As the Sylph steamed into the little harbor, one of the British war vessels turned slightly, and a shell screamed over the Sylph's bow.
"Want to know who we are," explained Lord Hastings.
The British ensign was quickly run up, and there followed a loud, cheer from the sailors of the fleet.
On the ship closest to shore flew the flag of Vice Admiral
Sturdee.
"I guess I had better pay my respects to the admiral at once," said, Lord Hastings. "Would you boys care to come with me?"
"Nothing would please us more," replied Frank, speaking for both.
The Sylph steamed close to the British fleet, and then the three put off for the flagship in a small boat. Aboard, they were shown immediately to the admiral's cabin, where the nearness of the German squadron was rapidly related.
"Fortunate!" cried Admiral Sturdee. "I feared I would have to chase them all over the sea. I didn't expect them to come to me. Have you a plan to suggest, Lord Hastings?"
"I fear, Sir Frederick," replied Lord Hastings, "that if you put to sea to give battle, the Germans will turn and flee upon recognizing the power of the British fleet."
"True," mused the admiral.