Pulo Aura's attack and chase sell the illusion

Dance initially changed into a faster sailing formation to reach the straits, but that made the convoy look less threatening and encouraged Linois to approach. When the French threatened to isolate its rear, the leading East Indiamen tacked toward them and opened their guns. The maneuver made experienced merchant crews look like trained naval crews. The long-range exchange caused little damage, although Royal George lost Hugh Watt and another sailor was wounded. After Linois withdrew, Dance ordered a pursuit to sustain the warship disguise even though the merchant ships could not generally match French speed. The main account describes about two hours of pursuit; Linois's quoted explanation says three. Dance then recalled the pursuing ships because he needed to keep the merchant convoy together and avoid exposing it to other raiders. By evening it had anchored at the entrance to the Straits of Malacca.