"The fleet is getting ready for a scrap.

And we'll be right in it." I edged toward the bridge.

The first news would come from that quarter.
Several minutes later, Captain Brownson, who had been watching the signals with a powerful glass, closed the instrument with a snap, and cried out to the executive officer: "Hubbard, you will never believe it." "What's happened ?" The reply was given so low that I could catch only a few words, but it was enough to send me scurrying aft at the top of my speed.

The news was startling indeed..