“Why didn’t they sink her, too?” demanded Frank pointing to the German flagship.

“Why?” repeated Jack.  “Why should they?  Can’t you see that white flag flying at the masthead?”

“By George!  I hadn’t noticed that.”

“And there,” said Jack, pointing, “goes a prize crew from the Lion to take over the vessel.”

A launch loaded with British tars had put off from the Lion and was making toward the German flagship.

Admiral Krauss and his officers and men were soon transferred to the Lion and a British crew was in possession of the Bismarck.

Thus ended the last sea battle of the great war.  In all the times that Germany had tested the naval power of Great Britain and her allies, she had found it great—­too much for German naval tactics to overcome.  And now that the great war was drawing to an end, she did not test it again.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE END APPROACHES

With the coming of November, it became apparent to every officer and man in the Grand Fleet—­as well as the rest of the world—­that the beginning of the end was at hand—­that the German war machine was disintegrating and was about to break.

This was strengthened by the announcement on November 2 that the preceding day England, France and Italy had concluded an armistice with Turkey, thus depriving Germany of her second ally.  This left only Germany and Austria to continue the struggle, and upon the same day that the armistice with Turkey was announced came word that Austria also had made overtures for peace.

“You can take it from me,” said Jack, as the destroyer Essex continued her patrol of the North Sea, “that this war is about to end.  I’m willing to bet that Germany will sue for peace within a couple of weeks.”

Frank expressed his doubts.

“She’s likely to continue the struggle for some time yet,” he said.

“But that would be foolish,” declared Jack.  “She can hope to gain nothing thereby.”

“Perhaps not.  But if Germany sues for peace now there is likely to be such an internal upheaval in the Empire that the French revolution will look like a house party.”

“Maybe you’re right, but I stick to my opinion nevertheless.”

Events proved that Jack was right.

On the morning of November 5, word reached the Grand Fleet that an armistice had been concluded with Austria the day before.

“As I expected,” said Jack.  “What did I tell you, Frank?”

“Well, I anticipated that myself,” said Frank.  “But Germany hasn’t asked for peace yet, you know.”

“True, but I can tell you something you don’t know.  I just got word this morning.”

“What’s that?”

“Why Germany, through Chancellor Ebert, already is in negotiations with President Wilson.”

“What?”

“Exactly.  President Wilson has replied that he will stick to his original principles of peace, announced some time ago.  Germany is requested to announce whether she will accept such terms.”