The blur became larger, and at last took the shape of a vessel. As it drew nearer it could be seen that it was a battle cruiser. It bore down toward the German cruiser at full speed.
“I hope it’s an Englishman,” declared Shirley.
“Probably is,” said her father, “although it may be a Jap.”
Still the German officer was in the cabin with Captain Anderson.
Suddenly the head of another German officer appeared over the rail of the Yucatan and dashed toward the captain’s cabin. A moment later both reappeared, dropped over the side and the boat made back toward the cruiser.
The Yucatan was very close, and now, at a command from Captain Anderson, she got under way.
“If that other cruiser is a Britisher, there is bound to be a fight, and we don’t want to be in the way,” explained the captain. “We’ll stand off at a distance and look on.”
This plan met the approval of the passengers, and as the Yucatan steamed toward a safe spot all eyes were turned upon the second cruiser waiting for her to show her colors.
And at last they were unfurled, and a cheer rang the length of the ship. The British ensign fluttered from the mast.
The German cruiser, immediately the identity of the other was determined, turned to flee. She seemed fully as large as the British ship, and there were comments of surprise aboard the Yucatan that she didn’t offer to accept battle.