Under the Mikado’s Flag

OR YOUNG SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE BY EDWARD STRATEMEYER Author of “On to Pekin,” “Two Young Lumbermen,” “Old Glory Series,” “Colonial Series,” “American Boys’ Life of William McKinley,” etc. ILLUSTRATED BY A. B. SHUTE

BOSTON: LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.

Published November, 1904 Copyright, 1904, by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Company

All rights reserved

Under The Mikado’s Flag Norwood Press Berwick and Smith Co. Norwood, Mass. U.S.A.

[Pg v]

PREFACE

“Under the Mikado’s Flag” relates the adventures of two young Americans in Korea and Manchuria during the outbreak of the great war between Russia and Japan, which has for its primary object the settling of the vexing question of how much of the Liao-tung Peninsula shall remain under Russian control, and whether or not this control shall eventually be extended to Korea.

In the tale are related some of the causes which led up to this struggle, and also the particulars of the sinking of many ships of war, the numerous attacks upon Port Arthur, the landing of the Japanese troops at Chemulpo and other points, and the advance northward through Korea to the Yalu River. Here the Russians made a strong stand, but being outnumbered they were forced to retreat; and then followed numerous other skirmishes and battles, leading up to the great conflict before Liao-Yang, in which half a million men fought desperately for days—an encounter which has few parallels in modern history.

To those who have read a previous volume of[Pg vi] mine, entitled “On to Pekin,” the leading character of the present story will perhaps seem like an old friend. Gilbert Pennington had already served in Cuba, in the Philippines, and in China, so it was no new thing for him to don a soldier’s uniform and go forth to fight as of yore. And what was true of the young man who had once been a lieutenant of the United States regulars, was likewise true of his bosom chum, Ben Russell, and their faithful old comrades-in-arms, Carl Stummer and Dan Casey.

At the present writing it is impossible to predict what the outcome of this great war will be. The resources of Russia are tremendous, but that nation has many troubles at home. On the other hand, the sturdy Japanese are fighting with wonderful bravery thinking nothing of facing death at every turn and with a strategy which is as successful as it is astonishing.

Once more let me thank my young friends for the interest they have shown in my previous books. May they find the present volume equally interesting and profitable.

Edward Stratemeyer.

October 1, 1904.

[Pg vii]

ILLUSTRATIONS

[Pg 1]

UNDER THE MIKADO’S FLAG

CHAPTER I A MATTER OF BUSINESS

“Then you have no idea what has become of this Ivan Snokoff, Mr. Chase?”

“Not the slightest, Lieutenant Pennington. I met him at Dalny about a month ago, but since that time I have not seen him.”

“Can you give me any information concerning this trading company of which he was the head?”

“Perhaps,” was the slow answer. Nathan Chase rubbed his chin reflectively. “Would you mind telling me why you put the question?”

“The answer is simple enough,” replied Gilbert Pennington. “As you know, I am connected with the Richmond Importing Company, of the United States.”

“Yes, I know that. They tell me you are one of the principal stockholders.”

“I am a stockholder, although not the principal one. But I am also connected with the company[Pg 2] as a selling agent. About six months ago our concern sold Ivan Snokoff five thousand dollars’ worth of goods. We have been trying to collect the bill ever since.”

“Phew! No wonder you are interested. Is the whole amount still due?”

“No, one thousand dollars have been paid. But it looks now as if we should have to whistle for the remaining four thousand unless I can lay my hands on Snokoff.”

“I thought there was something crooked about Snokoff and his company from the very start,” went on Nathan Chase, as he settled back in his office chair. “They didn’t do business in the fair and square fashion of most Russian firms. They sold goods almost regardless of cost. No firm can do that and pay its debts. They claimed to be establishing trade, but trade established in that manner isn’t worth having.”

“I agree with you.”

“The offices across the way were shut up ten days ago. Only a clerk and a porter were in charge. They have disappeared like them employer.”

“Can you give me their names?”

“The clerk’s name was Vanskynov. Somebody said he came to Port Arthur from Mukden. I know nothing of the porter.”

[Pg 3]

“It’s too bad.” Gilbert Pennington drew a long breath. “I’d give a few dollars just to lay my hands on this Ivan Snokoff. I’d let him know what I thought of him.”

