s a shout from the far corner of the _patio_, and a
voice cried, "This way, children! I have found the door through which
the spies have fled!"

There was a quick trampling of feet, more savage cries, and then
silence. The Chilians had evidently gone off on a false scent; and now,
if ever, was the moment for Jim and Terry to effect their escape.
Listening intently for a few seconds, Douglas raised the lid of their
hiding-place an inch or so and peered out through the opening thus
formed. There was no one in sight, but they could hear the savage
shouts of the Chilians in the distance as they searched hither and
thither for their prey.

"Now, Terry," whispered Jim, "_now_ is our time. Out you get quickly,
my hearty; we must make a rush for the passage, through it into the
shop, and so out into the street; it is our only hope. Are you quite
ready? Yes? Then here goes!" And flinging back the cover, the two
friends clambered out, rushed across the _patio_, up the passage,
through the wrecked door, and into the shop. To their great relief, the
place was absolutely empty. After a short halt, therefore, to rearrange
and brush their clothing, which had become somewhat disordered, they
strolled casually out of the cafe into the street.

By this time there were many more people about, and mingling with the
throng the two boys soon lost sight of the cafe, and with rapid steps
made the best of their way down toward the harbour, near which were
situated the Government Offices. These were now open, and entering one
which bore a plate with the words "_Oficina por empleo en la marina_"
inscribed thereon, they found themselves in the presence of Senor Don
Guzman Cartador, the Director of the Navy, to whom they made known their
desire to enter the Chilian service. This gentleman listened
courteously to them, examined them shortly upon their capabilities, and
finally gave them a letter of introduction to Admiral Rebolledo
Williams, of the battleship _Blanco Encalada_, to whom he recommended
them to apply, saying at the same time that he had little doubt they
would be successful in obtaining commissions, as Admiral Williams was
very short of efficient officers just then.

Armed with this official's introduction the two lads presented
themselves aboard the warship about mid-day, and were fortunate enough
to find Admiral Williams not only disengaged, but also in a particularly
good humour. He at once granted them an interview