"But if we try to stick it out here we'll be sunk," said Frank. "And if we retire toward the coast, we'll be moving away from our supports."
"True enough," Jack agreed. "There's only one thing to do. That is to retire as slowly as possible and try to entice all six ships after us. But I'd much rather wade right in."
"Same here. But discretion is the better part of valor, you know."
"Boom!"
Again a gun spoke aboard one of the enemy.
"We're still out of range," said Jack. "Let 'em come a little closer."
As Jack could now see, all six ships had altered their course slightly and were heading directly for the Essex.
"You may come about, Mr. Chadwick," said Jack.
Slowly the Essex swung about.
"Train your left guns on the enemy," Jack ordered.