In the meantime the German fleet had been approaching steadily.
It was apparent that the presence of the British battleship
Canopus, in the entrance to the harbor, had at last been
discovered. A wireless message flashed through the air.
"Surrender or I shall sink you!" it read.
"An Englishman never surrenders!" was the reply flashed back by the commander of the Canopus.
The German admiral tried again.
"I would avoid all unnecessary loss of life," he signaled.
"Thanks," was the laconic response of the Canopus. "We are able to take care of ourselves."
To this there was no reply, and still the German squadron came on without firing a shot.
"Wonder why they don't shoot?" asked Jack.
"Guess they want to get as close as possible first," replied
Frank. "Remember, they believe they have only one to deal with."
"True," said Jack. "But why doesn't the Canopus fire?"