input: Make use of the article to answer the questions. CHAPTER XL JOY WELL-NIGH INCREDIBLE

The midday letters were a riddle to the ladies at Malvern.

'Out all day,' said Mary, 'that is well. He will get strong out boating.'

'I hope Herbert has come home to take him out,' said Constance.

'Or he may be yachting. I wonder he does not say who is taking him out. I am glad that he can feel that sense of enjoyment.'

Yet that rejoicing seemed to be almost an effort to the poor mother who craved for a longer letter, and perhaps almost felt as if her Frank were getting out of sympathy with her grief--and what could be the good news?

'Herbert must have passed!' said Constance.

'I hope he has, but the expression is rather strong for that,' said Lady Adela.

'Perhaps Ida is engaged to that Mr. Deyncourt? Was that his name?' said Lady Northmoor languidly.

'Oh! that would be delicious,' cried Constance, 'and Ida has grown much more thoughtful lately, so perhaps she would do for a clergyman's wife.'

'Is Ida better?' asked her aunt, who had been much drawn towards the girl by hearing that her health had suffered from grief for Michael.

'Mamma does not mention her in her last letter, but poor Ida is really much more delicate than one would think, though she looks so strong. This would be delightful!'

'Yet, joy well-nigh incredible!' said her aunt, meditatively. 'Were not those the words? It would not be like your uncle to put them in that way unless it were something--even more wonderful, and besides, why should he not write it to me?' 1. Who died?
2. According to whome?
3. Who was pleased to hear about it?
4. Who didn't say anything in their last post?
5. Is Ida healthy?
6. Which posts were an enigma?
7. To whom?
8. Who was concerned about Ida?
9. Had somebody caused her to suffer?
10. Who?
11. What was she suffering from?
12. Who could be boating?
13. What type?
14. Does that give him pleasure?
15. Who got a short post?
16. And who was causing her to worry?
17. Is Ida in a relationship?
18. With whom?
19. What is her fiance's occupation?
20. Who is excited for Ida?
numbered_answers: 1. Herbert
2. Constance
3. Lady Adela
4. Mamma
5. No
6. midday letters
7. ladies at Malvern
8. her aunt
9. Yes
10. Michael
11. grief
12. Herbert
13. yacht
14. Yes
15. the poor mother
16. Frank
17. Yes
18. Mr. Deyncourt
19. clergyman
20. Constance

input: Make use of the article to answer the questions. CHAPTER XX

LARRY BEFORE ADMIRAL TOGO

As soon as the _Columbia_ could make the proper landing, Captain Ponsberry went ashore and reported his arrival to the authorities, and also reported the escape of Shamhaven and Peterson. The authorities had already heard of the capture of the _Columbia_ from the Russians, and said that the schooner would have to remain at Nagasaki until the whole case could be adjusted. The Japanese were inclined to favor both the Richmond Importing Company and the owners of the vessel, so it was not likely that our friends would lose much in the end. In the meantime the _Columbia_ could be put in a dry-dock and given the overhauling that she needed.

"We shall do all we can to locate Shamhaven and Peterson and get back your money," said an official of the secret service department. But his hands were so full with other matters of greater importance that little attention was paid to the disappearance of the two rascals.

"Well, this will tie me up at Nagasaki for some time to come," said Captain Ponsberry to Larry, on the third day after arriving at the Japanese port.

"Which means, I suppose, that I can join the Japanese navy if I wish," returned the young second mate, quickly.

"I don't want to force you to leave the ship, lad. But you said----"

"I know, Captain Ponsberry, and I am glad of the chance to get away. Luke and I have talked it over once more, and yesterday we met a gunner named Steve Colton--he served on the _Brooklyn_ at the time Walter did. He is now a gun captain on board of Admiral Togo's flagship, and he is almost certain he can get us good positions. He says gunners and gunners' assistants are just now badly needed." 1. Who went on land?
2. Did he report to anyone?
3. How many had gotten free?
4. Who were they?
5. Who captured the Columbia?
6. What type of vessel was it?
7. Was it to be leaving soon?
8. What would it have to wait for?
9. Where would it be stored?
10. What did the authorities think they would get back when they found the men?
11. Did they put much manpower into finding them?
12. When did the captain talk with Larry?
13. Who is Steve Colton?
14. Was he stationed on the Columbia?
15. Where was he stationed?
16. Who did he serve with then?
17. Where is he stationed now?
18. What is his rank?
19. Does he need men?
20. To act as what?
numbered_answers:
1. Captain Ponsberry
2. the authorities
3. two
4. Shamhaven and Peterson
5. Captain Ponsberry
6. schooner
7. no
8. case could be adjusted
9. dry-dock
10. the captain's money
11. no
12. third day
13. a gunner
14. no
15. the Brooklyn
16. Walter
17. Admiral Togo's flagship
18. gun captain
19. yes
20. gunners and gunners' assistants