your men on the poop, and tell them to open fire as soon as the
guns send the Malays flying from their battery? I can see that
there are large numbers gathered round it. Mr. Ferguson, will you
see that the guns are all laid on that battery? When they are ready,
fire a broadside that will clear the place out at once."

Two minutes later there was a crash as the whole of the guns on
the starboard side were discharged at the same moment. The effect
was tremendous, and the storm of grape swept away the whole of
the buildings beneath which the guns were standing. Three of these
were dismounted, and not one of the men who had been crowded round
them remained on his feet. Numbers were seen running away in all
directions, and a volley from the marines brought several of these
down.

"There is an end to the attack," the captain said quietly. "Order
the men to load with shell, and to direct their aim in the first
place at the rajah's palace; there is no occasion for rapid firing."

Gun after gun sent its messenger into the palace, and in three or
four minutes flames were seen rising from it. The order was then
given to fire with grape at all the houses facing the water. In
the meantime the men were called from their guns on the port side,
and the boats lowered. The marines and all the sailors, save those
serving the starboard guns, took their places in them, the first
lieutenant taking the command, and on the word being given they
dashed with a cheer towards the shore, and, leaping out, formed
up, and led by their officers ran forward, not a shot being fired
by the Malays as they did so.