Across the mouth of the river, Toolajee's grabs were drawn up, among them being the _Restoration_, the capture of which, six years before, had caused so much heart-burning in Bombay.

As the heavy shot and shell came pouring in from over one hundred and fifty guns at close range, the Gheriah defenders manfully strove to repay the same with interest.

But so terrific was the fire brought to bear on them, that it was impossible for them to lay their guns properly.

In that February afternoon many a cruel outrage was expiated under that hail of iron.

After two hours' firing, a shell set the _Restoration_ on fire; it spread to the grabs, and before long the Angrian fleet,[3] that had been the terror of the coast for half a century, was in a blaze.