As soon as the Malays saw the Chinese boats rounding the point, they boldly dashed at them, forced them to the river’s banks, drove out the crews, and triumphantly captured ten of the largest. The Chinese, better armed, kept up a hot fire from the rising ground, and killed several of the best men among the Malays, among others abang Gapur, whose disbelief in his kinsman’s story enabled the rebels to surprise the town, and who to his last breath bewailed his fatal mistake; and one who was equally to be regretted, our old follower Kasim, whom I have so often mentioned in the earlier chapters. The latter lingered long enough to see the rajah again triumphant, and said he died happy in knowing it. It was he who, though a good Mahomedan, and without knowing he was a plagiarist, used to say,--“I would rather be in hell with the English, than in heaven with you, my own countrymen.” Notwithstanding their losses, the Malays towed away the boats, fortunately laden with some of the most valuable booty, and secured them to a large trading prahu anchored in the centre of the river. Having thus captured also some better arms and ammunition, they kept up a fire on their enemies who lined the banks. In the meantime the rajah arrived opposite the Chinese quarter, and found a complete panic prevailing, and all those who had preceded him flying in every direction; having vainly endeavoured to restore a little order, he returned to carry out his original intention. He joined the fugitives farther down the river, and having sent off the ladies and the wounded to the secure fort of Lingga, under the care of the bishop and as many Englishmen as he could spare, he prepared on the following day to take the same route, in order to obtain a base of operations, and a secure spot to rally the people and await a fresh supply of arms. It was sad to think of the mischief which might happen during this period of enforced inaction, particularly as the datu bandhar and a chosen band were still in Kuching anchored in the centre of the river, and making attacks whenever they saw a chance. The Chinese were dragging up heavy guns, and it was evident the Malays could not hold for many days, and there was now nothing to defend, as the flames reddened the horizon and the increasing volumes of smoke told the tale too well that the town was being destroyed.