far side of the island
where the engagement had taken place, and as Captain Smithers scanned
these with his glass, he could see that their slight garments were
soaking wet, baju and sarong clinging to their limbs, and showing that
they had had to swim ashore.

This was all proof of their having had a thorough beating; and now, with
the steamer no longer aground, but ready to come to their help, the
spirits of all rose at as rapid a rate as they had gone down.

But it was to be no time of rest for them. Captain Smithers, to meet
the difficulty of there being no water to be obtained, save by going
under fire to the spring, or making a dash for the river, had been
giving orders for the sinking of a well in a corner of the fort, when
word was passed from sentry to sentry of the advance of the enemy. Then
shots were fired, at first scattered, then rapidly; and it was at once
evident, that in revenge for their defeat afloat, the crews of some of
the prahus had joined those on the island in a general attack.

The earth-works were well-made, but they required more men to
successfully defend them, and after keeping the enemy at bay by a
well-directed fire for some time, Captain Smithers, seeing signs of an
approaching rush, and knowing well that this must result in severe loss
upon his own side, quietly began to draw his little force away from the
earth-works, till he had half in the barracks at the loopholes, from
which they began a steady fire over the heads of those at the earthen
wall, who, in their turn retired half at a time, the first half joining
those who had gone before.

Then as the Malays began to realise that the force at the earthen wall
was very weak, and showed signs of coming on to carry it by storm, the
defenders delivered a sharp volley and dropped out of sight, stooping
down and running across to the barracks' white walls. On seeing that
they had given way, the Malays set up a loud cry of triumph, and dashed
forward, spear in hand, to occupy the deserted earth-works. They were
met by a sharp fire from the barracks, which staggered them for the
moment, but they rushed on, and sheltered themselves in the ditch,
throwing a few spears at the hindmost of the retreating party; but
without effect, for the little garrison was soon shut in and able for
the time to defy their assailants.

It was evident, however, that they were not to be left in peace, for the
Malays now swarmed around them, and dozens might