treated to the centre of the redoubt, where they seemed determined to
defend themselves. The troops on the south side were at the same time
fighting their way across the lines of rifle-pits, from which the enemy
were firing at them with deadly effect. One pit after another was
taken, the occupants of some being bayoneted, while those of others,
losing heart, leaped out and endeavoured to make their escape across the
lake to the east, the only outlet which now remained for them.

The main body of the enemy held out in their centre fortification, which
was of the strongest description. In vain the most desperate attack was
made on it by a gallant party of artillery. So high were the palisades
that the scaling ladders could not reach the summit. Their commanding
officer, in searching for a spot through which an entrance might be
made, was brought mortally wounded to the ground. Other officers fell;
at length the soldiers had to retire.

"Now, Captain Rogers, will you see what you can do?" said an
_aide-de-camp_, who had been despatched by the general.

"On, lads!" cried Jack. He and Adair led the way, followed at hot speed
by their men. Terence had brought a number of hand-grenades, which were
carried by a party under Desmond's command. It was hoped, by throwing
them in, the enemy would be driven from the spot, and time allowed for
the seamen to climb over the palisades. The naval party were received
with as hot a fire as had met the troops. The brave Maoris,
disconcerted by the repeated attacks made on them, began to waver.

Jack, in leading on his men, was struck down, and Tom, who took his
place, was wounded in the left shoulder, but still continued at the head
of his men.

Desmond, in the mean time, was endeavouring to throw in his
hand-grenades. Although they burst in the midst of the enemy, and must
have wounded several, others springing forward occupied their places,
and nearly a score of blue jackets being killed or wounded, Captain
Adair was obliged to retire.

Just then Jack, who had been stunned by a bullet which had grazed his
head, inflicting a scalp wound, recovered, and, calling on his men to
follow, led them up once more to the assault.

Adair, imitating his example, and observing that some of the palisades
had been shattered by the hand-grenades, attacked them with a party of
his men who carried axes. While the Maoris hurried to defend the spot
thus threatened by Adair, Jack and Tom, qu