Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/130

from being damaged. Then the order was given to charge the enemy at full speed. The captains pulled their levers, and the long line dashed into space. But, to the astonishment of the men, they appeared to be flying away from the battle area. So thought the enemy, too, but they were mistaken. They prepared to start in pursuit, and shook themselves free from the pestering torpedo-boats. But suddenly the long line wheeled right round and came towards them at a thundering pace. They tried to open out, but in vain: there was no time. Some reversed their engines and began to retreat; others had just time to swing round so that only their bows were exposed to the charging mass. A tremendous cannonade was opened, but it did not check the oncoming mass. In a few seconds the intervening space was crossed, the admiral's flag-ship still leading the way. Then the monstrous ships leaped upon the enemy with the force and courage of despair. There was a frightful