The word was passed and it was found that one gun could be trained on the Russian warship, which was coming up from the southward.
The gun was loaded with a highite bomb and at the proper moment was touched off.
Boom!
Loud and clear the sound echoed over the Pacific Ocean and the shell exploded close to the deck of the Russian warship, causing death and destruction upon every hand.
The effect of the awful shot was soon apparent, for those left on the warship lost no time in turning the vessel about and sailing out of range.
The shot, however, was noticed by those on the Japanese and the Chinese cruisers, and soon they came in and let fly at the Holland XI.
One solid shot plowed up the sand in front of the submarine craft, while several others struck the rocks behind, causing a shower of stones to cover the craft as with flying hail.
"By Jove! But this is dangerous!" muttered Oscar. He turned to his men. "What do you wish to do, remain here or leave the Holland XI. and take to yonder wood?"
"We'll do what you do," answered old George Dross.
"I will never desert the Holland XI.!" answered the young captain, calmly.