WARFARE IN NEW ZEALAND--BLUE-JACKETS FROM EMPRESS AND ORION LAND--A
DESPERATE ATTACK ON A PAH--THE PAH CAPTURED--A NIGHT MARCH--THE PARTY
LOSE THEIR WAY--GAIN THE TOP OF A HILL--BIVOUAC--ATTACKED BY A LARGE
PARTY OF MAORIS--A GALLANT DEFENCE--MANY KILLED--TOM WOUNDED--NEARLY
OVERWHELMED--JACK HOLDS OUT BRAVELY--SUCCOURED IN TIME BY ADAIR AND
DESMOND--ASSAULT ON THE PAH--DESERTED BY THE GARRISON--A NIGHT MARCH TO
ATTACK A VILLAGE--DESPERATE DEFENCE OF THE INHABITANTS--THE OLD CHIEF'S
GRANDDAUGHTER--TIM PROPOSES TO SPLICE HER OFFHAND--THE END OF THE
CONTEST--HOMEWARD BOUND--BILLY STRUCK BY MOON-BLINDNESS--A
THUNDERSTORM--BILLY RESTORED TO SIGHT--THE ORION LOST SIGHT OF--THE
EMPRESS REACHES SPITHEAD.
Each of the two ships carried a party of volunteers, who had been raised
to assist the New Zealand colonists and regular troops in putting down
the Maori rebellion, which had some time before broken out.
The part of the northern island of New Zealand in which the natives had
taken up arms, is a region of mountains, hills, and valleys, with lakes
and streams, and several rivers of considerable size, the Thames and the
Waikato being the largest. The ground is either covered with dense
forest or scrub, or long grass, and the thickly growing flax plant,
which afforded cover to the Maoris in their engagements with the British
troops. The rebels had frequently been defeated, but had fought bravely
on all occasions, and sometimes successfully defended themselves.
The commander-in-chief had resolved to attack a strong pah, in which one
of the principal chiefs, with a large body of followers, held out, and
the ships of war were ordered round, that the men of the larger ones
might be landed to co-operate with the troops, while the smaller vessels
and gun-boats proceeded up the river to bombard the enemy's
fortifications before they were assaulted. The Maoris had already shown
themselves to be both brave and intelligent foes, and that, savages
though they were called, they were in no way to be despised.
Jack and Adair were dining together on board the _Empress_. They
intended to land next day with about eighty men and several officers, to
assist the troops in the attack on the pah. It was situated on a hill
some way up the river. The smaller steamers and gun-boats were to
convey the troops and tow the men-of-war's boats with the blue-jackets
on board. Besides the pah, strong entrenchments had been thrown up by
the Maoris, reaching from the right bank of the river to a lake on the
opposite side of the pah, thus completely blocking up the road. In
addition to these fortifications, were two lines of rifle-pits, the most
dangerous style of defence to attack in the hands of a desperate enemy.
Both soldiers and sailors knew that it was no child's play in which they
were to be engaged, and that, savage as was the foe, many a life might
be lost before he would be compelled to succumb.
Jack was unusually grave. Adair laughed and joked, as was his custom.
"If I fall to-morrow," said Jack, "tell Julia how I longed to return
home to be with her. There is a letter for her, which I wrote last
night, in my desk. I have left you my executor. My worldly affairs are
in good order, so that you will not have much trouble. My letter
contains chiefly expressions of my devoted affection and a few
directions."
"Of course I will do everything you wish, should such a misfortune
happen, but I do not believe that the bullet is cast that is to deprive
you of life, Jack," answered Adair. "You'll get your flag, as I hope to
get mine one of these days; although I know it is possible that a bit of
lead may find me out, yet the chances are if it does it won't hit a
vital part. Still, in case such a thing should happen, you will bear my
affectionate farewells to Lucy, though she knows that I love her as the
`apple of my eye.'"
Gerald had come on board to see Tom, and the four relatives spent the
evening together. The two young lieutenants were to join in the attack.
At an early hour the next morning the expedition commenced the ascent of
the river. It was sufficiently wide and deep to float steamers of
considerable size, but as the current was very strong, it greatly
impeded their progress. It had been arranged that simultaneous attacks
should be made both above the fortifications and below them. The
steamers which carried the troops destined to assault the southern end
of the pah proceeded up the river.
Jack and Terence with their men, having landed on the north side of the
fortifications, were directed to proceed close to the neck of land, and
sweeping round, left shoulders foremost, to attack the entrenchments at
the part they would then reach.
