The first edition of this book is dated 1909. The edition used is dated 1930. The publisher was Blackie and Son, Limited, London and Glasgow. The number of pages is 280.

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General information

There was a state of war between Chili and Peru in the 1870s. It was all to do with a desert area that lay between Chili, Peru and Bolivia. At first this desert was not particularly claimed by any of these countries, but when it was discovered that it held rich reserves of nitrates, the three of them fell out.

Two young Englishmen, with sea-going experience, were aboard a British vessel trading in nitrates and other ores. The captain was a very disagreeable character, and they determined to leave him, and sign up with the Chilian authorities for employment in the Chilian Navy, which was short of officers. They were taken on, and the rest of the book details some of the adventures they had, and the trials and tribulations they endured.

This is a very exciting and enjoyable book. There are a few Spanish words, and of course the ships have Spanish names, but you soon get used to that. I fully recommend it, especially if you can make it into an audiobook. NH.

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Contents

Chapter I.
What happened on the Pericles.

Chapter II.
Jim enters the Chilian Navy.

Chapter III.
The Occupation of Antofagasta.

Chapter IV.
The Chilians bombard Iquique.

Chapter V.
The Battle between the Esmeralda and the Huascar.

Chapter VI.
The Inca’s Prophecy.

Chapter VII.
A Night-Attack.

Chapter VIII.
Mine and Countermine.

Chapter IX.
The Battle of Angamos.

Chapter X.
The Gun-Runners.

Chapter XI.
Captain Villavicencio catches a Tartar.

Chapter XII.
The Bombardment of Callao.

Chapter XIII.
Jim is taken Prisoner.

Chapter XIV.
In the Face of Death.

Chapter XV.
On the Road to Sorata.

Chapter XVI.
The Red Day of Cuzco.

Chapter XVII.
A Curious Discovery.

Chapter XVIII.
Escaped!

Chapter XIX.
A Guerilla Stronghold.

Chapter XX.
The Fulfilment of the Prophecy.

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