Mason, as lying up one of these creeks; that accounts for those
two junks not going higher up. I was surprised at seeing them here,
for they might guess that we should try to get them this morning.
Evidently they calculated on catching us in a trap."
Percy was delighted at finding that, in the excitement caused by
his news, the first lieutenant had forgotten to take any notice of
his being there without orders, and he returned a defiant nod to
the threat conveyed by Fothergill shaking his fist at him. As they
neared the junks the fire of those on board redoubled, and was
aided by that of many villagers gathered on the bank of the creek.
Suddenly from a bank of rushes four cannons were fired. A ball
struck the pinnace, smashing in her side. The other boats gathered
hastily round and took her crew on board, and then dashed at the
junks, which were but a hundred yards distant. The valor of the
Chinese evaporated as they saw the boats approaching, and scores
of them leaped overboard and swam for shore.
In another minute the boats were alongside and the crews scrambling
up the sides of the junks. A few Chinamen only attempted to oppose
them. These were speedily overcome, and the British had now time
to look round, and saw that six junks crowded with men had issued
from the side creek and were making towards them.
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