There was, however, no resistance. The crew of the brig were as numerous as the boarders, but the successes of the Chilians had created such an effect that the captain cried out, as they leaped on board, that they surrendered. Stephen’s first order was to get the cutter up, and tackles were soon hooked on to her, and she was raised from the water and laid bottom upwards on deck. While this was being done the Peruvian crew were ordered to shorten sail.
It was none too soon, for the brig was heeling far over, and the wind momentarily increasing in strength. The Chilians gave a cheer as soon as the boat was safely on board, and in a very short time the sail was reduced to double-reefed top-sails. [pg 183]Under these and a storm-jib she was laid head to wind. The sky was now entirely obscured, the land was no longer visible, and the sea was beginning to rise.
“Is it going to be a heavy gale, do you think?” Stephen asked the Peruvian captain.
“Very heavy, I think. I have seen it coming on since daybreak, but I hoped to get to Callao before it burst. We are heavily laden, and in no state for facing a great gale.”
“What have you on board?”
“Military stores and ammunition.”
“Any money?”
“I believe so, señor. There are twenty boxes sealed up in the lazarette.”
“Now, tell me what you would have done if we had not captured you? You know your ship better than I do. Would you lie-to or let her run?”
“I should put her before the wind, señor, and at once; it will be dangerous to do so when the sea gets up.”