The German guns, already trained on the British boat, swept its deck with a volley of shot that killed several men and injured half a dozen more, and tore into the rigging. The two boats were at such close range that the execution was terrific. Even then the British captain refused to admit defeat. Again and again his little threecher was fired at the stranger, ith about as much effect as a toy istd would have against a locomotive. The raider answered this feeble resistance with broadside after broadside.
"The result was that some of the crew of the Clan Mactavish were killed, and many have been wounded. There had been two explosions in the hold before the Clan Mactavish was silenced.
"Then, when the Germans ceased firing, the prize began to founder, and suddenly heeled over. Many members of the crew were saved.
Finally, the German discharged two torpedoes from tubes mounted on the forward deck. Both projectiles struck home.
The Clan MacTavish heeled over, as if some giant had struck her sudden blow, and, in a very short time, disappeared. The fight of the MacTavish was good for Britons to witness.
"The Germans lowered boats with all possible speed, and rowed to the spot where the Britisher had gone down, in search of the survivors. Four were at length brought to us, badly wounded, but full of fight even so. We gave the lads " rowing cheer, as they were brought over the side, and even our German captors smiled unbegrudging approval.
"There was a tale aboard the Appam that we were carrying @ very large amount of gold bullion. The figure had been put et £500,000, I understand. Personally, I am inclined to doubt this. According to my information, the Appam was carrying less than £200,000. The fact is, however, that, whatever bullion the Appam had ie not aboard the German cruiser.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.