"
The leading junk was now about twenty yards away, and presently
grated alongside. Half a dozen sailors at once sprang into her
rigging with ropes, and after lashing the junks together leaped
down upon her deck, where Fothergill was leading the gig's crew
and some of those rescued from the pinnace, while Mr. Bellew, with
another party, had boarded her at the stern. Several of the Chinese
fought stoutly, but the greater part lost heart at seeing themselves
attacked by the "white devils," instead of, as they expected,
overwhelming them by their superior numbers. Many began at once
to jump overboard, and after two or three minutes' sharp fighting
the rest either followed their example or were beaten below.
Fothergill looked round. The other junk had been attacked by two of
the enemy, one on each side, and the little body of sailors were
gathered in her waist, and were defending themselves against an
overwhelming number of the enemy. The other three piratical junks
had been carried somewhat up the creek by the tide that was sweeping
inward, and could not for the moment take part in the fight.
"Mr. Oliphant is hard pressed, sir." He asked the master: "Shall
we take to the boats?"
"That will be the best plan," Mr. Bellew replied.
"Quick, lads, get the boats alongside and tumble in; there is not
a moment to be lost.
Pages:
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255