"If they'll keep that formation, we might get away with the whole bunch of them," said Frank.
"Yes, but they won't," replied Jack.
He was a good prophet.
Even now, the German vessels began to spread out, and within ten minutes had formed a semi-circle. It was possible now for the forward guns on each ship to rake the Essex without interfering with each other's fire.
"Train your guns on the ship farthest to port," Jack instructed.
The order was obeyed. Again came the order for range finders, and the report that the range was O.K.
"Fire!" cried Jack.
Once more fortune was with the crew of the Essex. The range had been absolutely accurate, and the heavy shell from the Essex carried away the superstructure of the German. At the same moment came a cry from the lookout aft:
"Warship coming up astern, sir!"
Quickly Jack looked around.