CHAPTER III

SAVED FROM THE SEA

The three other German vessels now singled out the Undaunted and
concentrated their fire upon her, thinking first to dispose of
the more formidable vessel and then to turn their attention to
the lighter craft.

A fierce duel ensued. Suddenly there was a terrific explosion.
One of the German torpedo destroyers seemed to leap into the air,
only to fall back a moment later and disappear beneath the sea
with a loud hiss.

A heavy shell struck the Undaunted and carried away part of her
superstructure. The two remaining torpedo boats of the enemy,
except the one being pursued by the Sylph, suddenly turned and
dashed directly at the Undaunted, evidently intending to ram her.

Captain Fox avoided a collision with promptness and skill, and
the torpedo boats sped by without touching her. Now the Loyal
launched a torpedo at the first German craft. It sped swift and
true, and a moment later there was but one German left in
condition to continue the fight. Thinking to avoid unnecessary
loss of life, Captain Fox called upon the German to surrender.
The kindly offer was rewarded with a defiant reply, and the