A mile in the offing, having put about, was the Emden. She had maneuvered even as Lord Hastings had figured, and had run clear by the Sylph in the darkness.
"Full speed ahead!" commanded Lord Hastings.
The Sylph leaped quickly forward, as the bell tinkled the signal to the engine-room, running rapidly to get out of range of the Emden's guns and torpedoes.
Several times, without reducing the speed of his ship, Lord
Hastings swerved in his course, and thus spoiled the aim of the
German gunners. And then the Emden's shells began to fall short.
The Sylph was out of range.
For an hour the Emden continued her pursuit, and then once more put about and herself became the pursued, the Sylph following relentlessly on her heels.
It was near noon when the wireless operator aboard the Sylph approached Lord Hastings.
"Have just picked up the Australian cruiser Sydney, sir. I gave him our identity and Captain Glossop pays his respects to you, sir."
Lord Hastings jumped to action in a moment.
"Where is he now?"
The operator gave the position of the Sydney.