270 
SHIPWRECK. 
and twenty with cutlasses ; the others with poles, having sharpened 
pieces of iron or knives fastened to their ends, or having points 
hardened by fire. 
The Malays allowing fifteen men to each prow, which was a mo- 
derate calculation, were between four and five hundred in number, 
armed with spears and crisses. Taking into consideration every 
circumstance, especially his advantage on the score of fire-arms, the 
defensible nature of the ground, and the strong position on the 
hill, Captain Maxwell felt no apprehension of the result of an 
immediate attack. On the other hand, he could not but reflect, 
that the number of his enemies would hourly increase, and that 
whatever loss they might suffer in action they could readily com- 
pensate ; whilst his own, without relief from Batavia, would be 
irretrievable. The gloomy anticipations this last view of his situation 
must have excited he locked in his own breast ; and having addressed 
his men, pointing out in a few words his confidence in their valour, 
his certainty of their success, the probability of their being attacked 
that night, and the measures he wished to be taken, dismissed 
them to their several posts. Those who were not on guard retired 
to sleep on their arms, and the pirates did not interrupt their repose. 
By day-light the next morning the number of prows off* the 
landing-place had increased to forty-five, and were soon after joined 
by ten more. All possible preparation was made to defeat their 
attack, but their endless supplies created a cruel anxiety, and the 
hopes of succour became feeble as its want became greater. Their 
proverbial treachery forbade any attempt at treating with them, and 
their force was sufficient, if well exerted, to prevent the arrival of 
boats coming to the relief of the party, whilst the rocky and shallow 
nature of the coast would not suffer the approach of a ship within 
several miles of the island. To conquer or to die was no new or 
fearful alternative to British sailors; but to die by the hands of 
savages in a remote corner of the world, whence their fate could never 
reach the knowledge of their friends, and in a conflict from which their 
