As they neared the junks the fire of those on board redoubled, and was aided by that of many villagers gathered on the bank of the creek.

Suddenly from a bank of rushes four cannons were fired.

A ball struck the pinnace, smashing in her side.

The other boats gathered hastily round and took her crew on board, and then dashed at the junks, which were but a hundred yards distant.

The valor of the Chinese evaporated as they saw the boats approaching, and scores of them leaped overboard and swam for shore.
In another minute the boats were alongside and the crews scrambling up the sides of the junks.