“Have you reported the affair to the authorities?”

“Not yet. I have been hoping right along that I might spot Snokoff somewhere. Besides, matters here seem to be very unsettled just now.”

“You are right there, lieutenant. And they may be more unsettled before long.”

“Do you think there will be war between Russia and Japan?”

“It looks very much like it. How long have you been in Manchuria?”

“I came over from Nagasaki a week ago.”

“Then you know but little of affairs here. Russia has been fortifying this port for several months, and our harbor is filled with warships.”

“I saw some of the warships as our vessel came up the harbor. If war should come, Port Arthur may have a hot time of it.”

“Exactly.” There was a pause. “Anything else I can do for you, lieutenant? If not, I’ll get at my desk work. My correspondence has been very heavy lately.”

[Pg 4]

“Nothing more, Mr. Chase. I am much obliged to you.”

“Not at all. I am always glad to do what I can for a brother American. Come in again and let me know how you make out.”

“I will,” answered Gilbert Pennington, and after a hearty handshake he left the main offices of the Anglo-Chinese Trading Company and walked slowly up the broad and well-kept business street of Port Arthur upon which the buildings of the concern were located.

Gilbert Pennington was a young man of Southern blood and strong military tendencies. He came from Richmond, Virginia, and upon the death of his parents had drifted, first to the West Indies and then to New York. This was during the opening of our war with Spain, and fired with patriotism, the young Southerner entered the volunteer service and became one of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, as related in one of my previous books, entitled “A Young Volunteer in Cuba.”

From Cuba the young soldier shifted to the Philippines where, in company with his old-time chums, the Russell boys, he saw much active service under Generals Otis and McArthur, and the much-lamented General Lawton, many particulars of which are given in “Under Otis in the Philippines”[Pg 5] and other volumes of the “Old Glory Series.”

While the young soldier was in the Philippines he joined the regular army and shortly after this was sent to China, to aid in the suppression of the Boxer uprising and the rescue of many missionaries and others who had fled to the legations in Pekin for safety. As a lieutenant in the regulars Gilbert saw a good deal of hard fighting, the particulars of which have been set forth in “On to Pekin.” In this volume are also related how the young soldier overturned a plot to cheat him out of his legal share of stock of the Richmond Importing Company, and how he at last came into possession of sixteen thousand dollars of stock which was then worth exactly twice its face value.

Since those strenuous days many changes had taken place. With the rebellion in the Philippines and the uprising in China at an end, the young American had left the army as speedily as possible and applied himself strictly to business. New men were now at the head of the Importing Company, and as Gilbert had a fair knowledge of Japan, Korea, and the eastern coast of China, he was made the selling agent in that territory. For over a year he had done very well at this receiving both a salary and a commission, with all expenses paid.

[Pg 6]

The first real snag had been struck when he had started to do business with Ivan Snokoff, who represented himself as the head of the Russian-American Importing and Exporting Company, with headquarters at Port Arthur,—a city leased to the Russians by China, and located at the extreme southern part of the Liao-tung Peninsula of Manchuria.

Snokoff could speak English fairly well, and he was one of the smoothest talkers possible to imagine. He said he had many relatives in the United States, and loved to do business with the Yankees because they were so straightforward and honest.

“I lof not the Germans or the Englees,” said Ivan Snokoff. “It is them who are too sharp for the poor Russian, yes. Ivan Snokoff will trade with his friend Pennington, yes—then he will be safe,” and he nearly crushed Gilbert’s fingers with the warmth of his grasp.

Gilbert was too easy-going to see through such a wily schemer as Ivan Snokoff. He took the Russian’s words in good faith, and a mere statement from several others that Snokoff undoubtedly had money was accepted without question. He also learned that a certain Captain Barusky had a share in the Russian company, and that the Baruskys were wealthy.

[Pg 7]

The first consignment of goods had amounted to four hundred dollars and the second to twelve hundred dollars. Both consignments had been paid for promptly, and Gilbert and the others connected with the Richmond Company had congratulated themselves on having acquired such a customer at Port Arthur, which was rather a hard city in which to sell American goods.

