"Confound these English!" he exclaimed. "Can nobody beat them?"
For a moment he debated with himself. He had half a mind to continue the struggle, for the odds were still, with the Germans. Then he changed his mind.
The wireless aboard the German flagship flashed a signal to retire.
But the German admiral had delayed too long for a successful retreat. Other British ships hove into view—seven of them. There was nothing for the German fleet to do but fight it out. The admiral gave the order:
"Advance!"
CHAPTER XXV
THE LAST SEA BATTLE
The cannonading became terrific.
Now that assistance arrived, Jack ordered the Essex, which still was the nearest British vessel to the enemy, back into the fray.