admiral's
ship is handled! she comes sweeping in like a great sea-bird."

"Hadn't we better get a couple of men to pull us out to her? she'll
anchor soon."

"The very thing! we can't afford to lose time."

Our arrangements did not take long to make, and we were soon speeding
across the bay, our crazy boat being propelled by two wiry Indians. The
whole squadron was now well within the bay, the smaller craft lying close
in, and flying the Chilian colours; but Jose directed the boatmen to pull
for the flagship.

"_San Martin_ ahoy!" he yelled, standing up in the stern and hailing the
ship in what he believed to be sailor fashion.

"Hullo! Who are you?" came the answer.

"Is Admiral Cochrane on board?"

"Well, he was a minute ago."

"Throw a rope, will you? we're coming up."

This conversation was carried on in English, for many officers in the
Chilian navy were Englishmen; and now the man on the _San Martin_
exclaimed, "Well, you're a cool customer anyhow! Walt a bit while I tell
the captain."

"Hang the captain!" roared Jose; "it's a matter of life and death." And
those on deck, seeing how terribly in earnest he was, flung over a rope,
and we scrambled up the ship's side.

"Now, my man," exclaimed a sharp voice, "what is it you are in such a
tremendous hurry about?"

"I want to see Lord Cochrane immediately," said Jose.

"His lordship is engaged in his cabin. Give your message to me."

"I prefer to manage my own business, thank you," replied Jose coolly.
"Tell the admiral I have come from Colonel Miller."

As he finished speaking, a distinguished-looking officer, accompanied by
several others, appeared on deck, and I knew instinctively that we were
in the presence of the famous Admiral Cochrane, whose marvellous exploits
had gained for him the admiration of the world.

Hearing the name of Miller, he stopped, and looking at us, said, "What is
that about Colonel Miller?"

"He is dying, sir!" exclaimed Jose, as much at ease with an admiral as
with a private sailor. "His men are all down with ague, and the colonel
will be dead inside a week unless you remove him at once."

"Mr. Welsh," remarked the admiral to a handsome young fellow standing
near, "this is your affair. Do whatever you think best; but remember, I
would rather lose a ship than Miller. He's the one man we can rely upon
ashore." Then looking at us, he added, "You are not soldiers?"

"This lad," replied Jose, pointing to me, "is