pened on them from a range of huts in their
front, the Maoris running their muskets through the walls. The
defenders in the smaller huts were soon disposed of, but from a large
hut in the centre a most determined resistance was made. One of the
seamen had got close up to the door, when it was opened and he was
hauled inside before his comrades could rescue him. There could be
little doubt but that he was instantly put to death. There being
nothing at hand to break in the door, the seamen again and again
attempted to force an entrance, while the defenders continued to fire
through the walls.

"We must not let those fellows keep us back," cried Jack, dashing
forward at the head of his men, when all at once flames burst forth so
furiously from every part of the building that no one could approach it.

Not another shot was fired; probably the defenders had exhausted their
ammunition. Just as Jack was about to order his men to move on and
attack another part of the village, the door opened and a tall Maori
stalked forth, his blanket over his head to defend himself from the
flames. With a dignified step he advanced towards Jack, and presenting
his war axe, he yielded himself up as a prisoner. No others came out,
and the roof of the hut directly afterwards fell in. For a moment the
seamen stopped, gazing at the catastrophe; then the impulse seized them
to rush forward and attempt to rescue their fellow-creatures, but it was
too late: for an instant a blackened head rose amidst the burning
embers, and in another place an arm and shoulder appeared, but directly
after sank down. Not a groan, not a sound proceeded from the building.
All within it had perished, together with the unfortunate seaman who had
been dragged inside.

In the mean time the resistance offered in the other parts of the
village had been overcome. A hut near the centre still remained,
however, from which shots were fired at the assailants. Jack led on his
men to attack it. As the door was closed they fired, knowing that their
bullets would penetrate the walls. After the first discharge Jack
called to the inmates to surrender themselves. A shout of defiance was
the only reply, followed by several shots. Again the seamen fired, when
dashing forward they burst open the door. No further resistance was
then offered. On the ground lay stretched four Maoris, still grasping
their muskets, while at the other end sat a young girl, supporting in
her la