When General Policarpo Toro, the amateur geologist uncle, received Peregrino's package, he recognized the 'stone' immediately - as coal. Sensing a grand opportunity, he began to form a plan. He would announce the evacuation of the island. Police powers would be invoked. Mining would commence shortly thereafter. Policarpo Toro would be rich.

Two days later, he had traveled from his garrison base on the mainland to la Isla Vicuna. Soldiers gathered up the islanders, and Policarpo made his proclamation: Vicuna will be evacuated. In his generosity, he gave the people one week to pack up and leave. This small village of simple farmers and fishers must relocate their entire lives. Policarpo and his men withdrew, issuing the warning again: one week.