304 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XVIIL 
a moment before crowded the deck, disappeared in a 
marvellous manner ; sheltering themselves behind the 
bulwarks, or Ijdng flat on their faces. They were so 
completely taken by surprise, that their junk was left 
without a helmsman, her sails flapped in the wind ; and 
as we were still carrying all sail and keeping on our 
right course, they were soon left a considerable way 
astern. 
Another was now bearing down upon us as boldly as 
his companion had done, and commenced firing in the 
same manner. Having been so successful with the first, 
I determined to follow the same plan with this one, and 
to pay no attention to his firing until he should come to 
close quarters. The plot now began to thicken ; for 
the first junk had gathered way again and was following 
in our wake, although keeping at a respectful distance, 
and three others, although still farther distant, were 
making for the scene of action as fast as they could. In 
the mean time, the second was almost alongside, and 
continued raking our decks in a deadly manner with 
their guns. Watching their helm as before, we sheltered 
ourselves as well as we could ; at the same time my poor 
fellows w^ho were steering kept begging and prapng that 
I would fire into our pursuers as soon as possible, or we 
should be all killed. As soon as they came within twenty 
or thirty yards of us I gave them the contents of both 
barrels as before. This time the helmsman fell, and 
doubtless several others were wounded. In a minute or 
two I could see nothing but boards and shields, which 
were held up by the pirates to protect themselves from 
my firing ; their junk went up into the wind for want 
