We are certain to go if any one does." "Yes, me and Teddy--" began Rollo, but Ridge silenced him that they might hear the continuation of the Ensign's story.
"At three o'clock on Friday morning, the 3d," resumed Comly, "the _Merrimac_ left the fleet and steamed in towards Santiago entrance.

On board, besides Hobson and his six chosen men, was one other, a coxswain of the _New York_, who had helped prepare the collier for her fate, and at the last moment stowed himself away in her hold for the sake of sharing it.
"With Hobson on the bridge, two men at the wheel, two in the engine-room, two stoking, and one forward ready to cut away the anchor, the doomed ship entered the narrow water-way and passed the outer line of mines in safety.

Then the Spaniards discovered her, and from the way they let loose they must have thought the whole American fleet was trying to force the passage.

In an instant she was the focus for a perfect cyclone of shot and shell from every gun that could be brought to bear, on both sides of the channel.
"It was like rushing into the very jaws of hell, with mines exploding all about her, solid shot and bursting shells tearing at her vitals, and a cloud of Mauser bullets buzzing like hornets across her deck.
How she lived to get where she was wanted is a mystery; but she did, and they sunk her just inside the Estrella battery.

At the last they could not steer her, because her rudder was knocked away.