"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 the _Afrika_, 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 the _Olive 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 the _Olive 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 to repent 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 the _qui 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 to _personnel_ or 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.