he prahu we were on board might escape. The brig
might also perceive some others of the fleet more to windward, which we
could see, and might go after them. If so, the possibility of her
escaping was very much increased, and we might still be doomed to a long
if not an endless slavery.

It was with the greatest difficulty that we could keep to our baling, so
intense became our anxiety to watch the proceedings of the stranger; and
more than once I felt the sharp point of a lance against my ribs,
reminding me of the task imposed on me. We saw by her movement that the
brig had very soon discovered the other two prahus, for as fast as she
could she was making sail, and standing after them. They endeavoured to
escape, and to our great joy, ran after us, thus increasing the
probability of our being captured. The brig however came up very
rapidly with the other prahus; and, as soon as she got near enough, she
opened her fire on them,--a foretaste of what we were to expect, for
pirates deserve no mercy, and they were not likely to receive any at her
hands. They were brave, or, at all events, desperate men, and returned
her fire with their big stem gun and lelahs, though the latter were not
likely to do much harm. Her guns were well and rapidly worked. The
foremost mast of one of the prahus was shot away, and the others fared
still worse. Several shots seemed to have struck her, still she held
on. We saw her rise to the top of a wave, then down she glided into the
trough of the sea. We looked for her in vain. It was her last plunge;
and with her crew of savage warriors and helpless slaves, she sunk to
rise no more. The brig did not heave-to in order to save any of the
wretches, but ran close to the vessel she had crippled. Before she ran
alongside, she opened her entire broadside on the pirate, so as to still
more effectually prevent her escaping. The chiefs fought fiercely, like
men who know that their fate is sealed, and are determined to sell their
lives dearly. They discharged their lelahs in quick succession; they
kept up till the last a hot fire from their long gun, and sent showers
of arrows from their bows. When they got to still closer quarters,
their spears came into play; and as the Europeans leaped down on their
decks to take possession, many were severely wounded by the spears and
krisses thrust through the bamboo planking. Then, when the Malays saw
that they could do no further injury to their conq