amazed to see at least twenty fully-equipped war-canoes, each
carrying from thirty to forty warriors, rounding the headland, some
little distance away, and making straight for our ship. Now my
shrewd Dutch partner had anticipated a possible attack, and had
accordingly armed all the Malays with tomahawks, in readiness for
any attempt that might be made to board the schooner. We had also
taken off the hatches, and made a sort of fortification with them
round the wheel.

Jensen and I armed ourselves with guns, loaded our little cannon,
and prepared to make a desperate fight for our lives against the
overwhelming odds. In spite of the danger of our position, I could
not help being struck with the magnificence of the spectacle
presented by the great fleet of boats now fast advancing towards
us. The warriors had all assumed their fighting decorations, with
white stripes painted round their dusky bodies to strike terror
into the beholder. Their head-dress consisted of many-coloured
feathers projecting from the hair, which they had matted and caused
to stand bolt upright from the head. Each boat had a prow about
three feet high, surmounted by a grotesquely carved figure-head.
The war-canoes were propelled by twelve men, paddling on either
side. When the first came within hailing distance I called out and
made signs that they were not to advance unless their intentions
were peaceful. By way of reply, they merely brandished their bows
and arrows at us. There was no mistaking their mission.

It was now quite evident that we should have to make a fight for
it, and the natives were coming to the attack in such numbers as
easily to overwhelm us if they once got on board. Our position was
rendered still more awkward by the fact that all round the ship