“In the meantime, what are you going to do?” asked Carl.
“Señor Cisneros will return to the interior this week with a surveyor and a deputy from the mining bureau, so as to comply with the law and perfect our claim, and some one will go to either New York or London and interest capital, in order that we may have the ready money with which to secure machinery and bring the ore to the coast. In the meantime, we shall be able to borrow sufficient from one of the banks here to pay all preliminary expenses.”
“That I don’t know. We have arranged to hold another meeting to-night at Chucuito and decide.”
Their attention was attracted by the entrance of an officer in the service of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company, who had come from the office of the captain of the port.
“Has the Chilean launch arrived at the mole?” asked Don Isaac, eagerly; and the others pressed near.
“It has. And the admiral has served notice on all interests that he intends maintaining a close blockade. Non-combatants will be allowed forty-eight hours in which to leave; after that no vessel, sail or steam, will be permitted to enter port or depart. So my ship, gentlemen, will be the last to leave.”
Hearing this, Captain Saunders jumped to his feet, and beckoning Carl to his side, bade him come, and the two hurriedly left the room.
“What’s the matter, father?” the boy asked, as they walked rapidly across the plaza.
“Didn’t you hear Captain Brown say that his ship would be the last to leave Callao?”
“Then I have no time to lose in securing a passage for your mother, Harold, and yourself. The boat will be crowded; hundreds will apply who will not even be able to get berths. By going to the office at once, I can perhaps reserve a stateroom.”
“Father, I wish you would let me remain with you.”
“Do you know what it means, Carl, to be in a blockaded city with all supplies cut off?”
“I can imagine, father; but I should like very much to stay with you. Besides, I am some little help in the office, am I not?”
“Yes. But with a blockade established, no ships will come in, and I shall have nothing to do.”
“Then, isn’t that a reason for my remaining? You will be very lonely, and should have one of your sons by your side.”
Captain Saunders smiled. “Very well put, Carl,” he said, “but I wonder how much Louis and Harvey have to do with your anxiety to remain? But you may do as you wish, and I shall reserve a stateroom for your mother and Harold. Now that this is settled, I wish you to take the next dummy back to La Punta, and tell your mother what has occurred; then help her all you can with the packing. I shall be home early this afternoon,” and he turned in the direction of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company’s offices, while his son kept on to the railroad station.