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Rh duties required of a naval commander going into action. So leaving my old coast-guardsmen in charge, I gave them the signal to weigh anchor and engage the enemy, feeling that I was ordering the poor fellows and the dear raw lads under their command to certain destruction. Although I would give no sign of fear in the presence of the people I felt convinced that the last act in the drama of the Extinction of Man was now come.

But even as the heavy chain cables were being dragged up by the steam-winches, and my forlorn hope was actually moving to its doom, there shot round the point not a mile to our right the gallant Hope—well named assuredly, for she bore on her decks the men who alone could save us from utter despair. Her appearance seemed to be observed by the enemy, for they once more slowed down, and advanced with extreme deliberation.

And how came Dana to return so opportunely? We learnt afterwards that while cruising off the Southern islands he too had seen the faint streaks of smoke darkening the Eastern sky. Full of anxiety he had coasted round, keeping carefully under the shadow of