ed further and further north, the
captain of the Caledonia resolved to turn westwards again. It did not
seem advisable to call at Malta, but assuming that the Royal Arthur
could hold the French ships for a considerable time, he might fairly
hope to reach Brindisi, his original destination.

But the course of events disappointed his hopes. A ship was reported
ahead, which proved to be the Arethuse, bearing down straight on
the Caledonia. To avoid meeting her the captain immediately headed
northwards. This brought the Caledonia closer to the scene of action
than had been intended, so close that a British shell, discharged at the
destroyer lying to the east, flew over the low French vessel, and fell
into the sea right before the bows of the Caledonia, raising great jets
of water.

A few seconds later the French destroyer moved rapidly in the direction
of the Royal Arthur, and the passengers of the Caledonia, and all the
sailors on the now more restricted field of operations, witnessed a
fearful sight. The destroyer had seized the right moment to attack, and
from one of its tubes had launched a torpedo with splendid aim against
the enemy. In the centre of the Royal Arthur, just above the water-line,
a tiny cloud of smoke was seen, and then a large column of water
spurting up. At the same time a dull, loud report was heard that shook
the air for a considerable distance round and drowned the thunder of the
guns.

It looked as if the cruiser was being torn asunder by the hands of
giants. The enormous hull split in two. Slowly the prow leaned
forwards, the stern backwards. Immediately afterwards both parts righted
themselves again, as if they would close up over the gaping breach. But
this movement only lasted a few seconds. Then the weight of the water
rushing in drew the gigantic hull into the depths. The Royal Arthur sank
with awe-inspiring rapidity. Now only her three funnels were seen above
the surface of the water; a few minutes later nothing was visible save
the top of the mast and the top-pennants hoisted for battle. Then a
mighty, foaming billow rose on high, and only the breaking of the waves
marked the spot where the proud cruiser lay.

The guns had ceased firing, and deep silence reigned on all the ships.
The passengers were paralysed by overwhelming horror. The captain
ordered all the boats to be launched to go to the assistance of the crew
of the Royal Arthur. The Chanzy also was seen to be letting down boats.