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The scheme favoured by Riveros, and which was ultimately carried out, was to send in a number of steam-launches from the ships, each armed with a couple of spar-torpedoes, and try to blow up the Peruvian ships.
The side was then piped, and Riveros came on board, to the accompaniment of the flagship's band and a crashing salute from the other vessels in the harbour. Upon his arrival on board he immediately went below to his cabin and sent for his captain, with whom he was in close conference for about an hour.
Just so," replied Riveros; "that is the matter in a nutshell. Now listen to me for a few moments, please. As you are aware, we have practically destroyed the naval power of Peru; and we have also made short work of her armies wherever we have come into contact with them.
After the battle of Angamos Commodore or rather Admiral as he was now Riveros had been greatly exercised in his mind as to what course he should pursue with regard to the corvette Union. She had effected her escape before the battle commenced, and when last seen was steaming in the direction of Arica, the most southerly port which the Peruvians possessed.
It's just nine o'clock, and he breakfasts in ten minutes; so look sharp." Jim did "look sharp." He dragged a uniform out of his chest, slipped it on, and in less than ten minutes was standing shaking hands with Admiral Riveros.
But Commodore Riveros had anticipated some such action, and as the Blanco Encalada, owing to a foul bottom, could only steam about eight knots, he sent forward in chase of the Peruvians the Cochrane, which was capable of nearly eleven knots.
Then presently Riveros brought his fist down upon the table with a clatter that made everybody start. "By Jove! young man," he exclaimed, "you shall try your scheme; and if you are successful of which, however, I have very grave doubts, let me tell you I believe I can promise that there is nothing that Chili will not do for you.
And Commodore Riveros' offer of a hundred pesos to the man who should first sight the enemy, only increased the anxiety of the flagship's crew to fever-heat, and men were to be found aloft upon the look-out at all hours of the day and night.
Five hundred against two thousand is heavy odds, I admit; but much will depend upon the man who is in charge of the smaller force; and I have no hesitation in saying that I do not think I could have chosen a better man for the purpose than yourself." Jim bowed and murmured his thanks. "Now," resumed Riveros, "the force is actually ready, and is waiting to start on its march.
It was about seven o'clock in the evening, and darkness had already closed in, the fleet then steaming, in double column of line abreast, on and off, about two miles to seaward of their anchorage. As soon as all the Chilian officers had come aboard Riveros took his seat at the head of the cabin table, and straightway plunged into business.
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