Their guide conducted them until they reached the foot of a low ridge
just beyond gunshot of the enemy. Here they were to remain until a
signal was made for them to commence the action.
Jack and Tom climbed up among some low brushwood which lined the top of
the ridge, whence they could see into the pah about to be attacked. It
was a formidable-looking place, with a deep ditch in front, and strong
palisades, which must be pulled down or escaladed before it could be
entered. Through his glass Jack observed a line of dark heads with
musket barrels shining in the sun. These were only the outer defences;
within were other entrenchments and pits, all probably concealing a host
of determined enemies, for it had been reported that the pah was held by
nearly a thousand men.
The blue-jackets cared very little for the difficulties and dangers
before them. They were laughing and joking as usual, eagerly looking
forward for the signal to assault the works. In the mean time the
troops, having landed, were marching up to their destined positions, the
object of the general being so completely to surround the pah that none
of the garrison could escape and give further trouble.
Just then an officer arrived, directing Captain Rogers to keep his men
in reserve. This was disappointment, as all hoped to be among the first
in the fort.
At length the gun-boats, which had got into position, opened fire on the
fort. Their shot, however, produced but little effect in the wide open
space into which they fell, the enemy having numberless pits and holes
in which they could protect themselves. The larger steamers were
impeded by the current, and unable to get into position from whence they
could discharge their shot at the pah.
At length a rocket flew up from a hill at the north end above the river,
as a signal to attack. It was answered by another at the south end,
when the troops, rising from behind the cover which had concealed them
from the enemy, rushed forward towards the pah, those who had just
landed joining them on their right. They were received by a withering
fire from the fortifications, which brought many to the ground, but,
nothing daunted, they pushed forward to plant their scaling ladders
against the palisades. The first line was quickly gained. More
soldiers, as they landed, joined the first assailants, when the enemy
retreated 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, quickly followed by the
_Empress's_ men, mounting their ladders, climbed over the palisades, and
were inside before the enemy perceived them. Although there was yet
another fortification in which the Maoris might have held out for a
short time longer, finding that they were overpowered, they hoisted a
white flag as a sign that they were ready to capitulate.
The troops who had been advancing to the support of the blue-jackets
joined their shouts to the hearty cheers of the victors. Not another
shot was fired. Several hundred Maoris, many of them being chiefs, laid
down their arms. Some of the warriors declared that when they saw an
officer whom they thought killed get up and lead on his men as bravely
as before, it was time to give in.
The victory, however, had been dearly purchased: upwards of forty men
had been killed, including four officers, and nearly a hundred wounded,
while the Maoris must have lost a much larger number. Two or three
hundred of the enemy, who had been unable to escape, yielded themselves
prisoners of war, promising never again to take up arms against the
British. They were kindly treated, and at once became on very good
terms with the soldiers and blue-jackets. It was curious to see them
mingling with the men round their camp fires, talking in broken English,
and apparently on the most friendly terms with their late enemies. As
they were totally unarmed, and their chiefs remained as hostages well
guarded, there was no fear of their attempting any treachery.
A redoubt was now commenced on the captured position. Soldiers and
sailors laboured together in its construction, the latter especially in
bringing up the guns, ammunition, and stores required by the garrison.
Another important pah, one of the principal strongholds of the enemy,
further in the interior, had now to be attacked. The steamers proceeded
up the river as far as the depth of water would allow, and the troops
landed, with several bodies of blue-jackets from the different ships,
under their respective officers.
Jack had his second lieutenant with him, Mr Norman, his brother, Billy
Blueblazes, and about sixty men, among whom were Jerry and Tim Nolan.
Adair was accompanied by Desmond, his second lieutenant, and about the
same number of men. While the main body of the troops were to assault
the pah in front, other parties were sent round to attack it in the
rear, as also to cut off the retreat of the enemy.
Jack had secured the services of a guide, a friendly native, who
professed to know the country, and undertook to conduct him to a
position whence he could observe the fort, and either move on to attack
it, or, should the Maoris take to flight, capture or shoot them down if
they refused to yield. The force destined to attack the enemy in
reverse, which had furthest to go, started from the camp late in the
evening. The men had had their supper, and were ready for any amount of
fatigue they might be called on to endure. Tom marched alongside Jack
for the first part of the distance. There was no necessity for keeping
silence, as no enemy was near.
