Chapter 8 Summary

Maturin writes and encodes a missive to Sir Joseph Blaine, his principle contact at Naval Intelligence. In the letter, he expresses great confidence in a local rebellion being successful. General Hurtado is the most powerful local factor in favor of independence. Another significant local figure, Castro, will side with whichever faction appears to be winning. The Viceroy will be out of town during the planned uprising. Maturin also writes a letter to his wife, describing the local flora and fauna. Later, Maturin second-guesses his letter to Blaine and wishes he had not been quite so confident, as he finds it smacks of hubris. Later, Maturin travels outside of Callao upon a mule named Joselito. He ascends high into the Andes to a Benedictine monastery that serves as a meeting place for the local leaders of the planned rebellion. There Maturin meets Vicar-General Father...