about midnight
The Chilian proved to be an officer who had formerly been on board the _ O'Higgins _ , and he and Douglas recognised each other instantly . They at once sat down to talk matters over , and Jim soon found that his friend knew this part of the country very well , having been there before ; and that he had decided to make for Arica , which was at this time in Chilian hands . Jim readily fell in with the plan , and after a good long rest the two men started away upon their arduous journey . They camped for the night on the outskirts of the wood , which they reached about midnight , and there made a meal off the provisions which each had been thoughtful enough to bring . These provisions lasted them a week , by which time they were approaching the region where they might hope to find the Chilian outposts . But they had either miscalculated the distance , or the Chilians had retreated , for it was another week before they finally came into contact with a Chilian force at Tacna ; and , meanwhile , they had had to procure food at the muzzle of Jim 's carbine , for the country-folk soon perceived that the two fugitives were escaped Chilian prisoners . As soon , however , as they fell in with Colonel Barros , in command of the first company of the Taltal regiment , stationed at Tacna , their troubles were over .