We could make Callao merely by running up the coast, with which, despite his disclaimer, I had not the least doubt he was quite familiar; and even if he were not, there was nothing in a compass to enlighten him.
But whatever his scheme might be I did not think he would attempt to use force--unless he could take us at a disadvantage.

Man for man, Ramon and I were quite equal to Kidd and Yawl.

We were, moreover, better armed, as so far as I knew, they had no weapons, save their sailors' knives.

In a personal struggle, they might come off second best; were, in any case, likely to get badly hurt, and unless I was much mistaken, they wanted to get hold of my diamonds with a minimum of risk to themselves.

Wherefore, so long as we kept a sharp lookout, we had little to fear from open violence.