“Yes, sir, I fired it; but it was just luck that I hit anything.”
“A shot like that can hardly be called luck,” replied Lord Hastings.
“Well, it was luck as far as I am concerned,” said Jack. “The gun had already been sighted. I just touched it off when Mitchel fell to the deck.”
“The hand of Providence has surely been with us this night,” declared Lord Hastings.
A sailor approached with a message.
“A message from the wireless room, sir,” he said.
Lord Hastings took the paper he extended. He read aloud:
“Your report received. Congratulations on your gallant victory. We are proud of you all, and are sorry we could not be in at the death. Stand by, I am coming on board. Will relieve you of your prisoners.
(Signed) “Capt. T. T. Mayfair,
“Commanding H. M. S. Lancaster.”