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.