about ten o'clock
It fell to the lot of Adam Gray to take charge of the Malay who ate voraciously of what was placed before him , and then smiling his satisfaction he prepared himself a piece of betel-nut , and lying down in the shade went off fast asleep , evidently wearied out . Meanwhile a short consultation was held , during which it was settled that at any risk the steamer must go to the assistance of the beleaguered party , Captain Smithers being on the alert to retire into the barracks when it became necessary . This place he would have to hold with stubborn determination , knowing that the steamer could not be long away , and that Lieutenant Johnson was going with the knowledge that those he left behind were in need of help . The fires were lit on the instant , and every effort made to get the steam up , but all was done as quietly as possible , so as not to take the attention of the Malays , and about ten o'clock all was ready for the start , when Adam Gray went and roused up the Malay . The man rose , shook himself , and then accompanied his guide without a word , climbing the side of the steamer , where everything was ready ; the cables were cast loose , and at half-steam the great vessel moved softly up the river by the light of the stars , which just made their way visible . As far as they could see , the alarm of the departure had not been spread ; and the steamer glided away so softly , and with so little noise , that there was the chance of her escaping the notice of the Malays , who might not find out their departure until morning . This would delay any attack that might be made for many hours ; but all the same , Captain Smithers felt it better to at once evacuate the outer works , and two hours after the steamer had glided away , almost invisible to those who saw her go , the outer works were lying unguarded , and the whole of the force safely barricaded in the stronghold , with every sentry on the alert .