Chap. XVIII. 
ATTACK OF PIRATES. 
301 
the coast of Fokien, where we were now, all the pirate 
junks carried guns, and consequently a whole deck-load 
of stones could be of very little use against them. 
During the general bustle I missed my own servant 
for a short time. When he returned to me he had 
made such a change in his appearance that I did not 
recognise him. He was literally clothed in rags which 
he had borrowed from the sailors, all of whom had also 
put on their very worst clothes. When I asked him the 
reason of this change in his outward man, he told me 
that the pirates only made those persons prisoners who 
had money and were likely to pay handsomely for 
their ransom ; and that they would not think it worth 
their while to lay hold of a man in rags. 
I was surrounded by several of the crew, who might 
well be called "Job's comforters," some suggesting one 
thing, and some another ; and many proposed that we 
should bring the junk round and run back to the Min. 
The nearest pirate was now within 200 or 300 yards of 
us, and, putting her helm down, gave us a broadside 
from her guns. All was now dismay and consternation 
on board our junk, and every man ran below except two 
who were at the helm. I expected every moment that 
these also would leave their post ; and then we should 
have been an easy prey to the pirates. "My gun is 
nearer you than those of the Jan-dous/^ said I to the 
two men ; " and if you move from the helm, depend 
upon it I will shoot you." The poor fellows looked 
very uncomfortable, but I suppose thought they had 
better stand the fire of the pirates than mine, and kept 
at their post. Large boards, heaps of old clothes, mats. 