"I wish this business was over," said Tom. "There is little honour or
glory to be gained. It is excessively fatiguing and unsatisfactory
work."
"It has to be done, at all events," observed Jack. "As to honour and
glory, these Maoris are no despicable foes, and fight as bravely as any
men can do, though not always in the most civilised fashion, it must be
allowed. It is to be hoped that they will in time discover the
hopelessness of their cause, and sue for peace. It is sad to think how
many brave officers and men have already lost their lives, and if the
enemy holds out many more, too, probably will be killed. I am sorry,
too, for the Maoris themselves, who, from their ignorance of our power,
venture so boldly to resist it."
"It is satisfactory, at all events, to find that when they discover how
hopeless is resistance, that they are inclined to become friends, as
they have just shown," observed Tom.
The party were marching along a native path towards the south-east. On
the left were hills covered with brushwood; on the right a more level
country, partly wooded, with wide open spaces, in which grew in rich
profusion the tall New Zealand flax. The shades of evening were
gradually closing around. Jack was well aware that should the enemy
discover the advance of his party, his position might become critical in
the extreme. He therefore kept his men well together, and pushed
forward as rapidly as the nature of the ground and the darkness would
allow. Having proceeded some distance, he ordered them to maintain
perfect silence, and to tread as lightly as possible, so that their
footsteps might not be heard at a distance. He sent Tom with four men
ahead, directing him to fall back should an enemy appear. Thus the
little band marched on, climbing hills, diving into valleys, now
crossing open spaces, now making their way through the dense scrub.
At length Jack began to suspect that they had marched much longer than
was necessary to gain the desired position. He interrogated the guide,
who, in his replies, showed some hesitation, and at length confessed
that a considerable period had elapsed since he had come that road.
"I was afraid so," said Jack. "We must look out for a spot where we can
encamp until daylight, when we shall be able to ascertain our true
position. If we march further we may get beyond the pah, and be too
late for the assault."
The party were then in a small valley, commanded on the left side by a
wooded hill, from whence an enemy might fire down with impunity upon
them. The guide asserted there was no risk of this, and advised Jack to
advance for a short time longer, assuring him that they should soon
reach the position he wished to gain.
He was so confident in his manner that Jack allowed him to continue
ahead to lead the way. As they advanced, however, the valley narrowed
so that the party might be assaulted on both sides. Still, as no enemy
appeared, his belief in the guide's honesty returned. Again the valley
opened out; a hill appeared on the left side, sloping gradually up from
the valley. Jack determined to take possession of it, and to remain
there until daylight. He accordingly sent Tim Nolan on to Tom, who had
charge of the guide, directing him to halt until the main body came up,
when he hoped the guide would find a path by which the hill might be
ascended. Tim quickly returned, reporting that the guide had
disappeared and although two of Tom's men had instantly set off in
pursuit, they had been unable to find him. This looked suspicious, and
made Jack more than ever anxious to get into a secure position. A path
was found leading up the hill. He determined to pursue it, though steep
and narrow, directing the men to be prepared for an attack, as he
thought it possible that the hill might be in possession of the Maoris.
In perfect silence they proceeded, two men abreast, for the path would
allow of no more. At any moment they might hear the crack of the
enemy's rifles, and a shower of bullets might come rattling about their
ears. Still they went boldly on.
Up and up they ascended among the tall trees. It was too dark to see
more than a few yards ahead; and Jack issued orders that should the
enemy appear, his men were to fire a volley and charge, when he had
little doubt but that the Maoris would give way. The path made several
bends to avoid the steeper portions of the hill. It might easily have
been defended by a determined body of natives. As none showed
themselves, Jack began to hope that he should gain the position without
fighting. Suddenly looking upwards, he discovered that there were no
tall trees rising above him, and directly afterwards he found himself in
an open space, destitute even of brushwood, on the summit of the hill.
A line of palisades, partly broken down on the opposite side, convinced
him that the ground was the site of an ancient pah or village; and, as
it was of considerable elevation, he hoped at daylight, by obtaining a
good view over the country, to ascertain the direction he must then
take. It was not, he was certain, the position he had been directed to
occupy, and was, he thought, a considerable way beyond it. That,
however, without a guide, could only be ascertained in the morning. It
was more secure than would have been a spot covered with trees, but at
the same time the enemy might steal close up to it without being
discovered. He therefore saw the necessity of keeping a vigilant
look-out.
