e after this the hard-pressed band were left at peace, and
the wounded who lay on the ground were lifted up and brought together,
so that a small party could defend them. The sun rose, and the heat,
even on the summit of the hill, became excessive. The poor wounded
fellows cried out loudly for water.

"I think, sir, I might get down, and by keeping among the trees, be back
with a couple of hats full before the enemy find me out," said Jerry.

"I wish, my brave fellow, that I dare let you go," answered Jack. "I
feel confident that you would be discovered and shot."

It was very tantalising to see the water glittering in the distance and
yet not to be able to get to it. That Jack was right was soon shown by
the enemy suddenly appearing. They must have observed how many of the
seamen had already been shot down, and felt confident of ultimate
success. They were received with the same steady fire as before, and
several were killed. Jack at last began to lose all hope of escaping,
but he determined to hold out while a man remained alive. He had often
been in dangerous positions, but at no time had he seen the prospect of
death so near for himself and his followers. As long as his ammunition
held out, however, he might still hope to keep the enemy at bay, as they
appeared to have no inclination to come to close quarters. Scarcely a
man of his party had escaped without one or more bullets having pierced
his clothes or hat, while on each occasion, when attacked, several had
fallen.

A longer pause than before ensued, when the Maoris, with loud shouts,
sprang up the hill, as if resolved to surround and overwhelm the small
party of seamen. Jack could not help feeling that they would too
probably succeed. He, notwithstanding, cheered on his men and urged
them to deliver their fire steadily at the foe.

Just then a cheer was heard at the bottom of the hill. The advancing
Maoris stopped and looked over their right shoulders. The next instant
a volley was fired among them, which brought several to the ground,
while the rest turned and fled away to the left, many throwing down
their muskets as they rushed through the brushwood. In a few minutes a
party of seamen were seen coming up the hill, and Adair and Desmond
dashed across the open to meet Jack with his men. Their greeting was
but short, as Adair considered that the enemy should be followed and
severely punished. Jack advised him not to go far lest he might fal