Chapter 4

image: chapter_11.jpg[Illustration: CHAPTER XI]

ALMOST without further incident theOlive Brancharrived off the coast of Chili. Hostilities had broken out between that State and her old rival, Peru, but beyond a few encounters between outposts on the frontier, no serious fighting had yet taken place. Both republics were unwilling to undertake the risk of sending an army into hostile territory until the safety of their respective seaboards was assured, and every day news of a decisive engagement between the rival fleets was expected.

Directly theOlive Branchwas in touch with Captain Brookes's agent at Antofagasta a wireless message was despatched in the form of an ultimatum to the Presidents of Chili and Peru, stating that unless the two fleets returned to their respective ports and peace were declared within three days, theOlive Branchwould be compelled to intervene.

The ultimatum was duly presented, and a copy appeared in the leading newspapers of the two republics. People began to ask, "What is theOlive Branch? And what is her nationality?" Then someone suggested that the message was the work of either a practical joker or a lunatic, and the heads of the two republics treated the message with contempt. Not for one moment did anyone connect theOlive Branchwith the ex-Brazilian cruiser that had committed an outrage upon the German flag off the port of Pernambuco. The very idea of a vessel being able to travel from that port to Valparaiso—a distance of 4,600 miles—in less than four days never entered into anyone's head, and when the journalEl Mundobroadly hinted that it was a ruse on the part of the Peruvians to frighten the antagonists, the Chilian fleet immediately put to sea.

This news was communicated to theOlive Branchfrom Antofagasta, followed by the information that the Peruvian fleet had steamed out of Callao, bound south.

"Now we'll have them!" exclaimed Captain Brookes. "We'll get in touch with the Chilian vessels first, then pass them hull down so as to get between the two fleets. This done I hold them in the hollow of my hand." Unfortunately for Captain Brookes his plans were doomed to failure. The fleet of the Southern Republic was sighted and passed as arranged, but in the interval the Peruvian squadron had altered its course and was steaming for Iquique.

"There they are," announced Captain Brookes, late one afternoon, pointing to a dense haze that obscured the otherwise clear horizon.

"Not much mistake about that, sir," assented Tregarthen. "If those vessels are not burning Lota coal, I'm a Dutchman!"

"It's too late to do anything much to-day," added the captain. "I'll give them a dose of Z-rays, and during the night we'll slow down and hang on their flanks. To-morrow we'll press the business."

Throughout the night the Peruvian fleet, unable to use searchlights and night-sights, pounded along, keeping an erratic compassless course towards Iquique. Unable to explain the cause of the sudden failure of their electrical gear, the officers and men were in a stateof nervous tension, expecting every moment to find the Chilian fleet at their heels.

Just before daybreak theOlive Branch, to avoid being influenced by the Z-rays that permeated the fleet, put her helm hard over in order to allow the fugitives to gain a few miles.

As she did so a violent explosion shook the ship from stem to stern, and a huge column of water sprang up from alongside her starboard quarter.

"A mine, by Jove!" exclaimed Gerald.

He was right. The Peruvians had strewn the sea with mines as they fled for shelter, and, on turning, theOlive Branch'sstarboard propellers had struck the dangerous weapon.

There was no panic. Every man was at his post, cool and alert. The carpenter came on deck with the reassuring statement that the vessel was not making water, but on the other hand the engineer reported that the three starboard propellers were useless, and that the motors actuating them had to be shut off. Thus with only the three port propellers working, the speed of theOlive Branchwas reduced to a bare fifteen knots.

"I'll make them pay for this!" exclaimed Captain Brookes, coolly. "Keep her as she is, and at daybreak I'll show them what theOlive Branchis capable of doing."

The short twilight changed into day, and the rising sun revealed the presence of the Peruvian fleet barely seven miles to the eastward.

There were four armoured cruisers—theSanta Rosa,Lima,Independencia, andRestauracion, the first three built at Elswick, and the last-named having been constructed at Stettin—and three gunboats. The latter were the lame ducks of the fleet, and in order to protect them the speed of the cruisers had to be reduced from twenty-three to fourteen knots.

