The destroyers pursued us at top speed, though being now directly behind, they were in poor position for using their guns.

Our captain seemed content to keep this distance; though it would have been easy for him to increase it, and then at nightfall, to dodge back behind the enemy.
Already Buffalo had disappeared on our right, and a little after seven o'clock the opening of the Niagara River appeared ahead.

If he entered there, knowing that he could not return, our captain must have lost his mind! And in truth was he not insane, this man who proclaimed himself, who believed himself, Master of the World?
I watched him there, calm, impassive not even turning his head to note the progress of the destroyers and I wondered at him.
This end of the lake was absolutely deserted.

Freight steamers bound for the towns on the banks of the upper Niagara are not numerous, as its navigation is dangerous.

Not one was in sight.