passed into history. As has been said, Admiral Williams, having
kept too close in under the land, altogether missed the Peruvian fleet,
which escorted President Prado safely into Arica. The _Huascar_,
Captain Grau, and the _Independencia_, Captain J.G. Moore, thereupon
proceeded southward in the hope of falling in with some of the Chilian
ships, and, having looked into Pisagua to make sure that the squadron of
Rebolledo Williams was not lurking there, went on again toward Iquique,
off which port they appeared at daybreak on the morning of May 21.

Jim, having had nearly a week in which to recover from his attack of
prostration, was by this time quite himself again; and it was with keen
satisfaction that he reported himself to the commander as fit for duty,
upon the appearance of the two Peruvian warships. The lion-hearted
captain, when he saw the enormous superiority of the vessels opposed to
him, recognised at once that he would have no chance in the coming
encounter; but, quite undaunted, prepared at once for action, and
signalled to the _Covadonga_ to do the same. Both gunboats were
fortunately under steam at the time, although the little _Esmeralda's_
boilers were in such a shocking condition that she could muster only
sufficient power to move herself as fast as a man could walk. In a few
minutes both vessels were as completely prepared for action as it was
possible for them to be, and, calling aft his crew, many of whom were
invalids, Prat made a short speech to them, which exhibited the lion
courage of the man who has been called "the hero of Chili." He said:

"Children, the odds are against us, but our flag has thus far never been
lowered in the presence of the enemy, and I hope that it will not be to-
day. As long as I live that flag shall fly in its place; and if I die,
my officers will know how to do their duty."

The men were then dismissed to their quarters, and almost immediately
afterwards--at eight o'clock in the morning--the _Huascar_ fired the
first shot, which fell right between the two Chilian ships, and then
began one of the most memorable sea-fights that have ever been recorded
in history. The Chilians at once replied with every available gun, and
the action instantly became fierce, the _Huascar_ singling out the
_Esmeralda_ as her antagonist, while the _Covadonga_ was attacked by the
_Independencia_.

The Peruvian ironclads steamed slowly along toward their prey, the
_Huascar_ firing he