But to the surprise of everyone on board theOlive BranchtheIndependenciaturned and steamed straight for the solitary and apparently foolhardy pursuer, theRestauracionsupporting her at three cables' length on her port quarter. Throughout the night theOlive Branchhad been cleared for action, and all that was necessary now was for the men to go to their stations.

"She's too near to use the ZZ-rays," observed Captain Brookes to Gerald, who, at the former's request, had accompanied him to the conning-tower. "I've given orders for independent firing the moment she shows her teeth."

On came theIndependencia, the foam flying from her bows, her funnels emitting dense clouds of smoke, while no less than five red and white national ensigns flew from her mast-heads and signal yard-arms.

Suddenly her forward 4.7in. Canet gun opened fire, and a huge 45-pounder came hurtling through the air. Fascinated, Gerald watched its approach, unable to tear himself away from the slit in the steel walls, though the projectile was apparently making straight for the conning-tower. Often from behind a gun had he watched the flight of a shell, but now the conditions were reversed.

The next thing he was aware of was a tremendous crash overhead, followed by the fall of splintered steel and a dense suffocating smoke.

"That's settled the charthouse and bridge," remarked Captain Brookes as calmly as if discussing some triviality, then, pressing an electric push, he gave orders for the forward turret to open fire.

The two 6in. weapons were discharged simultaneously, their noiselessness contrasting vividly with the rapid detonation of the Peruvian gun.

The doomed vessel was instantly swept out of existence. The massive, yet graceful, outlines of the cruiser seemed to melt into a hundred thousand fragments, then as the smoke slowly drifted, no trace of theIndependenciawas visible, only an ominous swirl in the agitated waters as the disintegrated hull plunged to its ocean grave.

Appalled by the fate of her consort, theRestauracionturned tail and fled, being joined in her flight by the remaining cruisers, the gunboats being left to their fate. But, satisfied by the moral effect of his victory, Captain Brookes desisted from the pursuit.

"We're in a pretty pickle," said Gerald as he joined his friend Stockton. "Partially crippled, and every port closed to us."

"Can't they make good the damage afloat?" asked Jack. "Divers could go down, couldn't they?"

"If it were merely a matter of replacing the propellers they might, but it's the damaged shafting that will cause all the trouble."

"Depend upon it, Captain Brookes will find a way out of the mess," replied Stockton, reassuringly. "The only thing that puzzles me is what he will do should we be overhauled by a British cruiser. If he keeps to his word he won't open fire on her, and if he attempts to run away he'll be overhauled. That's a moral certainty."

image: 18_doomed.jpg

[Illustration: The doomed vessel was instantly swept out of existence. The massive outlines of the cruiser seemed to melt into a hundred thousand fragments.]

"Well, let's hope we shan't be put to the test," said Tregarthen. "But, by George, didn't the shell which hit us knock up a dust? It simply swept the charthouse and bridge away like brown paper. That means that all the steering will have to be done from the conning-tower until we find time to make good the damage. But stand by—here comes the captain."

Captain Brookes, however, passed them without apparently noticing their presence. He seemed intent upon some great problem, and, lost in thought, he descended the companion ladder and entered his cabin.

"What's the course, Mr. Slade?" asked Gerald of the navigating lieutenant.

"We're going to fall in with the Chilian fleet next," was the reply.

"More pulverising?"

"I cannot say; captain's orders," replied Lieutenant Slade, laconically.

At two bells in the first dog-watch the Chilian fleet was sighted, but the victory was an easy, bloodless one. By means of the Z-rays the fleet was demoralised, and thereupon a signal was sent to Admiral Zaetos's flagship, informing him of the fate of theIndependencia. On learning that theOlive Branchwas no myth, the Chilian admiral consented to return to Iquique to await further instructions from the President, and an hour later theOlive Branchwas alone on the vast Pacific.

"Now to get the damage made good," remarked Captain Brookes, cheerfully. "Have you ever put into Talcahuano, Mr. Tregarthen?"

"No, sir."

"Neither have any of my officers; nevertheless I must do so, for there is a government dry dock there, the only one on the west coast of South America capable of taking theOlive Branch. Whether they like it or not, I mean to have the ship repaired there."

