g off to
see how you had fared when your native boy arrived with your note, and
it was a great relief to us to know that you had repulsed their attack
with such heavy loss to them; I am afraid that several others have not
fared so well. Two or three native servants have come in this morning
with news of massacres of whole families, they themselves having
managed to make their escape in the confusion; and I am afraid that we
shall hear of other similar cases. Your gallant defence of your station
has been of most important service to us all. There is no doubt that it
saved us from an attack at our place. There were a good many natives in
the bush round us this morning yelling and shouting, but they did not
venture on an attack; and I have no doubt they were waiting for the
arrival of the party told off to attack your place on their way. Do you
think that there are any of them still in the bush on the other side?"

"I should hardly think so," Mr. Atherton replied. "There must have been
fully half of them in the party you attacked, and the others are hardly
likely to have waited after they saw you had defeated their friends; but
I think that it would be as well for a party of us to ascertain, for if
they are still lurking there some of us may be shot down as we move
about outside the house. We are quite strong enough now to venture upon
such a step."

"I think so too," Mr. Mitford agreed. "There are ten men beside myself
and your party. We had better leave four here, the rest of us will make
a dash down to the edge of the bush and then skirmish through it."

Mr. Renshaw, the two Grimstones, and one of the settlers were appointed
to remain behind to guard the house, and the rest of the party then
dashed at full speed across the glade to the edge of the bush. Not a
shot was fired as they did so, and having once gained the shelter they
advanced through the trees. After pushing forward for half a mile they
came to the conclusion that the Maoris had retreated. Many signs were
seen of their presence. There were marks of blood here and there, and
the bushes were broken down where they had carried off those who had
fallen killed or wounded in the bush; the bodies of those who had fallen
in the open still remained there.

Upon the return of the party Mr. Mitford was informed of the
determination that had been arrived at. This met with his cordial
approval.

"I think, Mrs. Renshaw," he said, "that the best plan will be for you