about a quarter to eight
But Commodore Riveros had anticipated some such action , and as the _ Blanco Encalada _ , owing to a foul bottom , could only steam about eight knots , he sent forward in chase of the Peruvians the _ Cochrane _ , which was capable of nearly eleven knots . Latorre 's ship instantly leaped forward at full speed upon the signal being made , and Jim soon observed through his telescope that the _ Cochrane _ was a good deal faster than the Peruvians , and that she must inevitably overtake them in a few hours ' time . Riveros also sent word down to his engine-room staff that the very last knot was to be got out of his ship , and the effect of the increased steam-pressure was soon observable on the _ Blanco _ . At about a quarter to eight there was another change of tactics on the part of the Peruvians . The corvette _ Union _ , which up to that time had been keeping station on the _ Huascar 's _ port quarter , suddenly slowed down and passed under her stern , turned to the eastward , and made for Arica under a full head of steam . Jim Douglas immediately reported the occurrence to Commodore Riveros , who , after debating for a minute or two as to whether or not he should follow the corvette , finally decided in favour of pursuing the _ Huascar _ , as she was the more formidable craft of the two ; and the Chilian ironclad accordingly was kept on her previous course . Jim then returned to his post , and kept his glass fixed upon the flying steamers in front of him ; and hardly had he taken up his position again when he saw the _ Huascar _ put her helm over and head to the northward , steaming toward the _ Cochrane _ and the Chilian flagship .