266 
SHIPWRECK. 
back the spears which fell amongst them. To prevent their 
escape, they threw the barge’s grapnell into the prow, which, 
to their astonishment^ instantly sunk ; the grapnell having pro- 
bably passed through her bottom. Six of her men (of whom 
there had been ten originally) immediately appeared in the water 
swimming with great dexterity. Although three of them were 
severely wounded, they all continued to fight, refusing quarter, and 
endeavouring to wound the barge’s crew with their long spears. 
At length the three wounded men, being much exhausted, 
were dragged on board ; one of them died in a few minutes, 
another within an hour, the third survived. Of the others, 
one swam towards the Alceste’s gig which was making after the 
barge, and was taken on board, the remaining two disdaining cap- 
tivity dived and were seen no more. During the action the other 
Malay boat although at no great distance from her consort, did not 
attempt to interfere, but setting every sail made her escape. The 
barge having returned to the island, the wounded man was immedi- 
ately dressed and kindly treated. The dead Malay was buried ; 
he had been a very powerful man, and even in death excited 
admiration by his muscular form and stern countenance. The 
prisoner was put under the guard of a marine at some distance from 
the fortification, that in case of his escape he might not be able to 
carry intelligence of its strength and the numbers of the party to his 
companions. The sequel proved the propriety of the measure. 
Having been a few days afterwards employed by his guard to cut 
wood, he escaped to his companions. None of the barge’s crew had 
been seriously wounded. 
Soon after the return of the barge the midshipman at the look-out 
rock reported that fourteen sail of Malay boats were standing down 
towards the island from Banca. They soon after anchored be- 
tween Pulo Leat and a small island, in the very situation which 
Captain Maxwell had pointed out to Lord Amherst for the an- 
chorage of the prows which, as had been determined upon between 
them, should be sent for the relief of the party from Batavia. The 
