If various ruses failed, and the attack was pressed,
he had decided not to split up his small force in the effort to repel
boarders. A scattered resistance would surely break down at one point
or another: there would be a rush of savages along the decks, a panic
among the Chileans, and all would be ended. On the other hand, when
fighting collectively under European leadership, and well aware that
the Indians would kill and spare not, the half-breeds might be trusted
to acquit themselves like men.
The canvas awning constituted a flimsy citadel in the center of the
vessel. Six men were stationed on the starboard side of the promenade
deck, and six on the port side. Tollemache and a Chilean, who said he
could shoot well, were told to frustrate any attempt to climb the after
part of the ship, while Courtenay, with his fowling-piece, would have
the lion's share of this work from the spar deck, as he undertook to
keep the rails clear forward and help the revolver practise if
necessary. With him was Suarez, who knew what was expected of him, so
the language difficulty offered no apparent hindrance once the fight
began.
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