SHIPWRECK. 
265 
came round the south point of the island, and reconnoitred the 
landing-place, and had not quitted their situation at the close of 
day. The usual precautions being taken, the party retired early 
to rest, and passed the night without interruption. 
The two following days, during which no prows appeared, were 
employed in forming another well, and in completing the fortifica* 
tion. The latter had now become a fortress of some security. It 
consisted of a strong fence six feet broad surrounding the brow of 
the hill, and was formed of large piles driven into the ground, inter- 
twined with the leafy branches of great trees; and it communicated by 
two gates commanded by bastions and platforms, with the avenues 
leading to the wells and landing-place. Thus protected, the party 
felt themselves a match for a force much more numerous than their 
own. 
Early on the morning of the 26th, two Malay boats having in tow 
two canoes laden with plunder, being observed off the landing-place, 
the barge was manned and armed under the command of Lieutenant 
Hay, and sent after them. They immediately cut away their canoes 
and made all sail, but were rapidly gained upon by the barge which 
soon came up with the sternmost. Mr. Hay then made signs for 
her to shorten sail and come to a parley; and these not being at- 
tended to, fired a musket to bring her to, but was instantly answered 
by a swivel which she mounted in her bows. The barge now endea- 
vouring to run alongside, one of the Malays at each attempt pushed 
her off with a long pole, whilst his comrades attacked her crew with 
their spears and swivel. They threw their spears with great delibe- 
ration, poising them above their heads and taking a steady aim. 
A strong side-wind fortunately blowing at the time, drove them 
in a slanting direction, broke their force, and rendered them untrue 
to their mark. No person in the barge having a serviceable musket, 
excepting her commander, he marked the man who managed the 
swivel, and brought him down by his first shot ; and by his next the 
most active spearman. The sailors not being sufficiently near the 
pirates to use their cutlasses or boarding-pikes, could only throw 
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