But the _Gloucester_ seemed to bear a charmed life, or, more truthfully speaking, the Spanish gunners didn't know how to shoot.
Unfortunately for Admiral Sampson, he had gone some miles away to hold a conference with General Shafter when the Spanish fleet made its attempt to escape, but he now came up with the _New York_, eagerly rushing forward to bear a hand in the fight.

The _Pluton_ and _Furor_ fled before her, while the _Indiana_ shelled the first destroyer so mercilessly that she turned and headed for the mouth of the harbor, several miles distant.

The vigilant _Gloucester_ joined the _Indiana_ and one of the destroyers displayed a flag of truce.

She was ablaze from bow to stern and her crew ran her ashore, where she blew up.

The second was also beached and deserted by her crew.