There were also two steamers carrying coal and provisions. All the
fleet had been newly painted gray, to match our other vessels in this
war.

During the voyage, the men were very busy getting ready for a battle,
for they knew that the Spaniards had ships in Manila Bay, and that
they would fire upon the new comers. Everything made of wood that
might be shot and splintered, was thrown overboard; for flying
splinters are very dangerous on shipboard. Tables, benches, chests,
and rails were thrown into the sea. The men were told what to do in
time of battle, and how to help the wounded, and the doctors arranged
the rooms to be used as hospitals, so that every thing would be handy.

We have seen that the fleet sailed Wednesday afternoon, and the next
Saturday morning land was sighted--the island of Luzon. On, on, the
ships sped, and that evening they reached the entrance to Manila Bay.
Then they stole along in the darkness, with their lights covered, so
that the Spaniards might not see them. Our men were doing a daring
deed. They were entering a strange bay, by night, where not one of
them had ever been before; they did not know the soundings, they had
no harbor pilot. The entrance to the bay was guarded by fortresses
containing big Krupp guns, and there was good reason to think that
there were "mines" in the water, which might blow the ships to pieces.
Still, every man was ready to do his duty.

[Illustration: The "Olympia," Admiral Dewey's Flagship.]

Some of the forts did discover our ships, and fired a few shots; but
no harm was done, and our ships steamed on. At daybreak they drew near
the city of Manila. The Spaniards were expecting them, having had