ords, and the Dutchmen went down like sheep. We fired to cover our
countrymen, who, as soon as their work was done, jumped overboard and
swam to us; but the brave Datoo, with many more died as brave Malays
should do, running a-muck against a host of enemies.

The gun-boats were quite scared by this punishment, and we lost no time
in getting away as rapidly as possible; but the accursed schooner, by
keeping more in the offing, held the wind and preserved her position,
signaling all the while for the gun-boats to follow her. We did not want
to fight any more; it was evidently an unlucky day. On the opposite side
of the channel to that we were on, the coral reefs and shoals would
prevent the Hollanders following us: it was determined at all risks to
get there in spite of the schooner. With the first of the land-wind in
the evening we set sail before it and steered across for Bianca. The
schooner placed herself in our way like a clever sailor, so as to turn
us back; but we were determined to push on, take her fire, and run all
risks.

It was a sight to see us meeting one another; but we were desperate: we
had killed plenty of Dutchmen; it was their turn now. I was in the
second prahu, and well it was so, for when the headmost one got close
to the schooner, the Dutchman fired all his guns into her, and knocked
her at once into a wrecked condition. We gave one cheer, fired our guns
and then pushed on for our lives. "Ah! sir, it was a dark night indeed
for us. Three prahus in all were sunk and the whole force dispersed."

To add to our misfortunes a strong gale sprang up. We were obliged to
carry canvas; our prahu leaked from shot-holes; the sea continually
broke into her; we dared not run into the coral reefs on such a night,
and bore up for the Straits of Malacca. The wounded writhed and shrieked
in their agony, and we had to pump, we fighting men, and bale like
_black fellows_ [Caffre or negro slaves]! By two in the morning we were
all worn out. I felt indifferent whether I was drowned or not, and many
threw down their buckets and sat down to die. The wind increased and, at
last, as if to put us out of our misery, just such a squall as this came
down upon us. I saw it was folly contending against our fate, and
followed the general example. "God is great!" we exclaimed, but the
Rajah of Johore came and reproved us. "Work until daylight," he said,
"and I will ensure your safety." We pointed at the black storm which was
appr