Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/274

 Suddenly from farther forward came the sharp, clear explosion of one of the Gyandotte's bow guns. Someone behind Nelson growled impatiently. Then the fire control system awoke to life.

"Now, then, men! Look alive!" called the division officer. "Show 'em what Number Four can do!" Wheels were turning and the gun was coming swiftly to the unseen target. A moment of suspense, and then:

"Commence firing!"

It was the United States destroyer Banks whose foretop lookout, peering into the early morning mist, had caught sight of a tell-tale streak of darker gray against the water and had sounded the warning. Almost by the time the officer on the bridge had found the object with his glasses it was gone, but the Banks, signaling the alarm to the flagship, had swung out of line and gone tearing off in the direction of the Fritz. The flagship gave hurried orders and the plan of action already provided was carried into effect. The freighters crowded on all steam and went wallowing south westward at their best gaits, while every second convoy swung out of line and went into action with a fine enthusiasm. For a good two minutes nothing was seen nor heard of the foe, 249