Then came the five-thousand-dollar order. “I have a great chance to make much money, yes,” said Ivan Snokoff. “Send the goods quickly, and I will discount the whole bill. Do not delay, no—or my rival will get the order instead of me.” And the goods were shipped as quickly as possible, Gilbert sending the order by cablegram. Ivan Snokoff was truly delighted and spoke enthusiastically of his profits. But the settlement was delayed from time to time, and then suddenly the Russian disappeared, the offices were closed up, and it slowly dawned upon Gilbert and the Company that they had been led into a trap and swindled.

At first the young American knew not what to do. He was in a foreign country, and his Russian rivals had never wanted him to do business there. Not one of them was willing to give him any information concerning Snokoff or his connections, and at the bank it was stated that the rascal had closed his[Pg 8] account and not shown himself since. Even the customhouse officials could tell nothing. Gilbert had feared to go to the police, knowing that the police department of Russia is a wonderful and fearful institution, and that the officers might lock him up for having had anything to do with Snokoff in the first place.

“But I’m going to bring that fellow to justice somehow,” said Gilbert to himself more than once. “He shan’t escape as easily as he thinks.”

Mr. Nathan Chase was an American merchant who did business both at Port Arthur and at Tien-Tsin. Gilbert had met him once at the latter city, while the young American was still a soldier. The merchant had just come back to Port Arthur after a trip to Pekin, and as soon as Gilbert heard of this he made the call which has just been described.

Gilbert knew that a war between Japan and Russia would greatly complicate matters. He had heard about this at Nagasaki, and could now see that preparations for resisting an attack had been going forward in and around Port Arthur during the entire winter. All the forts had been strengthened, and the city was filled with soldiers from Russia. Many of the Chinese and Japanese residents of the place were leaving, and the railroad station was crowded from morning to night.

[Pg 9]

“If Port Arthur should be attacked by the Japanese, everything will be upset here,” thought the young American dismally. “In the excitement such a thing as having Snokoff arrested will be out of the question. I wish——”

Gilbert’s thoughts were interrupted at this moment by the appearance of a young man who was hurrying along the street, a bundle in each hand. A second look at the fellow convinced the young American that the individual was Ivan Snokoff’s clerk.

“Hold on!” he shouted, and running forward, caught the clerk by the arm. The fellow stopped, looked at the young American in alarm, and then tried to jerk away.

“Let me go,” he said, in Russian.

“I wish to talk to you,” answered Gilbert, who had picked up a smattering of the language.

“What do you want?”

“I want to know what has become of Ivan Snokoff.”

“I know not.”

“You worked for him. How came you to close up the offices so unexpectedly?”

“By my master’s orders.”

“Do you know he owes our company a great deal of money?”

[Pg 10]

At this the young Russian shrugged his shoulders.

“What have I to do with that? You made your bargain with him, not with me.”

“That is true, but if you are honest you will not mind telling me where he is.”

“Have I not said that I do not know?” The clerk hesitated and then squinted at Gilbert suggestively. “No, I cannot tell you where Ivan Snokoff is, but—but——”

“But what?”

“Sire, I am a poor man, and I have a wife and two children to support.”

“You are too young to have a wife and two children.”

“No, sire, it is true. I was seventeen when I was married, and Ulma, my wife, was but fifteen.”

“Do you mean to say you need money?”

“It is true. Ivan Snokoff left me without work, and owing me money. I have next to nothing saved. To-day I am moving my family to poorer quarters. In another two weeks my money will all be gone.”

“What has all this to do with me?”

“’Tis plain enough, sire. You need information, Nicholas Vanskynov needs money. Let us make an exchange.”

[Pg 11]

“You will tell me something of value if I will pay you for it?”

“Yes.”

“How much do you want?”

Again the young Russian shrugged his shoulders.

“What shall I say? You are a rich man and will never miss a few rubles.”

“Well, I shall not mind paying you a few rubles if you can really tell me something of value,” answered Gilbert.

“Then come to some place where it is warm and I will tell you all I know,” returned Nicholas Vanskynov.

[Pg 12]

CHAPTER II GILBERT LEARNS SOMETHING

The winter had been long and severe in Manchuria, and even now, early in February, it was biting cold and with a touch of snow in the air at Port Arthur.

