Page 304 - INDIANNAVYV1

272 HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.

less than fifty proas and boats liad arrived, with at least five
hundred men on board. Their objeet was evidently to slaughter.
the Europeans for the sake of plunder, and as they hourly
grew stronger, they were less careful to conceal their intentions.
That evening. Captain Maxwell assembled his men, and in-
forming them that he was hourly expecting an attack from the
pirates, made a spirited appeal to them, and promised them
victor_y. His address was received with three hearty cheers,
which resounded far and wide, and produced an evident effect
on the savages, who mistook the hurrahs for a war-cry, and
stood on the defensive. The night passed without any attack,
but the morning discovered the enemy strengthened by the
arrival of ten more vessels, with a hundred additional men.
The position of the English grew momentarily more critical,
and they began to ponder which alternative they should accept,
that of dashing at the pirates, and, at the risk of being butchered
themselves, getting possession of their boats ; or that of stand-
ing on their defence until their scanty provisions were exhausted,
or assistance arrived from Java. "While they were yet un-
decided which course to adopt, one of the ofilcers climbed a tall
tree, and reported something like a sail at a great distance.
A look-out was immediately sent up with a glass, and sweeping
the horizon, soon announced a vessel standing towards the
island under all sail. At this news, the anxieties of the ship-
wrecked crew vanished at once, and gave place to a joy as
general as unbounded, and from many a heart sincere thanks
were returned to the Almighty for their happy deliverance.
The vessel approaching proved lo be the ' Ternate,' despatched
by Lord Amherst to their assistance. The horde of pirates
made a precipitate flight at her appearance, amidst a vollej'
from the now rescued crew. All were embarked on board her,
and arrived in safety at Batavia, where the Ambassador himself
received them hospitablv. and had them comfortably provided
for."