“What if they declare a blockade?” his wife asked.
“Then our future actions will depend greatly upon its nature. If a close blockade be declared, one that will prevent the entry of any vessels until the war is ended, I believe it would be wise for you to leave at once for the States with the children.”
“Oh, father, please don’t send me. Let me remain with you.”
“Would you not wish to go with your mother, Carl?”
“If I should have to go, let him stay with you,” Mrs. Saunders said. “I can understand exactly how he feels about leaving now. He would be a companion for you, dear; and besides, the experience would be valuable.”
“Well, well, we shall see about it later. Matters may not come to such a pass that it will be necessary for anybody to go. Are you ready, boys? Then join me at the dummy, and I will walk over with the general. Pardon him, Louise, if he does not come in to say good-by; he is quite put out by the course of events.”
A half hour later the four had reached Callao, and Captain Saunders, with Carl and Louis, went direct to the editorial rooms of the _South Pacific Times_, knowing that there they would hear the first reliable news; and General Matajente went to the office of the captain of the port. In Mr. Lawton’s apartments they found Mr. Dartmoor and Harvey, and several other American and English residents of Callao, all assembled for the same purpose. Harvey at once joined his brother and their chum.
“Where are Hope-Jones and Ferguson?” asked Louis.
“They left early this morning for Lima, by the first train, I believe; before we knew the Chileans had been sighted. And I want to know, Louis, why you didn’t tell me last night that the _Huascar_ and the _Pilcomayo_ had been captured while I was in the interior? It came as a great shock this morning.”
“That’s so, Harvey. I confess I had completely forgotten that you were not as well posted as we. But tell me, does father think that this will make any difference with your mine?”
“Don’t call it _my_ mine, Louis. It belongs to us all; or rather, it is father’s, and that is just the same thing.”
“Well, does he think the arrival will interfere much with your plans?”
“No. He is rather glad than otherwise that the fleet has come, for he believes it will hasten the end. Of course, it will be impossible for us to do anything until peace shall be declared, that is, to commence any mining; so the sooner Peru yields the better.”