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 XV

THE BATTLE OF THE CARIBBEAN

I it was while six bells were striking that there came the following radio call from one of our scouts, the armored cruiser Washington: "Approaching St. Nicholas," it said, "fog lifted, disclosing screen of five battle-cruisers of the enemy, steaming abreast, distance 20,000 yards, covering a column of ten ships, apparently battleships. All are heading west. Am returning full speed, 22½ knots." At 7:15 A.M. came another message: "Enemy, in chase, has opened fire at 18,000 yards and is coming up fast." And then the story came in quick sequence. At 7:30: "Enemy at 15,000 yards is using forward 12- and 11-inch guns on all five ships. Am replying with two after 159