The vessels drew nearer together, until at last Captain Ainslee knew the other vessel was in range of the Tennessee’s big guns.
“I was afraid he would run,” he explained. “Now I shall make my demand for surrender. It’s the Yucatan as you can see.”
The wireless was again put to working, and a demand made upon the German to surrender.
“What for?” came the question.
“Theft of United States vessel and threatening destruction of Colon,” was the reply flashed back.
Captain Von Blusen must have realized that the game was up. The Yucatan was brought quickly about and turned to run.
“Clear for action!” came the command aboard the Tennessee.
Shirley, Mabel and the others of the party found themselves hurried back into the Captain’s private cabin. There, through the port-hole, they watched the preparations for battle.
The girls were greatly interested, and in spite of the fact that they knew they were in danger, they did not lose their coolness nor their courage.
Realizing that the passenger ship was probably faster than the cruiser, Captain Ainslee wasted no further time. The great forward turret gun spoke with a roar, and Shirley and Mabel cried out at the terrific noise.