The _Canopus_, which had been steaming northward with two colliers, intercepted a wireless message from the _Glasgow_ to the _Good Hope_ reporting the enemy in sight. She immediately increased to her full speed, dispatching the colliers to Juan Fernandez, and proceeded on her course northward in the hope that she would arrive in time to engage the enemy. About 9 P.M. she received a signal from the _Glasgow_ that it was feared the _Good Hope_ and _Monmouth_ had been sunk, and that the squadron was scattered. Seeing the hopelessness of continuing on her course, the _Canopus_ turned round, picked up her colliers, and made for the Magellan Straits via Smyth's Channel, the successful navigation of which reflects great credit, since she was probably the first battleship ever to make use of it. By this means she succeeded in reaching Port Stanley without molestation, although the German ships were constantly in close proximity. Admiral Cradock appears to have had definite orders to prevent the enemy coming round to the east coast of America. The _Canopus_ was only 120 miles away when he met the enemy. But had the Admiral waited for her the Germans might have slipped past him during the night, and, moreover, her slow speed would have seriously hampered the mobility of his squadron. Speaking of Admiral Cradock, Sir Henry Newbolt[7] says, "He had asked for reinforcements, and the Admiralty had sent him what they thought sufficient. It was not for him to hold back." The advantages of speed and modern guns of superior range were perhaps the outstanding features of the Coronel action. It was not the vain sacrifice which at first sight it might appear to be, as it probably saved our ships operating on the east coast of South America from a similar fate. Admiral Cradock carried out unflinchingly his search for a force which he knew would almost certainly be superior to his own. His unhesitating acceptance of the action and the gallantry of the fight uphold the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, and will always be recalled by it with pride. Surely, before God and man, such deeds of heroism go far to mitigate the infamy of war. "At set of sun, Even as below the sea-line the broad disc Sank like a red-hot cannon-ball through surf Of seething molten lead, the _Santa Maria_, Uttering one cry that split the heart of heaven, Went down with all hands, roaring into the dark." ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_). CHAPTER VII CONCENTRATION "And Drake growled, ... ... 'So, lest they are not too slow To catch us, clear the decks. God, I would like To fight them!'" --ALFRED NOYES (_Drake_).