Early on the following morning the cruiser came in sight of the port of Talcahuano. Captain Brookes did not mince matters when dealing with the Chilian town; he promptly isolated it by interrupting telegraphic communication by means of the Z-rays, then falling in with a small trading brig he expressed his intention of compelling the master to pilot theOlive Branchinto harbour.

"Mercy on me, señor, I dare not!" expostulated the terrified man. "The channel is mined; that is why my vessel was hove-to."

"Are you certain of this?" demanded the captain, sternly.

"Yes, señor."

"Well, gentlemen, you hear what the man says," continued Captain Brookes, turning to his officers. "What do you say?"

"We are willing to leave the matter entirely in your hands, sir," replied Lieutenant Sinclair, confidently.

"That's what I expected," continued Captain Brookes. "And now, señor, go forward and take the helm, for be there one or fifty mines, I mean to enter dry dock before sunset. Mr. Palmer, clear away the submarine."

image: chapter_12.jpg[Illustration: CHAPTER XII]

AT the mention of the word "submarine" Gerald felt the blood surge to his temples. It was not the surprise of hearing that theOlive Branchpossessed one of these master craft that affected him; he was getting used to surprises. It was the glamour of the enterprise that thrilled him.

For months past Gerald's ambition was to serve in the submarine flotilla. His name had been on the "roster" as a volunteer for the hazardous, yet attractive, service, but up to the time of his leaving theCalderhis hope in that direction had not been gratified.

"May I accompany Mr. Palmer, sir?" he asked, bringing his hand to his forehead with professional smartness.

"I think not," replied Captain Brookes. "This is a matter that requires skilled men."

"Very good, sir."

Gerald felt the disappointment keenly, but like a true Englishman he bore the refusal manfully. Not so with Stockton; his face showed unmistakable signs of relief when his chum had been thwarted in his desires to embark in a hazardous craft destined for a still more hazardous enterprise.

TheOlive Branchwas now within two miles of the entrance to the harbour. On either side of the narrow mouth were stone forts faced with earth, over which floated the Chilian flag—red, white, and blue, with a white star on the upper "canton" nearest the staff. Beyond were the Government works and the low stone houses of the town, while in the distance the snow-capped Andes reared their lofty peaks to a height of 14,000ft.

"Do you think they'll open fire, Mr.Sinclair?" asked Captain Brookes, jerking his thumb in the direction of the forts.

"I don't fancy so, sir," was the reply. "They will trust to their mines. Since the last war these johnnies think twice before tackling an ironclad."

"Very well, then—carry on. Are your men ready, Mr. Palmer?"

"Ay, ay, sir!"

"Then look sharp about it, if we are to warp into the dock before sunset. By the bye, Mr. Tregarthen," he continued, wheeling round and facing Gerald, "have you had any experience of creeping?"

"Plenty of it in the Vernon, sir."

"I've changed my mind; you may go with Mr. Palmer."

Accompanied by Stockton, who, now that his chum was permitted to take part in the expedition, wanted to share in the perils, Gerald followed the lieutenant and a dozen men down to the orlop-deck.

Here, almost amidships, was an oval-shaped steel box, projecting about three feet above the deck. Unfastening a massive securing-bar, one of the men touched a knob, and the huge rubber-lined lid slowly turned on its hinges and disclosed a similar, though slightly smaller, box. It was the conning-tower of the submarine.

To Stockton the next few minutes seemed like a dream. The lid of the conning-tower was raised, and five of the sailors descended into the recesses of the little craft. Palmer then motioned to Gerald to precede him, and with a hasty grasp of the hand Jack bade his friend a silent farewell.

Then Palmer followed, and ere the lid closed with a ponderous clang Stockton saw the dim glimmer of the electric light shining upon a mass of complicated machinery.

"Stand aside, please, sir!" said one of the men who still remained on the orlop-deck.

The cover of the outer box descended, the securing bar was carefully locked, and the sound of inrushing water was borne faintly to Stockton's anxious ears.

"They're off now, sir," added the seaman. "If you go on deck you'll be able to see something of what they're up to."

