Early in the morning of the next day the fleet of the enemy was discovered riding the ocean in a vast semi-circle.
The warships numbered thirty-four, and the transports sixty-six, and the sight was a truly imposing one.
"We can't do much against that fleet," said Andy Greggs, after the new Holland had sunk out of sight.
"We can do our share," responded the young captain.
He had his eyes on three ships of the enemy—the British cruiser Terrible, the German gunboat Wilhelm II., and the French ship-of-the-line Philippe.
"I'll sink all three, or know the reason why," he said to himself, and laid his plans with great care.
The three ships he had in view were not over a quarter of a mile apart, one from another, the Terrible being in the center.
This would necessitate a run of half a mile to reach all three warships.
The course of the new Holland was changed and they moved slowly and cautiously up to the Wilhelm II., keeping well under water all of the time.
While the run was being made Oscar held a consultation with the ammunition man and with George Dross.