SHIPWRECK. 
271 
country could derive no good and themselves no glory, was indeed a 
bitter thought. In a pensive but determined mood they awaited the 
moment of attack, their desperate courage receiving a keener edge 
from the known sanguinary and unappeasable temper of their foes. 
The day was cloudy with a drizzling rain. Those who occupied the 
hill, and were not engaged in duty, separated into groups and took 
refuge in their huts, and discussed the various circumstances of 
their situation. Whilst anxiously weighing every chance of re- 
lief, and endeavouring to open new paths to hope, an officer on 
the look-out tree called out for a telescope. A feverish expecta- 
tion agitated all who heard him, but all were silent. They had so 
often been deluded by a similar demand, that at first no one dared 
to ask what he expected to discover. At length Captain Maxwell 
having handed up his glass, ventured to enquire, “ Do you see any 
thing, Sir ?” “ I think I see a sail,” was the cautious answer. — “ In 
what direction ?” “ To the southward.” — “ What kind of vessel is 
she?” “ I cannot at present determine.”— “ How is she steering?” 
“Apparently N.N.E., but I am not certain.” Nearly half an hour 
then elapsed in consequence of the haziness of the atmosphere before 
more satisfactory answers could be obtained, although “ Well what is 
she ?” was the repeated demand of the impatient expectants. At 
length the welcome affirmation “ She is a square-rigged vessel, 
steering N.N.E.,” soon followed by “ She is preparing to anchor, 
but I am losing sight of her under the south point of the island,” 
diffused a general and a cheering hope. In the next instant it 
was reported from the landing-place, that the whole Malay force, 
having seen the vessel, were getting under weigh and endeavouring 
to effect their retreat. Every one immediately hastened to the 
shore, and beheld the pirates crowding all sail and standing from 
the island. In their haste to be off, two of their prows grounded, 
but got clear before they could be reached by a party of the Al- 
ceste’s officers and men who, armed with pikes, rushed into the 
water and swam after them. 
