The nearest port of the coast as to distance was the farthest as to time.

To reach it, the wind being north by west, we should have to make long fetches and frequent tacks, whereas Callao, or the coast thereabout, could be reached by sailing due north.

So there seemed nothing for it but to economize our resources to the utmost and make all the speed we could.

Yet, do as we might, it was evident that, unless we could obtain a supply of food and water from some passing ship we should have to put ourselves on a starvation allowance.

I was, however, much less concerned for myself and the others, than for Angela.