The boys had spied the distant light of the approaching Lancaster practically at the same moment as had the lookout; and, when the Sylph once more came about and headed toward the German cruiser, Jack exclaimed:
“What did I tell you? I said Lord Hastings wasn’t the man to run far, no matter how great the odds against him.”
“You are right,” was Frank’s reply. “It looks as though we were to see a little action.”
“Yes, and it’s likely to be a pretty sizable fight, or I miss my guess,” returned Jack.
For fear of giving notice of their approach to the enemy, who now apparently had forgotten the existence of the Sylph in the approach of the Lancaster, the call to quarters was not sounded on the Sylph. Upon orders of Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack went quietly about the ship, summoning the men to their posts.
There was not a light upon the Sylph as the little vessel bore down upon the enemy. The searchlight of the Lancaster now enveloped the German, and the searchlight of the latter now played upon the swiftly oncoming British cruiser.
On the Sylph everything was ready for the struggle. The perfectly drilled crew had cleared for action in no time. Lord Hastings and Lieutenant Edwards made a round of inspection, and spoke inspiring words to the members of the crew.
“Remember the words of Lord Nelson,” cried the former, “'England expects every man to do his duty!’”
A cheer was quickly silenced when Lord Hastings raised his hand for quiet.
“Our chance of coming out of this engagement alive,” Lord Hastings said to the gun crews, “is that you make every shot count. A vital spot must be hit at the first fire. The enemy’s great guns would tear us to pieces. If we can take them by surprise, we have more than an even chance of success.”