so short of coal that all of their
vessels did not steam out to sea at night; but some of them anchored
back of San Lorenzo. He made up his mind to visit that island some
night to assure himself that his idea was correct. One end of it is
detached from the main body as though split off by an earthquake, and
is called Fronton. Both Fronton and San Lorenzo are honeycombed by
numberless caves, cut out by the continual beating of the sea forced
by the two trade winds against the rocks; so too, is the entire coast of
Peru sieved by caves whose length or depth have never been explored.

Paul decided to make the reconnoiter of San Lorenzo by running the sloop
to Frouton, then paddle himself across to the main island and make his
way over it as far as he could until he discovered whether or not the
Chilean soldiers guarded the approaches to the night anchorage of their
vessels. He waited for a dark night and then put his scheme into
operation. He placed two one hundred pound torpedoes aboard the sloop
and stood away for Pronto. The crew displayed signs of nervousness at
running so close to the dreaded torpedo boats of the enemy, and it was
with some difficulty he kept them close at work. They glided along in a
heavy fog; but having dead bearing for compass and allowance for
currents all made, the fog did not bother the Captain in the least. The
crew was armed with carbines and ordered to make no noise as the sloop,
with a light wind, nosed in through the fog. Suddenly, as if coming
from the thick mist high above them, the sound of approaching oars was
heard. The men were ordered to get ready and hold their carbines at
ease; but to Paul's consternation, he observed they were ready to give
up even before they saw an enemy. They said the Chileans were sure to
hang them for being in the torpedo service even if they were not shot
down in fight and it mattered little which way they went so long as
there was no chance for escape.

Knowing that prompt and harsh measures would be the only means of
handling the quaking cowards, Boyton seized a carbine and in a
determined manner told them that the first man who refused to fire when
the order was given, would receive a bullet through his head.

"Now stand by and await orders, no matter who or what is coming," he
thundered.

A moment later, the strokes of the sweeps were almost under them.

"Que venga," hailed the Captain.

The oars were immediately st