Accordingly, two small junks were permitted to be hired; leave of absence was given to an Inspector of the Police, a Mr. Batten, who has exhibited special dexterity in acquiring information and tracking pirates in all his proceedings. Accompanied by a Mandarin from Kowloon and several well-armed volunteers from the Police Force, also on leave of absence, Inspector Batten proceeded early in February towards some islands off the North East corner of Mirs Bay, about 30 miles from Hong Kong.
As anticipated, and in full confirmation of the information given, the two pirate junks put out to attack the vessel manned by the Police. They were warmly received, but managed to escape, having greater speed than the hired junks.
They proceeded, however, to a place in British waters at Kowloon, on the mainland side of this harbor, and were seized. Information reached Inspector Batten of their position, and unfortunately, most of the crews had in the meantime dispersed, but about nine prisoners were taken, including two women, who had been employed to steer the junks.