"I should think so," he agreed. "If they let one of those fellows get away now they should be court-martialed."
"Don't fret," said Frank, "they won't get away."
They didn't get away.
Firing ceased just as the first streak of light appeared in the eastern sky, and when the smoke of battle cleared away, Jack and Frank saw that the British victory had been complete.
Only two German ships were still above water. These were the Bismarck, flagship of Admiral Krauss, and the Hamburg. The others had all been sunk.
The Hamburg, the lads could see, was slowly sinking by the head. She was being abandoned by her crew, who, in small boats, some even swimming, were hurrying to the side of the Bismarck, where they were lifted aboard.
"Why didn't they sink her, too?" demanded Frank pointing to the German flagship.
"Why?" repeated Jack. "Why should they? Can't you see that white flag flying at the masthead?"
"By George! I hadn't noticed that."
"And there," said Jack, pointing, "goes a prize crew from the Lion to take over the vessel."