Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/45

 the torpedo ignited the powder, causing a terrific explosion, the destruction of the cruiser, and immense damage to the dockyard as well as the town. Such a scene is indescribable. The air was full of portions of wood and iron that had been impelled upwards and hurled in all directions. A calamity like this creates an awe which imposes silence and inaction on all for a brief period. Then the torpedo boats, having arrived at the head of the harbour, turned to make the best of their way out. It was a forlorn hope, for by this time their pursuers had arrived at the mouth of the harbour. The only chance was to keep a straight course and trust to luck. It was a case of each one for himself.

The tide had just begun to ebb, and the boats came down the stream at a tremendous pace. As they approached the entrance it seemed impossible to get clear of all the craft that had converged on this spot. The leading boat carried the commander of the expedition; he had taken the helm, as all depended on careful steering. There was a gap at Blockhouse Point, and for this he made. Seeing his intention, a launch steered across to intercept him. If she grappled he would soon be surrounded. There was no alternative; a slight touch of the helm, and the sharp stem of the torpedo boat cut clean through the quarter of the other, and she passed on without a check. The second torpedo boat had kept in his leader's wake, and also got through, but the remaining two, which made for the other side, were not so fortunate; one had its