The crew was armed with carbines and ordered to make no noise as the sloop, with a light wind, nosed in through the fog.

Suddenly, as if coming from the thick mist high above them, the sound of approaching oars was heard.

The men were ordered to get ready and hold their carbines at ease; but to Paul's consternation, he observed they were ready to give up even before they saw an enemy.

They said the Chileans were sure to hang them for being in the torpedo service even if they were not shot down in fight and it mattered little which way they went so long as there was no chance for escape.
Knowing that prompt and harsh measures would be the only means of handling the quaking cowards, Boyton seized a carbine and in a determined manner told them that the first man who refused to fire when the order was given, would receive a bullet through his head.
"Now stand by and await orders, no matter who or what is coming," he thundered.
A moment later, the strokes of the sweeps were almost under them.
"Que venga," hailed the Captain.
The oars were immediately stopped and a trembling voice answered in Spanish: "Fishermen, fishermen; don't shoot." Seeing nothing more formidable than a couple of poor fishermen who were willing to brave the vigilance of the Chileans for the sake of a catch, the crew at once became very brave and bustled about as though they were willing to sail right into the entire fleet of the enemy.
In a short time the breakers were heard booming in on the rocks of Frouton and the sloop was run to a safe anchorage under the cliffs, in smooth water.

Paul prepared for the trip to San Lorenzo and ordered the crew to remain by the sloop until three o'clock in the morning as that would give them ample time to reach the mainland before the Chileans could sight them.