ill throw on some things and be out again in a minute;' and in less
than that time he turned out again.

"'You have the guns loaded?' he asked.

"'Ay, ay, sir, and the boarding-nettings up.'

"'Can you make them out yet?'

"'No, sir. By the sound, they are keeping close in to the shore. I have
got the kedge anchor in a boat. Shall I lower it and row a couple of
ship's-lengths and drop it there, then we can warp her round, so as to
bring all our guns to bear? I deferred doing that to the last, so that the
fellows on shore should not know we were on the alert.'

"'Yes; do so at once, Mr. Purvis.'

"The boatswain and two hands were at once called to the boat, which was
then lowered and rowed off in the direction the mate pointed out. The
anchor was let drop, and the boat returned to the ship, paying out the
hawser over the stern. The captain had taken his place on the forecastle,
and was looking anxiously ahead.

"'I see them,' he exclaimed at last; 'they are coming out from behind that
low point half a mile away. Haul on the hawser and bring her broadside to
bear on them. Get the guns across to the starboard side, Mr. Pinder.'

"The ship was pierced for eight guns a side, and by the time the ship was
swung round, they were all in position. The proas, now no more than a
quarter of a mile away, were heading straight for us.

"'Take a steady aim, lads,' the captain said, 'and fire as soon as you are
sure of your shot.'

"In quick succession the guns spoke out. At the reports wild yells broke
from the proas, and from the shore, now astern of us.

"'Load as quick as you can with grape,' the captain shouted.

"There had been five proas when the first gun was fired, but before we had
reloaded one had disappeared, and there was shouting and confusion in one
of the others. It was evident that she also was in difficulties.

"'Don't fire until I give the word.'

"The three proas were within fifty yards of us when he gave the order, and
the eight guns poured their contents into the crowded decks. The effect
was terrible. Two of the proas ceased rowing altogether, and some of the
oars of the other dropped into the water and hampered the efforts of those
who still continued to row.

"'The port watch will repel boarders. The starboard watch will load
again,' the captain ordered.

"There was way enough on the proas to bring them all alongside, but either
the men at the steering oars were all killed or they had lost thei