The pointers had been kept in position for such a length of time during the captain's collapse that every unit of electricity had escaped. Tregarthen realised that at their utmost capacity the dynamos would have to be working for six hours ere sufficient power was restored to bring the ZZ-rays up to their normal power. It was to be by gunfire alone that the _Olive Branch_ must complete her work of retrieving the fortunes of the day. "Independent action!" roared the lieutenant through the speaking-tube, for the electrical indicators communicating with the turrets had been disorganised by the concussion of the shell that had burst inboard. In the space of a quarter of an hour the supreme conflict was decided. The enemy's feint had been changed into a disorderly retreat; many were sunk by gunfire, while the remainder, overhauled by the superior speed of the British fleet, hoisted the white flag. The naval Armageddon had been fought and won. "Where's Sinclair?" asked Tregarthen, as the wearied, yet triumphant, crew came on deck to witness the British warships taking possession of their surrendered foes. "Down, sir; fatally wounded, I fear." "And the captain?" "Dead, sir," answered Dr. White, who was unable to conceal his emotion. For some moments Gerald could say nothing, so grieved was he at the news. Then he asked, simply:-- "Where was he hit?" "He is untouched by the enemy's shot; it is a case of heart failure caused by the strain of the last few days, culminating in the excitement of the action," replied the surgeon. "Pass the word for the officers to come aft," said Lieutenant Tregarthen. In a few broken words Gerald formally conveyed the news of their great loss, then, producing a document with which Captain Brookes had entrusted him, he read the instructions that were to be carried out in the event of the death or disablement of the captain of the _Olive Branch_. This done, Tregarthen with his own hands lowered the green ensign and hoisted the blue ensign half-mast in its place, as the British naval regulations forbid the use of the white ensign. Then, gathering the struck colours under his arm, the lieutenant went below to where the body of the gallant captain lay. All that was mortal of Captain Brookes had been placed on one of the junior officer's bunks, for the senior officers' cabins had been swept away by the 14in. shell. Reverently Gerald covered the body with the green ensign, the most fitting homage he could pay to the memory of his temporary chief. "Admiral coming off, sir." Tregarthen hastened on deck to find that a pinnace--one of the few that was still seaworthy, so fierce had been the enemy's fire--was approaching the _Olive Branch_, a Union Jack denoting the rank of admiral of the fleet flying from a jack-staff in her bows. With the customary honours Admiral Hobbes came over the side, regarding the shattered quarter-deck of the mysterious cruiser with ill-concealed interest.