Then gathering themselves together they again
rushed forward, while those in their rear discharged volleys of arrows
over their heads.
Among the defenders, every man now fought for himself, loading and
firing as rapidly as possible. Sometimes the natives nearly gained a
footing on the crest; but each time the defenders, with clubbed
muskets, beat them back again.
The combat was, however, doubtful, for their assailants were many
hundred strong; when the defenders were gladdened with a shout of
"Make way, my hearties. Let us come to the front, and give them a
dose." In a moment two ship's guns, loaded to the muzzle with bullets,
were run forward, and poured their contents among the crowded masses
below.
The effect was decisive. The natives, shaken by the resistance they
had already experienced, and appalled by the destruction wrought by
the cannon, turned and fled along the shore, followed by the shots of
the defenders, and by two more rounds of grape, which the sailors
poured into them before they could reach their boats.
Similar success had attended the defenders of the other flank of the
position, and all hands now aided in swinging round the guns, which
had done such good service, to enable them to bear their share in the
fight with the ships.
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