as mine did at that horrid yell: but I had no leisure to think. I had
only time for a shot at them with my double barrel, as they rushed
down the steep, while I was carried past. I soon after heard the
report of our large boat's heavy gun, which must have convinced them
that we likewise were prepared.

On the roof of a long building, on the summit of the hill, were several
warriors performing a war-dance, which it would be difficult to imitate
on such a stage. As these were not the forts we were in search of,
we did not delay longer than to exchange a few shots in sweeping along.

Our next obstacle was more troublesome, being a strong barrier right
across the river, formed of two rows of trees placed firmly in the
mud, with their tops crossed and secured together by ratans; and
along the fork, formed by the crossing of the tops of these stakes,
were other trees firmly secured. Rapidly approaching this barrier,
I observed a small opening that might probably admit a canoe;
and gathering good way, and putting my gig's head straight at it,
I squeezed through. On passing it the scene again changed, and I had
before me three formidable-looking forts, which lost not a moment in
opening a discharge of cannon on my unfortunate gig. Luckily their
guns were properly elevated for the range of the barrier; and, with
the exception of a few straggling grape-shot that splashed the water
round us, the whole went over our heads. For a moment I found myself
cut off from my companions, and drifting fast upon the enemy. The banks
of the river were covered with warriors, yelling and rushing down to
possess themselves of my boat and its crew. I had some difficulty in
getting my long gig round, and paddling up against the stream; but,
while my friend Brooke steered the boat, my cockswain and myself
kept up a fire with tolerable aim on the embrasures, to prevent, if
possible, their reloading before the pinnace, our leading boat, could
bring her twelve-pound carronade to bear. I was too late to prevent
the pinnace falling athwart the barrier, in which position she had
three men wounded. With the assistance of some of our native followers,
the ratan-lashings which secured the heads of the stakes were soon cut
through; and I was not sorry when I found the Dido's first cutter on
the same side with myself. The other boats soon followed; and while
the pinnace kept up a destructive fire on the fort, Mr. D'Aeth, who
was the first to land, jumped on