"I seem to have spoiled my own argument there, don't I?" he said.
Frank grinned too.
"You've got to admit," he said, "that when the Americans start a thing they go through with it. They never turn back."
"True enough," Jack admitted, "but to my mind it takes them a deuced long time to get started."
"They just want to be sure they're right first," Frank explained.
"Have it your own way. But those five American ships approaching now look mighty good, I'll admit that."
"I never saw a more beautiful sight," declared Frank, and he meant it.
Majestically the American warships steamed along, the leading vessel flying the flag of Admiral Sims. They approached almost to the flagship of Admiral Tyrwhitt and the guns of the two flagships boomed out an exchange of salutes. Then the American flotilla slowed down and swung to leeward, and took its places in the long line.
"Going to be quite an event this surrender, if you ask me," said Frank.
"It certainly is," Jack replied. "I understand King George and Queen Mary, together with many other distinguished British, French, Americans and Italians, will be present to witness the surrender."