"Full speed ahead!" came the command on the Sylph.

The little vessel darted forward at an angle that would cut off
the Germans in the flight. It was a desperate venture, and none,
perhaps, realized it more than did Lord Hastings; but he was not
the man to see the prey escape thus easily if he could help it.

Rapidly now the Sylph drew closer to the German torpedo
destroyers. The gunners were at their posts, the range finder
already had gauged the distance, medical supplies for the wounded
were ready for instant use. In fact, the Sylph was ready to give
battle, regardless of the number of her enemies.

There was a loud crash as the first salvo burst from the Germans,
but the Sylph was untouched. Still the British ship drew nearer
without firing. Then Lord Hastings gave the command: "Mr.
Hetherington, you may fire at will!"

The Sylph seemed to leap into the air at the shock of the first
fire. One shell crashed into the side of one of the German
destroyers, and a cheer went up from the British. Then came
several broadsides from the Germans, who had stopped now to
dispose of this brave little vessel, before continuing their
flight.

Suddenly the Sylph staggered, and her fire became less frequent.
A German shell had struck her forward turret with terrible force,
putting her biggest gun out of commission. But the Sylph
recovered, and continued to fight on.