One of the longest fights on record was that of the _J. L. Luckenbach_, which began at 7:30 o'clock, the morning of October 19, 1917, and continued four hours. The submarine, which was disguised as a steamer, opened fire at long range. The _Luckenbach_ instantly replied with both her guns. Closing in to 2,000 yards, the U-boat, which was of large type, with heavy ordnance, began to pour forth a rain of shells. One shot exploded on the deck, partially destroying the gun-crew's quarters, bursting the fire-main, and setting afire that part of the ship. Another shot landed near the stern, putting the after-gun out of commission. Pieces of shell were falling all around the deck. Two shots landed on the port side forward, striking the oilers' room and blowing a large hole in the ship's side. One struck on the port side at the water-line, hitting the fresh-water tank, the water supply pouring out. Another burst in the petty officers' mess-room, wounding two men. One shot passed through the weather screen on the bridge, and exploded in the cargo. Pieces of shell hit V. Louther, of the armed guard, wounding him in three places. While carrying ammunition forward, a sailor was hit and severely injured, and a gunner was blinded by fumes. Then a shell exploded in the engine-room, wounding the first and third engineers, and putting the engine out of business. Struck a dozen times, with exploding shells overhead sending down a hail of steel, nine men wounded and its engine disabled, the _Luckenbach_ fought on. Its armed guard was under command of J. B. Trautner, chief master-at-arms. Distress signals had been sent out soon after the firing began, hours before, and had been answered by the _Nicholson_, 82 miles away. The destroyer was hurrying to the steamer's assistance at high speed; but it hardly seemed possible for her to arrive in time. There was a constant exchange of messages between steamship and destroyer: "S. O. S.--_J. L. Luckenbach_ being gunned by submarine." "We are coming," signaled the _Nicholson_. "Our steam is cut off. How soon can you get here?" "Stick to it; will be with you in three hours." "Shell burst in engine-room. Engineer crippled." "Fire in our forehold. They are now shooting at our antennae." "How far are you away?" asked the _Luckenbach_. "Code books thrown overboard. How soon will you arrive?" "In two hours," answered the _Nicholson_. "Too late," replied the _Luckenbach_. "Look out for boats. They are shelling us." "Do not surrender!" radioed the _Nicholson_. "Never!" answered the _Luckenbach_.