"There go the others!" Percy exclaimed after a minute or two, as
three columns of smoke arose simultaneously from the other junks,
and the sailors were seen dropping into their boats alongside.
The killed and wounded were placed in the other gig with four
sailors in charge. They were directed to keep under shelter of the
junks until rejoined by the pinnace and Fothergill's gig, after
these had done their work on shore.
When all was ready the first lieutenant raised his hand as a signal,
and the two boats dashed between the burning junks and rowed for
the shore. Such of the natives as had their weapons charged fired
a hasty volley, and then, as the sailors leapt from their boats,
took to their heels.
"Mr. Fothergill, take your party into the village and set fire to
the houses; shoot down every man you see. This place is a nest of
pirates. I will capture that battery and then join you."
Fothergill and his sailors at once entered the village. The men had
already fled; the women were turned out of the houses, and these
were immediately set on fire. The tars regarded the whole affair
as a glorious joke, and raced from house to house, making a hasty
search in each for concealed valuables before setting it on fire.
In a short time the whole village was in a blaze.
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