And now, far ahead of us in the distance, could be dimly seen approaching through the mist the Japanese main force. Their ships were crossing our bows from starboard to port, following on an almost south-west course. The Mikasa, as soon as she crossed our bows, at once altered course to the southward, followed by the Shikishima, Fuji, Asahi, Kasuga, and Nisshin.
Meanwhile, though the flag-ship was already being worked from the conning tower, Rozhdestvensky was still standing with his staff on the upper fore-bridge.
I frankly confess that I did not agree with his opinion as to Togo leading all his twelve armoured ships in column; on 10th August he ordered six of them to work independently, instead of joining his squadron. I was inclined to think that Kamimura would operate independently and, when my six old Port Arthur acquaintances hove in sight, I said triumphantly:
“There they are, sir—all six—just as on 10th August.”
But Rozhdestvensky, without turning, shook his head.
“No, there are more—they are all there,” and he went down into the conning tower.
“To your stations, gentlemen,” said the Flag Captain quickly, as he followed the Admiral.
And there, sure enough, following after the first six ships, and slowly appearing out of the mist, came the Idzumo, Yakumo, Asama, Adzuma, Tokiwa, and Iwate.