There are three prahus ahead; steer for the center one, coxswain." With a cheer the men bent to their oars, and dashed at the prahu which, as was evident by patches of plank freshly fastened to her side, was one of those that had before escaped them.
"Follow me," the lieutenant shouted to the boat behind; "we must take them one by one." The three boats dashed at the pirate craft, which was crowded with men, regardless of the fire from the other two vessels.
The launch steered for her stem, the first cutter for her bow, while the midshipmen swept round her, and boarded her on the opposite side.

A furious contest took place on her deck, the Malays being so confused by being assailed at three points simultaneously that the midshipmen's party were enabled to gain a footing with but very slight resistance.
The shouts of the Malays near them brought many running from the other points, and the parties there gained a footing with comparatively little loss.

Then a desperate struggle began; but the Malays were unable to withstand the furious attack of the British, and ere long began to leap overboard and swim to the other craft, which were both coming to their aid.
The launch's gun had not been fired, and, calling to Dick, Harry leaped down into the boat.

The two midshipmen trained the gun upon the nearest prahu, and aiming at the waterline, fired it when the craft was within twenty feet of them.

A moment later its impetus brought it against the side of the launch, which was crushed like an eggshell between it and the captured prahu, the two midshipmen springing on board just in time.
It was the Malays' turn to board now, that of the British to prevent them; the musketry of the sailors and marines for a time kept the enemy off, but they strove desperately to gain a footing on board, until a loud cry was heard, and the craft into which the midshipmen had fired sank suddenly, and a loud cheer broke from the British.
The two midshipmen were engaged with the other pirate, from whom a cry of dismay arose at seeing the disappearance of their friends.
"Now, lads, follow me," Harry shouted as the Malays strove to push their craft away.