They proved to be Portuguese, and the English hails were answered by threats and shouts of defiance.

The _Bengal_ then fired a shot across the bows of the leading grab, which was answered by a broadside, killing the second mate and two seamen.

The _Bombay_ closed in, while the _Fort St.George_ turned its attention to the second grab.

In half an hour both of the Portuguese vessels struck their colours, and the galleys continued their course for Bombay with their two prizes, each carrying twenty guns.

Such was the difference made by having British seamen, instead of the miserable crews that had hitherto manned the Company's ships.
It was well for the Bombay Council that Matthews had been absent while this was going on.