The commandante and the alcalde were sent ashore, all claims settled, and with stores and water tanks replenished, the _Olive Branch_ swung 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 the _Niobe_, protected cruiser; the others are the _Melampus, Cambrian_, and _Amethyst_." "All out-of-date vessels on their last legs," commented the captain of the _Olive Branch_.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 the _Olive Branch_ was 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 the _Calder_, 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 mixed feelings, the pinnace of the _Niobe_ as she lay alongside. [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.