Mr. Dartmoor was at breakfast, and with him at table was Captain Saunders, who had been his guest over night. The men listened in astonishment to the recital, and at its conclusion the iron merchant said:—
“No business can be transacted this day. We may as well go to Callao and witness this deplorable attempt at destruction of life and property.”
“You may well say deplorable,” remarked Captain Saunders. “Torpedo warfare is to be regretted under any circumstances. But against the modern engines of destruction, which are projected beneath the water, the enemy has some means of defence. He may let down nets at the sides and entangle the projectile, or by continual vigilance keep his ship from being struck. Against this bomb-laden market boat there is no defence, except accidental discovery of its true character. It is an abominable trap, and if any one is killed thereby, it will be coldblooded murder.”
“You say that General Matajente did not approve the action?” asked Mr. Dartmoor.
“Indeed he did not, sir. His expression told us more than did his words, however. He seemed to be thoroughly disgusted.”
“I should expect as much from him, and I believe that Peru as a nation will not approve such methods of warfare. Let us hope this attempt will not succeed. I am surprised, though, boys, that your old friend should have conceived such a plot.”
“That man, John Longmore, is insane,” said Captain Saunders, with emphasis. “He has been insane ever since he received that sabre cut on board the Huascar. He is a monomaniac in his hatred of Chileans.”
“We noticed his peculiar actions this morning, father,” said Carl.
The boys were hastening their breakfast while this conversation was taking place, and announced themselves ready for departure as soon as their fathers pushed back chairs from the table.
“If this succeeds, it will be deplorable for another reason than the immediate loss of life,” said the captain, rising.