"What did I tell you? I said Lord Hastings wasn't the man to run far, no matter how great the odds against him."
"You are right," was Frank's reply. "It looks as though we were to see a little action."
"Yes, and it's likely to be a pretty sizable fight, or I miss my guess," returned Jack.
For fear of giving notice of their approach to the enemy, who now apparently had forgotten the existence of the _Sylph_ in the approach of the _Lancaster_, the call to quarters was not sounded on the _Sylph_. Upon orders of Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack went quietly about the ship, summoning the men to their posts.
There was not a light upon the _Sylph_ as the little vessel bore down upon the enemy. The searchlight of the _Lancaster_ now enveloped the German, and the searchlight of the latter now played upon the swiftly oncoming British cruiser.
On the _Sylph_ everything was ready for the struggle. The perfectly drilled crew had cleared for action in no time. Lord Hastings and Lieutenant Edwards made a round of inspection, and spoke inspiring words to the members of the crew.
"Remember the words of Lord Nelson," cried the former, "'England expects every man to do his duty!'"
A cheer was quickly silenced when Lord Hastings raised his hand for quiet.
"Our chance of coming out of this engagement alive," Lord Hastings said to the gun crews, "is that you make every shot count. A vital spot must be hit at the first fire. The enemy's great guns would tear us to pieces. If we can take them by surprise, we have more than an even chance of success."
Lord Hastings returned to his place on deck.
Nearer and still nearer the _Sylph_ crept toward her foe; and now the speed was reduced to fifteen knots.
"Another ten minutes and we shall be near enough to strike," declared Lord Hastings to the group of officers about him. He turned to Jack and Frank. "Take your posts," he said, "and keep me informed if we are struck and what damage is done by the enemy's fire."
Frank and Jack descended to the lower deck--now converted into the gun deck. Both lads were trembling with eagerness and excitement.
"How do you feel, Jack," asked Frank, "scared?"
"No, not exactly," was the reply. "I feel rather funny, though."
"Same here," said Frank, "but I guess we'll get over that as soon as things break loose."