"Right," replied Lord Hastings, "and it's up to us to get there well ahead of them." "Other cruisers coming within zone, sir," reported the wireless operator. "Can you make out their conversation?" inquired Lord Hastings. "No, sir," was the reply. "They have reported to the flagship, and after being warned, have continued in code." "Did you pick up their identities?" "Yes, sir. Besides the Dresden, the Gneisenau, Leipzig and Nurnberg have reported." "That's all of 'em," said Lord Hastings dryly, "and they make a pretty powerful squadron. Here's where we have to begin to hustle." The Sylph seemed to go forward even faster than before. CHAPTER XXVII TRAPPING THE ENEMY "Land ahead!" came the cry of the lookout. It was now early morning, and Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank stood on the bridge taking a breath of the fresh, invigorating air. Glasses were quickly leveled, and soon the distant shore was made out. "What port are we making for, sir?" asked Jack. "Port Stanley," was Lord Hastings' reply. Rapidly the Sylph steamed on, and finally, rounding into the little harbor, they made out a welcome and unexpected sight. Frank and Jack cried out in surprise, and even Lord Hastings was moved to an expression of wonder. In the little harbor, screened from the sea, riding gently on the swell of the tide, were eight British ships of war! "Oh, my!" exclaimed Frank joyfully, doing a little clog dance on the bridge, "won't we give it to the Germans now!" Jack was equally as enthusiastic, though he was not given to such outbursts of emotion, being naturally more quiet. "It looks like the end of the German squadron to me," he said simply. As the Sylph steamed into the little harbor, one of the British war vessels turned slightly, and a shell screamed over the Sylph's bow. "Want to know who we are," explained Lord Hastings. The British ensign was quickly run up, and there followed a loud, cheer from the sailors of the fleet. On the ship closest to shore flew the flag of Vice Admiral Sturdee. "I guess I had better pay my respects to the admiral at once," said, Lord Hastings. "Would you boys care to come with me?" "Nothing would please us more," replied Frank, speaking for both. The Sylph steamed close to the British fleet, and then the three put off for the flagship in a small boat. Aboard, they were shown immediately to the admiral's cabin, where the nearness of the German squadron was rapidly related. "Fortunate!" cried Admiral Sturdee. "I feared I would have to chase them all over the sea. I didn't expect them to come to me. Have you a plan to suggest, Lord Hastings?" "I fear, Sir Frederick," replied Lord Hastings, "that if you put to sea to give battle, the Germans will turn and flee upon recognizing the power of the British fleet." "True," mused the admiral. "May I offer a suggestion, Sir Frederick?" asked Jack. The admiral glanced at the lad sharply, but Jack bore up bravely under the close scrutiny.