The French warships were unable to seize the windward position and had to turn north to "flee" again.
Colonel Russell watched the gap between the two sides close, expertly picking out five ships to block the wind, then ordering the other battleships to go full speed in pursuit.
However, as the fast squadron completed its turn, Russell sensed something was wrong.
He turned to the rear of the command room, and through the glass window saw, on the distant sea, two steam battleships drifting in place—his own "Shield" and "Conifer."
Russell frowned, pointed outside and asked the staff officer beside him, "What's going on with them?"
The latter was clearly puzzled as well, hurried outside, and returned a few minutes later, a little dejected. "Commander, the 'Conifer' reports a problem with the shaft, the other ship is still checking the malfunction."
Russell's face darkened. "How much maintenance funding have the Chat Han Shipyard bastards embezzled? For such a major fault to happen!
