By the time Don Nicholas finished a reprimand, he slunk away like a whipped cur and it is likely he was more careful to investigate thereafter when making arrests.
The Dictator sent Paul to the Hotel Americano, where fine quarters were prepared for him and he took a much needed rest, not waking until the next day when a message was conveyed to him from Don Nicholas to the effect that they were going to Ancon that day to try some torpedo experiments.

Much refreshed, he was quickly ready to accompany them.
Ancon is a small seaside resort about fifteen miles from Lima.

At that time it was almost entirely deserted on account of the frequent bombarding by the Chilean cruisers as they passed up and down the coast.
Whenever those aboard the cruisers wished amusement, they turned their guns on Ancon and knocked over a few houses.
The party consisting of the Dictator, several high government officials, Boyton and Major Rabauld, who had been transferred to him as an aid, went down on a special car drawn by a little engine named the Favorita, furnished by the railroad company, which was largely owned by Americans.
The experiments took place between several rocky islands, that have probably been detached from the mainland by volcanic action, and the shore.

The torpedoes were tried on dummy vessels, while a troop of soldiers stood guard at all the approaches to the place in order to prevent inquisitive individuals as well as Chilean spies, from learning the nature of the work going on.

Don Nicholas was highly pleased and was in fine spirits at the thought of getting rid of some of the powerful vessels that darkened his harbor with their frowning ports.