From the top of the conning-tower, which in lieu of the demolished bridge and charthouse was now the highest practicable coign of vantage, Stockton and several of the officers watched the tip of the submarine's periscope glide slowly along the surface of the water, while some 30ft. in the rear was the tell-tale swirl of the vessel's propeller and the characteristic wake of the submersed craft.

Every available glass was brought to bear upon the receding pole-like object, as it kept an unswerving course straight for the entrance of the harbour.

Suddenly a column of water was thrown 50ft. in the air. Stockton gave an involuntary gasp of horror—what if the submarine had fouled one of the deadly mines?

A minute passed. Even Captain Brookes began to look anxious, for no trace of the periscope was now discernible.

"There she goes again!" shouted one of the men, as another slender column rose high in the air.

Four times this was repeated, then once more came an ominous and prolonged silence. While the attention of all hands was directed towards the harbour the grey, porpoise-like hull of the submarine floundered to the surface less than a cable's length from the port bow of theOlive Branch. Thus, having announced her safe return, the little craft disappeared beneath the waves, and, guided by consummate skill and judgment, she glided underneath the hull of her parent ship.

Half an hour later her crew came on deck of theOlive Branch.

"All correct, sir," reported Lieutenant Palmer. "Every mine exploded; six in all."

"Very good," replied Captain Brookes. There were volumes of commendation in those two words, and every man who took part in the dangerous enterprise realised the fact.

"We must wait another hour till there's enough water on the bar, so our pilot informs me," continued Captain Brookes. "Mr. Sinclair, I'm going below; please report if anything unusual occurs."

"Well, old chap," exclaimed Stockton as the two friends gained the seclusion of their cabin "how did you get on?"

"Splendidly," replied Gerald, enthusiastically. "The submarine is a masterpiece. This was the mysterious object at which the captain hinted during our inspection of the wireless room. I think I've grasped the principle of it. The submarine is barely 30ft. in length and 8ft. in beam, and is housed in a cavity underneath the ship corresponding with the upper half of the submersible. Apparently its natural buoyancy keeps it adhered to the hull of theOlive Branch, but to prevent undue friction when running at full speed there areseveral steel doors, which, when closed, complete the normal curvature of the ship's bottom. You saw how we entered the submarine?"

"Yes, by means of a watertight door in the orlop-deck, and a corresponding one in the submarine's conning-tower."

"Well, directly I descended into the little craft I noticed that she was propelled by electric motors, of about 35 horse-power I should imagine. Forward there is a bow tube of less than 4ins. in diameter, consequently she can carry twenty small torpedoes to our submarines' four. I noticed that the vessel was submerged by means of water ballast instead of relying upon horizontal rudders, although the latter are utilised when running beneath the surface.

"Directly all hands were aboard Palmer opened a valve, and I saw the pale green light filter through the glass of the conning-tower; we had sunk clear of theOlive Branch'shull. We descended quite 80ft., in fact, almost to the bottom of the sea, for I could see the water discoloured by the muddy sediment caused by the rush of the still ebbing tide. Then the motors were started, and, once well away from the cruiser, Palmer hoisted the periscope, which hitherto had been housed within the submarine.

"'Now, then,' said he, 'you know a mine when you see one, so will you please stand by the conning-tower look-out; I'll keep the vessel on her course by means of the periscope.'

"So saying he descended a short iron ladder and took his stand before a small table coated with highly polished silver. This mirror reflected an erect, right image, or, in other words, a faithful reproduction of the horizon as seen from the surface.

"We were running at six knots, so that taking into consideration the strength of the ebb, our rate over the ground was a bare three knots, thus allowing an ample margin to bring up should we sight an obstruction."

"How far could you see ahead?"

"About 100ft., for the water was fairly translucent in the bright sunshine. Had it been dark we could have used a powerful searchlight.

"Suddenly I caught sight of a barrel-shaped object straining at its sinker and cable like a gigantic long-stalked mushroom. Palmer was instantly at my side, having ordered the motors to be eased down. The principle on which the torpedoes are fired is similar to that by which the guns are discharged on board this ship. I saw the slender, fish-shaped weapon leave the tube and glide towards the mark, but the target being a small one, and oscillating into the bargain, the torpedo missed it by a foot.

