The Boy Allies under Two FlagsHayes, Clair W. (Clair Wallace)
General
The Boy Allies under Two Flags
Hayes, Clair W. (Clair Wallace)
World War, 1914-1918 -- Naval operations -- Juvenile fiction
"I understand," said the commander of the Glasgow to the two
lads, "that it was your plan Admiral Sturdee acted upon when he
lured the German fleet to give battle. Also that it was your
idea that has resulted in the sinking of the Nurnberg. I am glad
to know you."
He extended a hand to each, and the boys grasped them heartily.
"Now," continued the commander of the Glasgow, "it is up to us to
follow and sink the Dresden. Besides her there is but one German
ship in these waters--the Karlsruhe, and we'll get her before
we are through."
"Have you any idea where she is?" asked Frank.
"I imagine she has gone around the Horn into the Pacific."
"In that case," said Jack, "the Dresden has probably gone to join
her."
"By Jove!" exclaimed the commander of the Glasgow. "I believe
you are right. What do you think, Lord Hastings?"
"I believe Mr. Templeton has hit the nail on the head, as usual,"
replied the commander of the Sylph. "Therefore, I should say
that we had better head in that direction."
"Agreed!" returned the commander of the Glasgow, and, after some
further talk, he put over the side and returned to his own
vessel.
Several hours were now spent on board the Sylph repairing the
damage caused by the German shells and getting the little vessel
in shipshape again. Then, at last, the Sylph was once more under
way, beading for the Pacific.
A mile to the stern followed the British cruiser Glasgow. For
two days and nights, after rounding the Horn, the two British
vessels sought some trace of the Karlsruhe and the Dresden. They
put into port after port, but could get no trace of her.
But at last they came upon the German cruiser. It was the fourth
day after rounding the Horn, and the German ship was just putting
out of a little Chilean port. The commander was not unaware of
the presence of the British ships outside, for it had been
reported to him; but he had already been in the port for
twenty-four hours, and the laws of neutrality demanded that he
either put to sea again or that his ship be interned.
Captain Koehler, of the Dresden, was a man of action. Therefore,
he spurned the suggestion of having his ship interned. And his
last words to the German consul, as he stepped aboard his ship
and ordered that she be put to sea were:
"We are going to join our comrades!"
Well out of neutral waters, the Sylph and the Glasgow lay in wait
for the enemy. Outside the port the Dresden attempted to flee;
but, after an hour's chase, Captain Koehler realized the futility
of this, and, at last brought to bay, turned to fight.
In the action that followed, an action that lasted for more than
two hours, the Dresden put up a terrific battle. But there could
be but one end. Outnumbered, she fought well, but at length the
waters of the calm Pacific closed over her.
"Only one left," said Frank to Jack, as they stood upon the
bridge after the sinking of the Dresden.
"Only one--the Karlsruhe."
"And we'll get her, too!" said Jack quietly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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