The question of how to deal with the Pelikan was under discussion, for Captain Holloway had convened another council of war at eight bells in the afternoon.
The boats carried by the monitors were not fit for cutting-out work, and although a certain means of destruction was at the command of the senior officer, he was reluctant to put his terrible resources into force on account of the presence of the Myra's crew on board the raider.
While the discussion was in progress, the majority of officers favouring a suggestion that the light cruisers should be brought up by wireless, a steam launch was reported to be coming down the river.
The launch bore a large white flag flying from a staff in the bows. In her stern-sheets was Ober-leutnant von Langer.
Received with naval honours, a guard being mounted on the quarter-deck of the senior monitor, von Langer came over the side, and announced himself as the representative of Kapitan von Riesser, of H.I.M. ship Pelikan.
"Well, sir?" asked Captain Holloway briefly.
"I am here to discuss terms," said the ober-leutnant.
"Which must be unconditional surrender of men and material," added the skipper of the Paradox.
"Excuse me," said von Langer. "But we are not yet beaten."
"You are precious near it," said Captain Holloway. "Unless the German Ensign is hauled down on board the Pelikan within an hour I will open fire."