two hours after midnight
Capital advice if it could be acted upon , and a way of avoiding all kris wounds , but useless against the Malays ' other dangerous weapon , the limbing or lance . All the preparations were made over-night , so that long before daybreak the expedition could be well on the way , the object being to surprise the stockade and its defenders , and burn the bamboo fortification and the prahus . The force was to consist of fifty soldiers , twenty-five marines , and fifty blue-jackets , who were to embark in the steamer 's boats , two of which were provided with small breech-loading pieces running on slides , and under the charge of the sailors . Water , provisions , plenty of spare ammunition , all were handed down , and two hours after midnight , the boats that were to convey the soldiers ranged up alongside the landing-place , and in due time the embarkation took place , the soldiers being under the command of Captain Smithers , the sailors under that of the first lieutenant of the `` Startler . '' A guide had been found in the person of a native fisherman , who , upon coming to the island the day before , had been detained , so that he should not communicate with the shore , and so give warning of the expedition . Not that there was any fear , for the Malay was in a high state of delight at the idea of the rajah meeting his match . From this man they learned that for many years past Rajah Gangtang had been a perfect scourge to the river .