The advantage derived from the oars is, that in the tropical seas very light winds and calms are of common occurrence, during either of which the prau can easily overtake an ordinary sailing-ship.

And when a brisk wind arises, and it is desirable to avoid any vessel that may be endeavouring to come up with them, they can, by means of their strong rowing force, get to windward of the chasing craft, and so out of harm's way.
Ships are not always the objects of their piratical cruisings, or they might at times find it but an unprofitable business.

Combined with sea piracy, they make frequent land expeditions along the coasts of the different islands, going up the inlets and rivers, and plundering the towns or other settlements situated on their banks.

And their booty does not always consist of goods, chattels, and money, but of men, women, and children; for they are men-robbers as well as murderers and pirates.

Their captives are carried off to their places of rendezvous, and there kept until they can be sold into slavery--a market for this kind of commodity being easily found in almost every island of the Malayan Archipelago--whether it be Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, or under the dominion of its own native rulers, the sultans and rajahs.
Well aware of all these circumstances, Captain Redwood knew the danger he and his party would incur should they fall into the hands of the Lanoons.