The shouts of the Malays
near them brought many running from the other points, and the
parties there gained a footing with comparatively little loss. Then
a desperate struggle began; but the Malays were unable to withstand
the furious attack of the British, and ere long began to leap
overboard and swim to the other craft, which were both coming to
their aid.
The launch's gun had not been fired, and, calling to Dick, Harry
leaped down into the boat. The two midshipmen trained the gun upon
the nearest prahu, and aiming at the waterline, fired it when the
craft was within twenty feet of them. A moment later its impetus
brought it against the side of the launch, which was crushed like
an eggshell between it and the captured prahu, the two midshipmen
springing on board just in time. It was the Malays' turn to board
now, that of the British to prevent them; the musketry of the
sailors and marines for a time kept the enemy off, but they strove
desperately to gain a footing on board, until a loud cry was heard,
and the craft into which the midshipmen had fired sank suddenly,
and a loud cheer broke from the British.
The two midshipmen were engaged with the other pirate, from whom
a cry of dismay arose at seeing the disappearance of their friends.
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