"The second shot was successful, and although I did not hear the detonation, the shock was sufficient to make the submarine lurch violently.

"This operation was repeated till we found ourselves right inside the harbour, the wharves and the shore being crowded with people attracted by the unwonted spectacle of the presence of a mysterious battleship in the offing."

"Then it's certain that all the mines have been destroyed?"

"All in the channel, at all events, for we could see the outlines of the shoal on either hand, and not a trace of a mine remained. But there's the engine-room telegraph; we're getting under way once more, so let's go on deck."

On gaining the fo'c'sle the two chums found the Chilian skipper shaking with apprehension and anxiety. He had been led for'ard and was conning the ship under the charge of Lieutenant Sinclair, who was an expert Spanish linguist. The lieutenant communicated the pilot's directions to the quartermaster in the conning-tower, who in turn held theOlive Branchon her course at a steady five knots.

Even then the depth on the bar was so little that for some considerable distance the ship's remaining propellers churned up columns of liquid mud. Cleared for action she slowly approached the harbour, but, as anticipated, there was no sign of resistance from the forts. On the contrary they respectfully dipped their flags, a compliment that theOlive Branchreturned by lowering her green and white ensign.

"Mr. Sinclair, will you pipe away the cutter's crew. I want you to take this letter ashore, and your knowledge of their lingo will be useful in case they cannot translate it," said Captain Brookes. "I've told them my requirements, and offer to pay all lawful dock charges and dues. Inform them of events between the two republics, and of our part in the matter."

An hour later Lieutenant Sinclair returned with the information that Captain Brookes's requests were favourably received, and that theOlive Branchcould go into dock at once. He also bore the intelligence that the alcaldeand the commandante of Talcahuano were about to pay a complimentary visit to the cruiser that had, while engaged in the work of settling the differences between Chili and Peru, inflicted a severe loss upon the fleet of the latter republic.

"Good," remarked Captain Brookes, gleefully. "Nothing could be better, gentlemen. I mean to make use of both the alcalde and the commandante of the town during our stay here."

Without further delay theOlive Branchwas warped into dock and shored up. The water was then pumped out, and, as the captain had prophesied, the cruiser was dry-docked before sunset.

image: chapter_13.jpg[Illustration: CHAPTER XIII]

DURING the docking of theOlive Branchcrowds of townsfolks, soldiers, civilians, and peons flocked around the mysterious visitor, expressing astonishment at her appearance, yet without showing any signs of ill-will.

Nevertheless, no precautions were left undone to safeguard the ship. Two of the guns were pointed at the custom-house, the other pairs covered the arsenal, forts, and the principal public buildings, while, being unable to use the Z-rays on account of the possible consequences to theOlive Branch, a party of sailors under Lieutenant Sinclair landed and marched up to the telegraph office with instructions to prevent any messages being sent that related to the presence of the proscribed cruiser.

"Commandante coming off, sir," announced the officer of the watch, just as dinner was about to be commenced.

"Very well, then, turn out the guard of honour," replied Captain Brookes. "Gentlemen, we must postpone the function for a few minutes."

So saying he retired to his cabin to don his full-dress uniform, an example that was followed by the rest of the officers.

On gaining the quarter-deck Gerald found that the guard of honour had already formed up, while ashore a company of troops with a band in attendance had fallen in on the quayside. The Chilian soldiers were a mixed crowd of whites, half-castes, and blacks, attired in blue coats with scarlet facings, white trousers, and gaudily decorated shakos.

The commandante, who was accompanied by the alcalde and a staff of brilliantly uniformed officers, was awaiting with true Castilian punctiliousness the appearance of the captain of theOlive Branch, and directly the latter appeared at the head of the companion ladder, the troops stood at attention and the band prepared to play.

"What tune are they going to honour us with?" said Gerald, in an aside.

"Goodness only knows! As we are of no nationality, they cannot——"

Here Stockton's reply was interrupted by the blare of the band, and, to the amazement of everyone on board, the Chilians struck up the British National Anthem.

At the sound of the inspiring note, so thrilling to every true Englishman, the crew of the outlawed ship forgot everything but the fact that they were British-born. Circumstances that had caused the majority of them to forswear the land of their birth were lost sight of.

