Say that large numbers of them have gone on board the four prahus, and that I am about to open fire upon them again." As soon as the mate had left, parties of men were set to work to shift the guns to their old positions, and fire was again opened upon the piratical prahus, who replied, as before, with their little guns.

A very few minutes later a shell flew overhead, and fell in the water near where the craft were anchored.

Another and another followed quickly.
Intense excitement was manifest on board the prahus, and almost immediately their cables were cut, oars got out, and at a great rate they started down the creek.
"The place has got too hot for them altogether, Harry; they think it better to run the gauntlet of the ship's guns than to be sunk at their moorings." Scarcely had the prahus issued from the pool, than the guns of the ship were heard.
"I am afraid that some of them will get away, Harry.

The beggars row so fast that there won't be time to give them more than one broadside as they pass.

If the ship is aground, which is likely enough, for the captain pushed up farther than we thought possible, they will be pretty safe when they have once got past her." Presently the guns were heard to fire in rapid succession.