There came a wireless message from the German commander.

"Surrender!" it said.

"We will die first!" was the answer sent by Lord Hastings.

Steaming slowly, the Sylph apparently was trying to escape; at
least so figured the German commander. To him it appeared that
he could overtake the little vessel with ease, and his squadron
steamed swiftly after it.

Gradually the Germans gained upon the little vessel, finally
coming close enough to send a shot after it. They were not yet
within range, however, and the shell fell short.

"We'll have to let him get a little closer," muttered Lord
Hastings, "or he may draw off. We'll have to face the danger of
a shell striking us."

A second shell from the Germans kicked up the water alongside the
Sylph.

"He'll have the range in a minute, sir," said Lieutenant
Hetherington.

"Bear off a little to the south," was the commander's reply.

For almost an hour the Sylph outmaneuvered the German flotilla,
and avoided being struck. All this time Lord Hastings was in
constant wireless communication with the Undaunted, which was