The operation began just as the Malays made one of their retreats, and by the time they returned, the guns were placed in their new position, their muzzles peeping out from among the sandbags, while the embrasures on the water face had been closed by bags taken from the upper line.

The effect of the fire at such close quarters was to drive the Malays flying into the forest.

Shortly afterwards the sound of chopping was heard.
"The beggars are trying to cut a path through the jungle to our rear, Dick," Harry Parkhurst said.
"Obstinate brutes! But I don't think much of that, Harry: they will get on well enough until they arrive within twenty or thirty yards of us, when we can pepper them so hotly that they will soon get sick of it." At this moment there was the report of a heavy gun, and a shell crashed through the forest fifty yards in the rear of the fort.

Loud yells of rage and alarm rose from the Malays, while a hearty cheer broke from the defenders of the fort.

Closely following, came the sound of another gun, and then a rain of grape, some of which whistled over the fort.
"Keep yourselves well down behind the sandbags, men," Lieutenant Ferguson shouted; "the captain knows that we have shelter, and will sweep the Malays out of the forest round us.