"We must release the others first," said one man. This plan was agreed upon and the man who had suggested it was appointed to make his way to where the others were imprisoned and free them. A moment later he slipped stealthily from the engine room and as stealthily approached the cabin where his fellow countrymen were imprisoned. Inside, he closed the door quickly and in a low voice cautioned the others to silence. Quickly he unloosened their bonds and the five sailors and two officers rose and stretched their cramped limbs. In a few words the German sailor gave his officers the lay of the land and the first lieutenant took command. "In the next cabin," he said, "is a chest containing revolvers and ammunition. Bring it here." Two men hurried to obey and returned a few moments later bearing the chest. The two officers armed themselves and the men. "These English must be very careless," said one, "else we would never have this chance." The others agreed and the two officers considered what was best to be done. "How many are there, did you say?" asked the first officer of the man who had released the others. "There were nine, but we have disposed of the man in the engine room." "Then we are twelve to eight. Good! First we will try and capture the bridge and the wheel. As we are in command of the engine room, the rest should be easy. It will not be necessary to capture all the English. With the bridge, wheel and engine room in our possession, we can run the vessel back into the harbor. Come on, men!" They advanced quietly from the cabin and made their way on deck. It was the appearance of the first head that had called forth a cry from one of the British that had attracted von Ludwig's attention. Wheeling quickly, von Ludwig saw the Germans dash from below. With a quick cry to the others, he drew his revolver and fired. One man toppled over. The odds against the British were one less; but the others sprang forward. Frank, at the wheel, was forced to maintain his position while the others did the fighting. The lookout forward and the man stationed aft advanced to take part in the fray, though keeping out of sight as well as possible. "Turn the gun on them, men!" cried von Ludwig. The three men who manned the gun sought to obey, but the gun stuck. It would not turn. Most likely it had been damaged in the battle with the German cruiser. The British tried the other guns, but with no better result. "Stay where you are," shouted van Ludwig to the men at the guns. "Keep them between us, if possible." The gun crew, who had been on the point of trying to join von Ludwig and Jack, saw the strategy of this plan and stooped down behind the guns. The lookout forward also stepped behind the mainmast, where he began to blaze away at the foe. The man aft, by a dash, succeeded in reaching the side of von Ludwig and Jack. Frank, at the wheel, was in a perilous situation, but there he had determined to stay until ordered to shift his position.