They were too late, however.

Almost before the craft had way on her Fothergill and his crew were alongside.

The Chinese did not wait for the attack, but at once sprang overboard and made for the shore.

The other three junks, seeing the capture of their comrades, had already hoisted their sails and were making up the creek.

Fothergill dropped an anchor, left four of his men in charge, and rowed back to Mr.Oliphant.
"What shall we do next, sir ?" "We will give those fellows on shore a lesson, and silence their battery.