Close at hand was a shop where refreshments of various kinds could be had and to this place Gilbert led the way making certain that the Russian followed. He saw at a glance that Nicholas Vanskynov was a fellow of small caliber and could readily be handled if given a little money. Sitting down to a table he ordered a cup of coffee and some fancy cakes for himself and asked the other what he would have.

“Since you are so kind, I will take a glass of quass,” was the answer, quass being a sour beer much used by Russians.

“Now, what can you tell me of value?” asked the young American, after the refreshments had been brought and Vanskynov had partaken of the liquor with apparent satisfaction.

[Pg 13]

“Let us first speak of the reward, sire.”

“How much do you want?” demanded Gilbert sharply. “Remember, I can hand you over to the police, if I desire.”

“The police!” At the threat the young Russian grew pale, for the police department is a terror to all who live under Russian law, its findings being generally final and absolute. “How so?”

“For aiding Ivan Snokoff to get away without paying his just debts.”

“I did not aid him, no, no! When he went I thought all was right—I did not learn the truth until later. I have lost much myself, for I thought I was to have a steady position with him.”

“How much do you want me to pay you?”

“Not much, sire, no. Surely you will never miss ten rubles,” went on the young Russian, mentioning a sum less than eight dollars, a Russian ruble being worth, at the present time, 76 to 78 cents.

“Can you give me information of value?”

“I think I can.”

“Then tell me what you know, and if the news is worth anything you shall have your money.”

“Ah, I knew the American would be generous to a poor Russian—the United States is a great country.”

“What do you know?”

[Pg 14]

“It is of Captain Barusky that I would speak—he who comes of a most honorable family.”

“The same captain that had an interest in the trading company?” questioned Gilbert quickly.

“Yes, the same. He and Ivan Snokoff are great friends—I have heard that they have been in many business ventures together.”

“Do you know where Captain Barusky is?”

“He was out of active service for several years, but now he is once more in the army. Since it looks so much like war with Japan the Czar has called upon all our country’s defenders to take their proper places in the army and the navy.”

“And where is this Captain Barusky stationed?”

“He was at Mukden, but I have heard that he was seen at one of the forts of this port only day before yesterday.”

“What fort?”

“That I cannot tell, but I think it was the one nearest to the dry dock.”

“I am glad to know this,” said Gilbert slowly. He was wondering how he could get hold of his man. “Do you know for a fact that he was a partner in the company?”

“Yes, for I once saw the papers. Besides, he once lent Ivan Snokoff six hundred rubles with which to pay off certain bills for goods, and I know[Pg 15] he shared in the profits. They were a pair of sly foxes. Were I you, I should have this bold captain held by the authorities. It may be he will then reveal what has become of Ivan Snokoff.”

“I’ll certainly do something—if I can find him.” Gilbert was silent for a moment. “Give me your new address,” he continued. “I may want you again.”

“And the rubles——”

“Here they are,” and the young American counted out the amount in Russian scrip, for silver rubles are now but seldom seen. “I’ll give you a good deal more, if you’ll aid me to get back what belongs to our company.”

“Nicholas Vanskynov is at your service, sire. Here is the address,” and it was written down in a notebook which Gilbert brought forth.

After this the young American questioned the Russian clerk closely concerning Ivan Snokoff’s methods of doing business. He learned that all the goods sold had been shipped out of Manchuria, so that to trace them farther was next to impossible. Beyond a doubt Captain Barusky was hand-in-glove with Snokoff, and the pair had cleaned up a good many thousand dollars by their nefarious actions.

After parting with the Russian clerk, Gilbert[Pg 16] attended to various matters of business for the balance of that day and also for the morning of the next. While he war near the railroad station he saw a long train come in from the north packed with soldiers.

“This certainly looks like war,” he reasoned, as he watched the soldiers leave the train and march off to a temporary barracks. “And those chaps look as if they meant business, too,” he continued, noticing how well the body was drilled. “I declare, it arouses my old fighting blood just to look at them!” And he drew himself up as of old, when he was a lieutenant under Old Glory.

War talk was everywhere, and Russians and foreigners of all sorts filled the streets and discussed the situation in subdued tones. The Japanese said but little, and the Russians gave them the blackest of looks as they passed by.