A reply to this message was not long coming. It read:
"Lord Hastings: Sorry you are aboard, but I must sink you."
To this Lord Hastings replied:
"It can't be done."
Now the Emden put about and headed for the Sylph. Quickly also the Sylph came about and headed westward.
"If he'll only follow long enough, we'll lure him into the path of some British vessel," said Lord Hastings.
"Well," said Jack, "I don't believe he will. As soon as he finds he cannot overtake us, he'll continue on his way."
"And he'll try to lose us in the night," said Frank.
"That is my idea," said Lord Hastings. "To prevent that we must be on the alert continually. We'll follow him for months, if necessary. At nights we shall have to close up a bit, and take a chance that they cannot hit us."
It was nearing dusk when the Emden finally gave up the chase of the Sylph as futile, and once more put about. Immediately also the Sylph's head came about, and she once more set out, to trail the German. Occasional messages were exchanged between Captain von Mueller and Lord Hastings.