Slowly the cruiser drew nearer. Now the boys were able to make out the British flag flying at her masthead. There came a puff of smoke from the stranger, and a shot passed over the bow of the Lena. "Signal to show our colors," muttered Frank. At his command the British ensign soon fluttered gaily in the breeze. Came another shot from the cruiser. "What's the matter now, do you suppose?" asked Frank. "That's a signal to heave to. If she's British, what does she want us to heave to for?" The vessels were still a considerable distance apart, and night was drawing on. The answer to Frank's question came from the approaching vessel. The British ensign flying at the masthead of the approaching cruiser suddenly came fluttering down, and a moment later the Red, white and Black of Germany fluttered aloft in its stead. "By Jove!" exclaimed Jack. "I was afraid of it!" At the same moment another shot crossed the Lena's bow. Jack acted with decision and promptness. At a quick command the Lena raised the German flag. Then, as the German commander hesitated, fearing to fire lest the vessel really be of his own country, Jack signaled the engine-room for full speed ahead. The Lena seemed to leap forward, and in a moment had turned her stern to the enemy, thus making her a harder target to hit. The German, evidently taken by surprise, could not bring her guns to bear in a moment, and that moment undoubtedly saved the Lena. The small guns on the Lena, at Frank's command, were made ready for instant use, and the men were piped to quarters. Although well aware he was outranged by the enemy, Jack determined to fight his ship to the last. "They'll know they have been in a battle unless they sink us before they come in range of our guns," said Jack grimly. "You bet they will," replied Frank. "Everything ready?" demanded Jack. "All ready, sir," replied Frank, with a slight smile and a salute. The second and third officers made their reports. The British were ready for instant action, and eager for the fray. "We'll run as long as we can," said Jack, "but, if we can't outrun them, we'll turn about and give them a fight, anyhow." This word was passed along to the crew, and a loud British cheer rang out across the waters of the North Atlantic. Frank and Jack were forced to smile. "The British sailor would always rather fight than run," said Frank. "Right," said Jack. "This running rather goes against me, too." Now the forward guns of the German cruiser were brought into action, and heavy detonations rang out across the water. But the German gunners had not yet found the range, and the fact that the Lena was so maneuvered as to keep her stern to the enemy made the task of the enemy that much harder.