"This may be a trick to get us on board," came warningly from Andy.
"I don't intend to go on board yet, Andy."
The Holland XI. was run in close to the wreck and the Frenchman was told to drop into the water.
"I vill drown!" he wailed. "Poor Jean Fevre has never learned how to swim!"
"We will pick you up, never fear," said Oscar, and then the Frenchman did as bidden. In a moment more he was on board. Tears of joy streamed down his face.
"It is so goot to be safed!" he said, brokenly.
It was now discovered that the French warship was in danger of going down at any moment, and they got out of the vicinity without delay.
Soon the big ship began to sink and a quarter of an hour later she passed out of sight forever.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE LAST BATTLE.—CONCLUSION.