a point a mile distant, in a position
commanding the spur of the hill, up which the natives must advance after
crossing a ford on the Arai River. Four days passed and there was no
news of the convoy with the provisions, and the supply in camp was
almost exhausted. That evening Major Biggs started to bring up the
supplies with all speed, as otherwise starvation would compel the force
to retreat. The same day Mr. Skipwith had arrived with news that Te
Kooti was undoubtedly marching on Paparatu, but was making slow progress
owing to the heavy loads his men were carrying.

The fifth day passed slowly. The men being altogether without food Mr.
Atherton divided his small stock of provisions and wine among them, and
then taking his rifle went out among the hills, accompanied by two of
his natives. Late in the evening he returned, the natives bearing an old
boar which he had shot. This was a great piece of luck, for the island
contained no wild animals fit for eating, and the boar had probably
escaped from some settler's farm or native clearing when young and taken
to the woods. It was at once cut up and divided among the hungry men.
The next day Mr. Skipwith, with two natives, went out to reconnoitre,
and soon returned at full speed, saying that the natives were crossing
the river. Captain Wilson, with twenty men, took possession of a hill on
the right flank--an almost impregnable position, while Captain Westrupp,
with the main body, marched to support the picket which had been placed
on the position which it had been arranged they should occupy; but
before they could arrive there Te Kooti, with overwhelming numbers, had
driven the picket from the ground and occupied the hill.

"This is going to be an awkward business, Wilfrid," Mr. Atherton said.
"We have only thirty rounds of ammunition a man, and we have had nothing
to eat for the last forty-eight hours but a mouthful of meat. We have
suffered the natives to take the position we fixed on. We are
outnumbered three to one, and there are not ten men in the force who
have had any experience in fighting. If the worst comes to the worst,
Wilfrid, do you and the Allens take to the bush. Mind, it is no use
trying to run from the natives. If the men were all like our party the
other day we could keep these fellows at bay for any time; but they are
most of them young hands. They will blaze away their ammunition, and may
be seized with a panic. I shall keep close to you, and if thing