ning men-o'-war moved nervously from their stations,
rolled great black-brown coils of smoke from their funnels, and nosed
suspiciously out towards the western horizon, like three dogs
seeking a scent, it was evident the day would not be without
interest. Within a few minutes H.M.A.S. _Sydney_ set a definite
course, and with a foaming wake and a trail of heavy smoke, went off at
full speed to the sou'-west. Mac went below for breakfast in the
steamy saloon. Word went round that the _Emden_ was at the bottom of
the business; and men gathered in groups, talking with animation, and
gazing occasionally towards the south-west. Later in the morning the
Japanese cruiser went off in that direction, leaving only H.M.A.S.
_Melbourne_ with the fleet.

At about eleven the great news came; and great enthusiasm welcomed it.
In the _Tahiti_ it leaked out before it was officially announced; and
the poor signallers were blamed in consequence. At any rate it was
true. About ten thirty the _Sydney_ had reported the _Emden_ beached
and blazing; and that she had gone off in pursuit of another vessel.
The _Maunganui_ had offered to take the _Sydney's_ wounded; but she
replied that there were only twelve casualties, sent her thanks, and
said there was no need. That was all the troops heard of the fight for
some days, though later the _Empress of Russia_ passed on her way to
pick up the many wounded from the wrecked _Emden_.

Then came the crossing of the Line; and in all ships Father Neptunes
were busy lathering, dosing and abusing unlucky troops who tried to
escape their gentle hands. Crowds of men splashed rowdily about in
great sails of water. But a medical officer unfortunately lost his
life over these proceedings, and a momentary sadness settled over the
fleet.

The New Zealand section went ahead of the main fleet a day or two
before reaching Colombo in order to proceed with coaling and watering.
Early on a Sunday morning the mist-covered hills of Ceylon took form on
the starboard bow; and, later on, a palm-grown shore and natives in
catamarans. Then the house-tops, the breakwater and the shipping of
Colombo emerged from the luxurious forest and curving shores. About
the middle of the forenoon the New Zealand vessels in two lines of five
were about to enter the harbour, when the _Sydney_ and the _Empress of
Russia_ were signalled coming up astern; and the New Zealand ships lay
to to give way to the men-o'-war. In deep