through a cloud of foam and spray
towards the first of the destroyers. He heard a rattle of guns, and then
the destroyer vanished. The _Ithuriel_ swung round, hit the next one in
the bows, ground her under the water, turned almost at right angles,
smashed the stern of the third one into scrap iron, hit the fourth one
abreast of the conning-tower, crushed her down and rolled her over, and
then slowed down and ran back to the flagship at twenty knots.

"Well!" said Quartermaster Maginniss, who for the last few minutes had
been held spellbound at the top of the ladder, in spite of the claims of
discipline, "of all the sea-devils of crafts that I've ever heard of, I
should say that was the worst. Four destroyers gone in five minutes, and
here he is coming back before I've delivered the letter. If we only have
a good square fight now, I'll be sorry for the Frenchies."

The next moment he stiffened up and saluted. "A letter for you, Admiral,
left by Captain Erskine before he went away to destroy those
destroyers."

"And you've been watching the destruction instead of delivering the
letter," laughed Lord Beresford, as he took it from him. "Well, I'll let
you off this time. When Captain Erskine comes alongside, ask him to see
me in my room at once."

The _Ithuriel_ ran alongside even as he was speaking. The gangway was
manned, and when he reached the deck, Admiral Beresford held out his
hand, and said with a laugh:

"Well, Captain Erskine, I understood that you were bringing me a message
from Commodore Hoskins, but you seem to have had better game to fly
for."

"My fault, sir," said Erskine, "but I hope you won't court-martial me
for it. You see, there were four French destroyers creeping round, and
mine was the only ship that could tackle them, so I thought I'd better
go and do it before they did any mischief. Anyhow, they're all at the
bottom now."

"I don't think I should have much case if I court-martialled you for
that, Captain Erskine," laughed the Admiral, "especially after what
you've done already, according to Commodore Hoskins' note. That must be
a perfect devil of a craft of yours. Can you sink anything with her?"

"Anything, sir," replied Erskine. "This is the most powerful fighting
ship in the world, but I could put you at the bottom of the Channel in
ten minutes."

"The Lord save us! It's a good job you're on our side."

"And it's a very great pity," said Erskine, "that the airships are not
with us to