The _Bismarck_ was dashing through the water at a rapid gait. Suddenly she became the center of a blinding glare. The searchlight of a German cruiser a half a mile to port had picked them up. Von Ludwig gave a sharp command to the men who manned the forward guns. "Aim and fire!" he cried. A moment later one of the guns spoke and a shell screamed across the water toward the German cruiser. Apparently it did not find its mark, however, for nothing happened aboard the enemy to indicate the shot had struck home. "Again!" cried von Ludwig. Another gun boomed. Followed a sharp explosion. "Good work, men!" cried von Ludwig. "Try it again." But the next shot came from the enemy. A shell screamed overhead. "They'll do better with the next shot, sir," said Jack, quietly. "So they will," was von Ludwig's quiet response. "Starboard your helm, Mr. Chadwick." Frank obeyed immediately, and again the course of the _Bismarck_ was changed quickly; and none too soon. For another salvo had come from the German cruiser and two shells flew past the spot where the _Bismarck_ would have been at that moment had her course not suddenly been altered. "Fire, men!" cried von Ludwig. "Fire as fast as you can. If you can't disable her we are done for!" The men who manned the _Bismarck's_ guns were working like Trojans. Once, twice, thrice more they fired; and upon the fourth shot there came a cry of dismay from aboard the enemy cruiser. "Must have hit something, sir," said Frank. "Right. I trust it was a vulnerable spot." Twice more the German cruiser fired at the _Bismarck_, but without result. The smaller vessel was drawing ahead rapidly now. "Fifteen minutes and we will be safe," said von Ludwig. The men aboard the _Bismarck_ continued to fire at the German cruiser, but apparently none of the other shots found their mark. The German, it could be seen, was in full pursuit, but the smaller vessel forged rapidly ahead with each turn of her screws. And at last von Ludwig exclaimed thankfully: "Well, I guess we are safe enough here." But even as he spoke a cry apprised him of a newer and closer danger! CHAPTER XXVII A TERRIBLE STRUGGLE The trouble had started in the engine room. Hardly had the _Bismarck_ drawn clear of the fire of the German cruiser when one of the five members of the German crew impressed into service fell over, apparently in a dead faint. The men, under Harris' watchful eye, had been working hard and the first thought that struck the Englishman was that the man had dropped from exhaustion. Hastily he shoved one of his automatics in his belt and advancing, stooped over the man. Instantly, the other four Germans rushed for him. Harris heard them coming and attempted to get to his feet. He was too late. A heavy shovel, wielded by one of his four assailants, struck him a hard blow over the head and Harris fell to the deck unconscious. Quickly the men relieved him of his two weapons and then they held a consultation.