Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/129

Rh a torpedo that had missed its mark struck a mass of wreckage and hurled it far and wide. The tide of battle rolled along through the starry depths, strewing its path with destruction and death.

The Anglo-Saxon Admiral-in-Chief now saw that it was a case of surrender or the total annihilation of his fleet. He preferred the latter; death was better than disgrace. With the courage of despair, he resolved to gather together his remaining forces and make one giant stroke to ward off defeat. All the remaining battleships that still had their engines intact were collected together and formed into line while the torpedo-boats flung themselves on to the enemy to divert their attention. The admiral's ship was in front of the line to lead the way. When they were all ready a last signal was made from the flag-ship: Conquer or die.

A cheer roared through every ship when the signal was made out. The guns that were left were pulled in to prevent them