said.

"It's an American ship, you blind beetle!" he cried. "Can't you see the
flag? It's the _Vermondia_, of Boston."

"Sorry, Captain," I answered. "I have really no time for words. Those
shots of mine will bring the torpedo-boats, and I dare say at this very
moment your wireless is making trouble for me. Get your people into the
boats."

I had to show him I was not bluffing, so I drew off and began putting
shells into him just on the water-line. When I had knocked six holes in
it he was very busy on his boats. I fired twenty shots altogether, and
no torpedo was needed, for she was lying over with a terrible list to
port, and presently came right on to her side. There she lay for two or
three minutes before she foundered. There were eight boats crammed with
people lying round her when she went down. I believe everybody was
saved, but I could not wait to inquire. From all quarters the poor old
panting, useless war-vessels were hurrying. I filled my tanks, ran her
bows under, and came up fifteen miles to the south. Of course, I knew
there would be a big row afterwards--as there was--but that did not help
the starving crowds round the London bakers, who only saved their skins,
poor devils, by explaining to the mob that they had nothing to bake.

By this time I was becoming rather anxious, as you can imagine, to know
what was going on in the world and what England was thinking about it
all. I ran alongside a fishing-boat, therefore, and ordered them to give
up their papers. Unfortunately they had none, except a rag of an evening
paper, which was full of nothing but betting news. In a second attempt I
came alongside a small yachting party from Eastbourne, who were
frightened to death at our sudden appearance out of the depths. From
them we were lucky enough to get the London _Courier_ of that very
morning.

It was interesting reading--so interesting that I had to announce it all
to the crew. Of course, you know the British style of headline, which
gives you all the news at a glance. It seemed to me that the whole paper
was headlines, it was in such a state of excitement. Hardly a word about
me and my flotilla. We were on the second page. The first one began
something like this:--

CAPTURE OF BLANKENBERG!

* * * * *

DESTRUCTION OF ENEMY'S FLEET

* * * * *

BURNING OF TOWN

* * * * *

TRAWLERS DESTROY MINE FIELD
LOSS OF TWO BATTLESHIPS

* * * * *

IS