"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." [Illustration: chapter XIV] CHAPTER XIV RUNNING THE GAUNTLET "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 presence here. 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 the _Olive Branch_ were 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 the _Olive Branch_ to 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.