The French squadron, whose commander was well aware of the enemy’s superiority, began to bestir itself rapidly.  All the vessels, the Caledonia included, turned round and retreated at full speed.  But the heavy English shells from the guns of the battleships were already beginning to fall amongst them, although the distance might have been three knots.  Suddenly, when the Caledonia, in the course of a turning manoeuvre, showed a broadside to the British fire, a sharp, violent shock was felt, followed by the report of a violent explosion.  The Caledonia stopped dead, and loud cries of agony were heard from the engine-room.  The passengers, frightened to death, ran about the deck.  It could not be concealed from them that the ship had been struck by a shell, which had exploded.

But it proved that the Caledonia, although badly injured, was in no immediate danger.  Only her speed and manoeuvring capacity had suffered considerably owing to a steampipe having been hit.

The French warships retired as rapidly as possible, leaving the Caledonia and the prize crew on board to their fate, since it was impossible to take her with them.  They were obliged to abandon the valuable prize and rest content with their great success in the destruction of the Royal Arthur and the capture of the O’Hara.  The Caledonia, being recognised by the searchlight thrown upon her, had no fear of being shot at again.  She moved slowly northwards, and in the early morning was overtaken by two British cruisers.  An officer came on board, declared the French prize crew prisoners of war, and was informed by the third officer, who was now in command, of the events of the last twenty-four hours.

While the British squadron followed the French ships the Caledonia, only travelling eight knots an hour, made for Naples, which was reached without further incidents.  The passengers were disembarked, the large sum of money was deposited in the Bank of Naples to the credit of the English Government, and only the cargo of cotton, carpets, and embroidered silkstuffs was left on board.

The Kennedys and Mrs. Irwin went to the Hotel de la Riviera.  They were accompanied by Heideck, who intended to stay only one day at Naples, and then to take the through train to Berlin.

Although he had said nothing to her about going to Berlin Edith suspected his intention.  A few hours later she spoke to him in the reading-room, where he was eagerly studying the papers.

“Any news of importance?”

“Everything is new to me.  Up to the present we have only had a glimpse of what has been going on; these papers have given me a comprehensive view of events for the first time.”

“And now, of course, your only desire is to see your colours again?  I know that it is only ambition that guides you.”

“Can you reproach an officer for that?”

“Yes, if he forgets humanity as well.  But make your mind easy, I shall not attempt to hinder you.  I will not stand in the way of your ambition, but neither will I sacrifice myself to it.”