"Still beyond range."
It was Lieutenant Hetherton who spoke.
"Trouble is," said Frank, "that they will be within range before we are."
"We'll risk it," said Jack. "It's up to us to keep them busy until the warships arrive."
The next fire from the enemy resulted in a screaming shell to port.
"They've got the range, sir," said Frank.
"Make it two-thirds speed ahead."
The speed of the Essex increased.
But the German vessels were bearing down on her swiftly, and eventually Jack was forced to call for full speed ahead.
But still the German warships gained.