enemy.

Then, from the distance, more than a mile across the water, came
the sound of many guns. The German cruisers Breslau and Goeben
were returning the fire.

Shells, dropping in. front, behind and on all sides of the Sylph
threw up the water in mighty geysers, as if it were a typhoon
that surrounded the little vessel. Shells screamed overhead, but
none found its mark.

All this time the vessels were drawing closer and closer
together. Now, as the little scout cruiser rose on a huge swell,
a single shock shook the vessel and a British shell sped true.

A portion of the Breslau's superstructure toppled; a second later
and the faint sound of a crash was carried over the water to the
Sylph.

"A hit!" cried Jack again.

A loud British cheer rose above the sound of battle, and the
gunners, well pleased with their marksmanship, turned again to
their work with renewed vigor.

"Lieutenant Templeton on the bridge!" came the command, and Jack
hastened to report to Lord Hastings.

"What do you make of that last shot, Mr. Templeton?" demanded the
commander of the Sylph. "Is the enemy seriously crippled, would