The next thing was to settle our course.  I wanted to reach a port where I could turn some of my diamonds into cash and take shipping for England, the West Indies, or the United States.  We were between Valparaiso and Callao, and the former place, as being on the way, seemed the more desirable place to make for.  But as the prevailing winds on the coast are north and northwest a voyage in the opposite direction would involve much beating up and nasty fetches, and, in all probability, be long and tedious.  For these reasons I decided in favor of Callao, and told Kidd to shape our course accordingly.

“Just as you like, sir,” he said; “it is all the same to Yawl and me where we go.  But it’s a longish stretch to Callao.  Don’t you think we had better make for some nearer place?  There’s Islay, and there’s Arica; and I doubt whether our water will last out till we get to Callao.”

“We must make it last till we get to Callao,” I answered, sharply; “except under compulsion I will put in neither at Islay nor Arica.”

“All right, sir!  We are under your orders, and what you say shall be done, as far as lies in our power.”

Kidd’s answer was civil but his manner was surly and defiant, and it struck me that he might have some special reason for desiring to avoid Callao.  But I was resolved to go thither, so that in case of need I might claim the protection of the British consul, whom I was sure to find there.  I was by no means sure that I should find one either at Islay or Arica.  I knew something of the ways of Spanish revenue officers, and as I had no papers, it was quite possible that (in the absence of a consul) I might be cast into prison and plundered of all I possessed, especially if Mr. Kidd should hint that it included a bag of diamonds.

The sloop’s accommodation for passengers was neither extensive nor luxurious.  The small cabin aft was just big enough to hold Angela and myself, and once in it, we were like rats in a hole, as, to get out, we had to climb an almost perpendicular ladder.  Kidd and Yawl were to sleep, turn and turn about, in a sort of dog-house which they had contrived in the bows.  Ramon would roll himself in his cobija and sleep anywhere.

Before going on board I made such arrangements as I hoped would insure us against foul play.  I stitched one half of the diamonds in my waist-belt; the other half my wife hid away in her dress.  Among the things brought down from Alta Vista was an exquisite little dagger with a Damascened blade, which I gave to Angela.  I had my hunting-knife, and Ramon his machete.