They
were too late, however. Almost before the craft had way on her
Fothergill and his crew were alongside. The Chinese did not wait
for the attack, but at once sprang overboard and made for the shore.
The other three junks, seeing the capture of their comrades, had
already hoisted their sails and were making up the creek. Fothergill
dropped an anchor, left four of his men in charge, and rowed back
to Mr. Oliphant.
"What shall we do next, sir?"
"We will give those fellows on shore a lesson, and silence their
battery. Two men have been killed since you left. We must let the
other junks go for the present. Four of my men were killed and
eleven wounded before Mr. Bellew and you came to our assistance.
The Chinese were fighting pluckily up to that time, and it would
have gone very hard with us if you had not been at hand; the beggars
will fight when they think they have got it all their own way. But
before we land we will set fire to the five junks we have taken.
Do you return and see that the two astern are well lighted, Mr.
Fothergill; Mr. Mason will see to these three. When you have done
your work take to your boat and lay off till I join you; keep the
junks between you and the shore, to protect you from the fire of
the rascals.
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