The American sailors were allowed to come ashore three times a week, and they spent their money lavishly.

It was estimated that Beirut was getting more than five thousand dollars a week out of them.

But the natives were especially impressed by the manliness and quick action of the American boys.

Frequently a few sailors were involved in a street fight with scores of Arabs, and they always held their own.

In a short time the Americans became feared, which in the Orient is equivalent to saying they were respected.