Standing stiffly to attention, the two groups of officers faced each other, the commandante at the head of the gangway, the captain of the cruiser in front of his staff; nor did anyone relax his rigid posture till the last strains of the Chilian National Anthem that followed the British one had died away. Then, led by Captain Brookes, the commandante was taken to the ward-room, the other officers mingling in an amicable manner, though signs had to take the place of ordinary conversation.

In spite of this difficulty, dinner was proceeded with, Sinclair undertaking the duties of interpreter, while from without came the ceaseless noise of hammering as the work of repairing the damaged shafting was in progress. It was not till after dessert that the commandante—a don with a string of names that showed a connection with the highest families of Spain—learned that he had made a mistake. Up to this point he had imagined that the cruiser was a British man-of-war, in spite of the fact that the green and white ensign floated from her ensign-staff.

"Yes, Commandante da Silva. According to the decree of the principal European nations this ship is a pirate."

"A pirate!" gasped the astonished officer. "What is your intention—to hold the town to ransom?"

"No, señor," replied Captain Brookes. "My intentions regarding the town of Talcahuano are perfectly straightforward and reasonable.As I said before, I am willing to pay all dues and charges, and when these urgent repairs are completed I'll put to sea once more. Meanwhile, señor, you and your worthy alcalde must consider yourselves as my guests till the time of sailing arrives."

"You would hold us prisoners? It is monstrous!"

"Pray do not look upon it in that light," replied Captain Brookes, urbanely. "Rather consider yourselves my honoured guests, though I must admit that my primary object in detaining you is to make use of you as hostages for the good behaviour of the town."

Seeing that resistance was useless, and being assured of courteous treatment, the commandante gave in with a good grace, and, with the alcalde, was provided with accommodation in the captain's own apartments.

This done, Captain Brookes took other steps to safeguard his interests. He seized the railway station and allowed no trains to leave the town, though he was unable to prevent them from coming in from the north. But he realised that it was impossible to completely cut off the town. Lota, a coaling centre, is barely twenty miles south of Talcahuano, and the means at the command of the captain of theOlive Branchwere insufficient to prevent people from going thither and telegraphing the news of the daring "hold-up "; yet he had gained a decided advantage, and in consequence no time was lost in refitting theOlive Branchfor sea.

The damage done by the mine was not so great as was anticipated. Two of the three port propellers' shafts were bent, and all three propellers were hopelessly damaged. Fortunately a spare set was carried on board, so the only difficult task was to draw the shafting and straighten it in the Government workshops. On the evening of the second day the work was completed, and preparations were in progress for undocking theOlive Branchat daybreak.

"Do you know, Mr. Palmer, that your gallant exploit in clearing the mine-field was unnecessary?" asked Captain Brookes during dinner.

"Unnecessary, sir?" exclaimed the astonished lieutenant. "How so, sir? Were they dummies?"

"No, not dummies, but real live electro mechanical mines. But our Z-rays had, so the commandante informs me, thrown the firing-gear out of action. It's strange that I never thought of that, though had they been contact mines the danger would have remained.

"And now, commandante," he continued, "I must make some slight amends for my conduct in detaining you. To-morrow, all being well, we must part company, but before so doing our paymaster will settle all accounts incurred ashore. Meanwhile, I ask you to accept this slight token in remembrance of the hurried visit of theOlive Branch."

So saying he handed the Chilian officer a morocco case, with a bow that would have put a high-born Spanish grandee in the shade. Within the box was an English hunter, with a solid gold case, on which was the representation of an olive branch set in diamonds. This gift, so unexpected, so overwhelmed the commandante that it was some minutes before he could frame a suitable reply.

To the alcalde Captain Brookes presented a jewelled scarf-pin, bearing a device similar to that of the watch, and it was evident by the expressions of gratitude of the two officials that they would have welcomed a similar visit every day in the week.

In the midst of these courtesies there came a rude interruption.

The officer of the watch rushed into the ward-room, his face pale with excitement.

