by forcing a fleet action, to destroy it, and so deal a fatal blow at
the naval power of Peru. Simpson also reported that while on his way to
join the flag he had fallen in, off the mouth of the river Loa, with the
Peruvian warships _Union_ and _Pilcomayo_, and that he had fought a
running action of over two hours with them; his final escape being
entirely due to his superior speed; as either of the Peruvian vessels
would alone have been more than a match for his own little ship.

This news occasioned the utmost bustle and activity among the Chilians.
Every man was most eager to be off, for the prospect of a decisive
action appealed irresistibly to all, both officers and men.

Jim Douglas, however, was found by the ship's surgeon to be suffering
from a very severe attack of prostration, which had doubtless been
brought on by his recent experiences ashore at Iquique. Sorely against
his will, he was removed aboard the little _Esmeralda_, together with a
number of other sick men, the admiral having decided that since he was
almost certain to be obliged to fight a severe battle, he would take
with him no men save such as were absolutely sound.

Amid the commiseration of his friends, among whom was, of course,
Terence O'Meara, Jim, together with other sick men from the flagship's
crew, was put into a steam-launch and conveyed to the gunboat, from the
deck of which he watched, half an hour later, while comfortably seated
in a deck-chair, the departure of the Chilian squadron, consisting of
the _Blanco Encalada, Almirante Cochrane, O'Higgins, Chacabuco,
Magellanes_, and _Abtao_, the last-named being filled with combustibles
so that she might serve, if necessary, as a fire-ship.

The poor lad felt very keenly disappointed at being unable to accompany
the fleet and take part in the action which everybody confidently looked
forward to as being inevitable; but, had he only known it, fortune was
at that moment about to smile on him, for Rebolledo Williams did not
catch a glimpse of the Peruvians, while the _Esmeralda_ and _Covadonga_
were presently to take part in a fight which has since become world-
famous, by reason of the dauntless bravery which was exhibited by the
Chilians in the face of overwhelming odds.

Commander Arturo Prat, the captain of the _Esmeralda_, was at this time
only thirty-one years of age, but was the senior officer of the two
ships; the _Covadonga_ was commanded by Carlos Condell, whose name has
also