No authentic news of the movements of the Germans was available at this time; in fact, the last time that von Spee's squadron had been definitely heard of was when it appeared off Papeete and bombarded the town toward the end of September. That the enemy might be encountered at any moment was of course fully realised, but it was hoped that either the _Dresden_ and _Leipzig_ or the main squadron might be brought to action separately, before they were able to join forces. Time was everything if this was to be brought about, so Admiral Cradock pushed on without delay. The anxiety to obtain news of a reliable character may be imagined, but only the vaguest of rumours, one contradicting the other, were forthcoming. Reports showed that the German merchant shipping in the neighbourhood were exhibiting unwonted signs of energy in loading coal and stores, but this gave no certain indication of the proximity of the entire squadron. Rejoining the British squadron at sea on November 1st, the _Glasgow_ communicated with the _Good Hope_. Our ships had recently been hearing Telefunken[6] signals on their wireless, which was proof that one or more enemy warships were close at hand. About 2 P.M., therefore, the Admiral signalled the squadron to spread on a line bearing N.E. by E. from the _Good Hope_, which steered N.W. by N. at 10 knots. Ships were ordered to open to a distance of fifteen miles apart at a speed of 15 knots, the _Monmouth_ being nearest to the flagship, the _Otranto_ next, and then the _Glasgow_, which was thus nearest the coast. [Illustration: DIAGRAM I. (Enemy sighted) 4.20 p.m.] There was not sufficient time to execute this manœuvre, and when smoke was suddenly sighted at 4.20 P.M. to the eastward of the _Otranto_ and _Glasgow_, these two ships were still close together and about four miles from the _Monmouth_. The _Glasgow_ went ahead to investigate and made out three German warships, which at once turned towards her. The Admiral was over twenty miles, distant and out of sight, and had to be informed as soon as possible, so the _Glasgow_ returned at full speed, warning him by wireless, which the Germans endeavoured to jam, that the enemy was in sight. The squadron reformed at full speed on the flagship, _who had altered course to the southward_, and by 5.47 P.M. had got into single line-ahead in the order: _Good Hope_, _Monmouth_, _Glasgow_, and _Otranto_. The enemy, in similar formation, was about twelve miles off.