That shot must have
done great execution among the Malays on the path between us and
the boats."
The guns of the ship kept up a heavy fire, searching the wood for
some distance round with shell, and pouring volleys of grape into
the trees near the battery. Presently the fire ceased.
"I fancy they have all bolted, Dick," his comrade said; "after the
first five minutes we have not heard a sound. I wonder what the
prahus are doing?"
A minute later the lieutenant said, "Mr. Morrison, take a dozen
men and make your way along the path until you get to the boats.
I hope they have escaped. If they are within hail go on board, and
report to the captain that we have sunk two of the prahus, and that
for the present the Malays who have been attacking us have made
off. Say that large numbers of them have gone on board the four
prahus, and that I am about to open fire upon them again."
As soon as the mate had left, parties of men were set to work to
shift the guns to their old positions, and fire was again opened
upon the piratical prahus, who replied, as before, with their little
guns. A very few minutes later a shell flew overhead, and fell in
the water near where the craft were anchored. Another and another
followed quickly. Intense excitement was manifest on board the
prahus, and almost immediately their cables were cut, oars got out,
and at a great rate they started down the creek.
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