"We're trapped, sir!". he exclaimed. "There's a British squadron outside the harbour, and they've spotted us with their searchlights. Signal just come from the flagship demanding our unconditional surrender at daybreak."

image: chapter_14.jpg[Illustration: CHAPTER XIV]

"DON'T distress yourself, Mr. Sinclair," said Captain Brookes, "it may cause my guests considerable uneasiness. Reply by merely acknowledging the signal; no more. Then report to me the earliest moment at which the ship can be undocked."

When the lieutenant had retired the captain turned to his officers.

"This is a strange business, gentlemen," he remarked, briskly, "though we must be prepared to deal with little unpleasantnesses of this sort. In the first place I did not expect a British squadron in these waters, still less did I think they would worry me with messages of this kind. I can only conclude that a telegraphic message has been sent from Lota or Coronel apprising the fleet of our presencehere. In any case they've been mighty smart about it."

"What do you propose to do, sir?" asked Lieutenant Slade.

"Do? Why, trick them. Look here, Mr. Tregarthen," he added, "I'll remember my promise to you, and what is more, it's my resolution not to commit any action that may be regarded as the act of a belligerent. Meanwhile it would be a good opportunity for you to write your report to the Admiralty, for, mark my words, they'll send a boat in the morning."

"I've already done so, sir," replied Gerald. "Do you wish to see the document?"

"No, no; I have the greatest confidence in you, Mr. Tregarthen; it would be a breach of etiquette on my part if I were to supervise your correspondence."

"I have not the slightest objection——"

"But I have, so please say no more on this subject. Ha! Here's Sinclair once more."

"Message dispatched as stated, sir. The bos'n reports ship will be ready to be undocked at midnight," laconically announced the officer of the watch.

"Very good—carry on," was the stereotyped reply.

Captain Brookes appeared to be in no hurry. The dinner seemed unduly prolonged, and it was six bells ere the captain set the example by going on deck.

Away in the offing the powerful beams of the searchlights of the blockading squadron played continuously on the town and harbour, while from the mastheads of the ships the flashing signals blinked incessantly. Judging by the number of beams there were at least four vessels, but of what strength the officers of theOlive Branchwere unable to ascertain.

In spite of Captain Brookes's coolness a sense of uneasiness pervaded the officers and men of the trapped cruiser, for without resorting to extreme measures it seemed impossible for theOlive Branchto make a bid for freedom.

Punctually at midnight the sound of rushing water announced that the sluices to the culverts were opened, and three-quarters of an hour later the cruiser, now fit to proceed to sea, was warped into the centre of the harbour.

The commandante and the alcalde were sent ashore, all claims settled, and with stores and water tanks replenished, theOlive Branchswung easily at her cable, awaiting the dawn.

"Do you recognise any of these vessels, Mr. Tregarthen?" asked Captain Brookes as the sun appeared over the summit of the Andes.

"Yes, sir; the one flying the commodore's broad pennant is theNiobe, protected cruiser; the others are theMelampus, Cambrian, andAmethyst."

"All out-of-date vessels on their last legs," commented the captain of theOlive Branch. "I suppose they are good enough for the ordinary work on this station; but, by Jove! it's lucky for them that I can keep myself under control. Either that commodore is mad, or he does not know the risk he's running."

"Is it madness to carry out orders, sir?" asked Gerald, quietly.

"Under certain conditions, yes; discretion should always be a proviso in such cases. But here comes a boat."

As he spoke a steam pinnace flying the white ensign came pelting towards the harbour, throwing up columns of spray as she plunged through the agitated water on the bar.

"Ship the accommodation ladder," ordered the officer of the watch, and for the first time in the commission of theOlive Branchwas this means of gaining access to the cruiser made use of.

"Desire the officer to step down to my cabin," said Captain Brookes, as he turned to leave the quarter-deck.

The pinnace made the foot of the ladder to a nicety, and a lieutenant in full uniform, accompanied by a "sub," came over the side, punctiliously, yet sourly, returning the salute.

"Hello, Tregarthen! What the dickens are you doing aboard this packet?" exclaimed the British officer in undisguised astonishment. "Don't you know me?"

"Yes, of course; it's Blake."

"Right, old man; but again, why masquerading in mufti on this hooker?"

