“Harvey,” said General Matajente, approaching the boys, “it’s lucky you came. Can you tell us what time the tide turns? Since Captain Longmore and I left the navy, to join the land forces, we have not kept posted on such matters.”
It was not unusual for persons to appeal to the younger Dartmoor boy for information concerning conditions in the bay. For three years before going into the interior, he had made them a special study, and had found that the information so gained aided him greatly when acting as coxswain in regattas. After removing from Lima to Chucuito, he had resumed these observations, probably more from force of habit than other reason, and so he was able to answer promptly, “At twenty-nine minutes after six, sir.”
“Then we have no time to lose. Captain, as this is your idea, I wish you to take command here and carry out your plans.”
At the order from General Matajente, Old John—the boys could not think of him save as Old John, the sailor, although he was now an artillery officer—stepped forward, and by his command work was begun. The object of their endeavor at first puzzled the lads, but in a few minutes all became quite clear.
Sailors and soldiers rolled the barrels and kegs of explosives to the side of the lighter, and the larger ones were lifted into the hull and placed amidships. Also into the hull went Old John, who was handed the peculiar mechanical contrivance, and the boys, who were permitted to peer over the sides, saw him make fast the base to the floor of the craft, then busy himself adjusting the arms, to one of which they saw a spring had been attached. The kegs of explosives were now passed in and placed nearer the peculiar machine than had been the barrels, then Captain Longmore, still remaining within the lighter, directed that the provisions be handed to him.
The more bulky of these, such as the shoulders of beef, were distributed on the bottom of the boat, but arranged in such a manner that portions of their surface would show above the mass of green stuff that was soon thrown in. Although the beef, mutton, potatoes, cauliflower, and the other vegetables were stowed away in bow and stern with apparent carelessness, more attention was given to the placing of the products amidships, in the vicinity of the explosives, and above the mechanism a space about a foot in diameter was kept open.
The game, the fruit, and the smaller vegetables were placed in tempting array on top of the coarser products, and after adjusting the edibles to his satisfaction, John Longmore sprang out and called all the sailors round him.
“Now, in with her, men! But carefully, so as not to dislodge the cargo! Wade out beyond the line of breakers and hold her there, steady, until I come.”
They formed ten deep on each side of the craft, and slowly pushed her down the beach and into the water; then, following orders, they waded out until the bow was about ten feet from shore. The big boat rose and fell on the glassy rollers, and was kept in place by the sailors, who held firmly to the gunwales.
“What time is it, sir?” asked Old John.