report as above. In view of the present critical state of affairs in the East, and the attitude of Russia and Japan, the _Osprey_ should proceed with all possible dispatch. The crew is to be constantly drilled, the passage of the ship not to be delayed thereby. You will follow the usual route by way of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal, and will call at Malta (Valetta) for further instructions. "Very respectfully, "---- ----, _Secretary_. "LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER DAVID REXDALE, "Commanding U. S. S. _Osprey_. "(Through Commandant, Navy Yard, Washington)." A half-suppressed cheer broke from the circle of blue-coated officers around the cabin table, as Rexdale concluded his reading. "There's nothing said about ammunition," observed Stapleton, significantly. "The Department knows that our magazines are well provided," said Rexdale. "I reported on all classes of ammunition just before we sailed from Boston." "Shall we have a chance to use it?--that's the question," put in the young midshipman. "Oh, I do hope there'll be a scrimmage!" "We're at peace with every nation on the globe," remarked Paymaster Ross with emphasis. "How can there be a fight? We've nothing to do with the quarrel between Japan and Russia." "I hope the little fellows will win out, if there's war coming," exclaimed Dr. Cutter heartily. "I'm always in favour of the under dog." "Who is the under dog? The Japs have the enormous advantage of a home base," said Stapleton. "I don't know enough of the situation to be sure which to sympathise with, big, sturdy Russia with all Asia between him and St. Petersburg, or snappy, shrewd little Nippon. Perhaps there won't be any war, after all."