"Because I cannot help it," replied Gerald. "To be exact, I'm a prisoner, though only a nominal one. Also, I'm on leave. In another twenty-three days I am supposed to rejoin theCalder, but I'm afraid I shan't."

"We'll rescue you, old fellow, never fear."

"Don't be so sure about that. It's a long story, but this letter will explain matters. Now you had better be off, for the captain awaits you in his cabin, and the officer of the watch looks as if he's growing impatient." So saying Gerald handed the lieutenant the document he had prepared, and withdrew to where Stockton was observing, with mixedfeelings, the pinnace of theNiobeas she lay alongside.

image: 19_compact.jpg

[Illustration: As night fell the searchlights played with unceasing vigilance upon the harbour. Suddenly Captain Brookes turned to Gerald. "Does my compact forbid me using the Z-rays?" he asked.]

In less than a quarter of an hour the English lieutenant, accompanied by Captain Brookes, reappeared on the quarter-deck. Without betraying any of the circumstances of the interview the former went over the side, and the pinnace steamed swiftly back to her parent ship.

"Well, gentlemen, it's only right that you should know the true state of affairs," began the captain. "I have affirmed that, save for the matter concerning the detention of Mr. Tregarthen and Mr. Stockton, I have never committed any action against the British Government that warrants such interference, and therefore I question the commodore's right to demand our surrender. If, in the execution of my self-imposed duty, I have unfortunately been compelled to take stern measures with theAfrika, that quarrel is between the German authorities and myself. On that score I have made my protest to the commodore of yonder squadron."

An hour later the pinnace returned, the lieutenant bearing a verbal message from the British commodore that he was there to carry out orders, not to quibble over them, but that he was prepared to put Captain Brookes's protest before the Admiralty in a favourable light should the surrender be immediately carried out.

This message the lieutenant gave in the presence of all the officers of theOlive Branch, possibly imagining that the moral effect might be greater.

Captain Brookes's swarthy countenance darkened.

"Go back to your ship, sir!" he thundered. "Inform your superior officer that I scornfully refuse his terms. Here is theOlive Branch. If he wants her, let him come in and take her."

A low murmur of applause from his officers greeted this announcement, and once again the English lieutenant returned to his ship.

"I am beginning torepent of our bargain, Mr. Tregarthen," remarked the captain. "But, by Jove! I'll keep my word. We are safe enough for the time being, for they will never dare to enter the harbour without obtaining the consent of the Chilian Government. Meanwhile I can only hope for an on-shore gale and a dark night."

All that day and the night following the blockading squadron remained on thequi vive, but on the next morning the gale that Captain Brookes wished for had begun.

Dead on shore it blew, the crested breakers thrashing upon the shallows that flanked the entrance. The sky was overcast, and heavy rain descended incessantly. At about noon the waves became so high that the British ships, already rolling their main decks under, stood out to sea so as to escape the discomforts of an on-shore berth. Nevertheless, as night fell, the searchlights played with unceasing vigilance upon the harbour of Talcahuano.

"Confound those searchlights!" muttered Captain Brookes, then turning to Gerald he exclaimed, "Look here, Mr. Tregarthen, does my compact forbid me the use of the Z-rays? I think not."

Gerald did not know what to reply. This act alone could hardly be termed a belligerent one, and at the same time no permanent damage topersonnelor material was likely to ensue.

"I'll risk it," continued the captain, and giving orders to clear deck for general quarters, he made his way to the conning-tower.

One glance at the foaming bar where the water gleamed silvery white under the beams of the concentrated searchlights showed him that the plan was a desperate one. A deviation of half a cable's length to port or starboard would be fatal even to theOlive Branch, for no vessel could run aground on those deadly shoals and hope to survive.

Suddenly, as if by the touch of a magic hand, the searchlights vanished, leaving only a black expanse of storm-tossed waters. Captain Brookes had made use of the Z-rays.

Slowly the anchor came home from its muddy bed, the engine-room telegraph signalled full speed ahead, and at her utmost possible speed theOlive Branchdashed towards the bar, every revolution of her propellers bringing her nearer the alert yet mystified British squadron.

She was running the gauntlet. Perils unseen awaited her ahead and on either hand. Another five minutes would decide her fate.

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