vey of the whole pah through their glasses.

"Very strange!" observed Jack. "I see no people moving about, nor any
in the entrenchments."

"We must not, however, be too sure of that," answered Terence. "They
may show themselves fast enough when we commence the assault."

They were now joined by the major commanding the troops, and together
they settled the part of the works on which to direct the chief attack.

Scarcely was this done when up went the signal rocket, and hurrying back
to their men they led them forward, expecting every moment to be exposed
to the enemy's fire, but still not a black head appeared, not a gun
barrel was to be seen. As soon as the ground would permit, the
blue-jackets and soldiers advanced at the double, creating a dust which
completely surrounded them. On reaching the palisades the seamen began
to climb over, while the soldiers with their axes commenced opening a
space through which they could force their way. Still not a shot had
been fired. They could see that the troops at the other side of the pah
were engaged in similar work, and almost at the same moment both parties
forced an entrance. Great was their surprise and disappointment to
discover that the space was deserted. There could be no doubt that the
Maoris who had attacked Jack formed part of the garrison, and that
finding the formidable preparations made for their destruction, they had
deserted the pah, and falling in with him on their retreat, had intended
to revenge themselves by attempting to cut him off.

The general now resolved to attack two other important positions to the
south of the province of Auckland, which prevented a free communication
between that province and Taranki. Jack had much wished to return on
board the _Empress_ to ascertain how Tom was getting on, but finding
that more work was to be done, he overcame his fraternal feelings,
though Tom's wound caused him considerable anxiety.

The object on most occasions throughout the warfare waged with the rebel
tribes was to out-flank and take the enemy in the rear. The success of
these movements of course depended greatly upon the secrecy with which
they were conducted. The force was now strengthened by three guns, two
Armstrong six-pounders, and a naval six-pounder which Terence had
brought from his ship. The tents were allowed to stand until after
nightfall, and no signs were made in the British camp that the troops
were about to move. Soon after