A short time before a detachment of military, after a long march, having
halted, had become scattered, the officers going to a distance from
their men, when the Maoris, who had been on the watch, fell upon them,
killed one of the officers, wounded another, and killed or wounded
upwards of a dozen men. To avoid a like misfortune, Jack kept his men
together in the centre of the space, and placed sentries all round. The
rest he allowed to lie down with their arms by their sides. As they had
had supper before marching, they were not hungry. Many cried out for
water, but unfortunately none had been brought. Although there was no
moon the stars were bright, and enabled objects to be seen from the
hill-tops at a considerable distance. Jack, though he sat down, did not
venture to go to sleep, keeping his eyes and ears open. Occasionally he
and Tom made a circuit of the ground, stopping every now and then to
listen, but no sounds reached their ears.
"I really don't think the enemy can have discovered us," observed Tom;
"or if they know where we are, they consider it too hazardous to attack
us."
Jack was inclined to be of Tom's opinion; so, directing the look-out men
to keep a vigilant watch, they retired to the centre of the open space,
and sat down close to the rest of the people.
"It has occurred to me," said Tom, at length, "that if our guide means
treachery, he will find out the Maoris and bring down a body upon us;
and it is quite possible that we may even now be attacked before
morning."
"I have little doubt that he did intend treachery; and that he thought,
on deserting us in the valley, that we should bivouac where we then
were, from failing to discover this hill. If so, the Maoris will be
disappointed," answered Jack. "Whether they will venture to attack us
when they find that we have gained this position, is the question."
Scarcely half an hour had passed after these remarks had been made, when
suddenly, from amid the dark wood on every side, bright flashes of flame
burst forth. The crack of rifles was heard, and bullets came flying
over where the men lay. The sentries returned the fire. Two of them
the next instant were seen to fall. Had the rest of the men been
standing up, many of them must have been hit.
The sound of musketry made the party spring to their feet; and Jack,
directing Mr Norman and Tom to hold their ground with half the men, led
the other half towards the side of the hill from whence the firing
appeared to be thickest. As he gained it he ordered half of those with
him to fire a volley down the hill, aiming at any objects they could see
moving, then to lie down or seek cover behind trees. As soon as the
smoke had cleared away he caught sight of a number of dark forms
advancing up the hill.
"Now is your time, my lads!" he sang out.
The men in reserve, while the first half were re-loading, fired at the
approaching foe. Several must have been hit, but the next instant not a
man was to be seen, they having evidently sought cover by springing
behind the trees.
What has now been described occupied scarcely a minute of time. Jack
did not forget that the enemy were on the right and left of him, and
might at any moment gain the level ground and get between him and the
rest of his party. He therefore thought it prudent to fall back,
intending to hold the position on the side where the hill was steepest,
and which might be defended by a few men, while the main body were
occupied by the enemy in front.
His position was dangerous in the extreme. Completely surrounded as he
was by apparently a large force, he might find it difficult to hold out
until the arrival of reinforcements; indeed, it was a question whether
they would be sent to him. Before he could get across the open space to
the spot he had determined to hold, the enemy again appeared, this time
coming boldly from under the cover of the trees, firing as they did so.
They must have been somewhat surprised by the volley they received in
return, as they must have supposed that the small number of men they
first encountered formed the whole of the party. Still several of the
seamen had been hit, and two more poor fellows killed outright. It
wanted yet an hour to dawn, but it was doubtful whether Jack's position
would be improved by daylight. The enemy would be able to take better
aim from behind the trees at his men, exposed in the open. Had there
been time he would have pulled down the old palisades and made a
breastwork, which would have afforded some protection to his people, but
now the Maoris had got behind the palisades and fired from thence. To
attempt to leave the position would be madness. He could not hope to
gain a better without having to pass through the thick of the forest,
while his men would have been exposed to the fire of an almost invisible
foe. His chief hope was that the Maoris would discover that the other
pah was to be attacked and would retreat to assist in its defence.
This, however, was only likely provided they were at no great distance
from the fortification. The warm way in which he received the enemy
whenever they appeared kept them in check, and sometimes, for several
minutes together, it was hoped that they had retreated, but again and
again they came on, though they must have suffered severely.
Many more seamen would have been hit had not Jack made them lie down and
only rise on their knees to fire. It was satisfactory to him to think
that it was owing to his vigilance that his whole party had not been
surprised. It was very evident that they were far out-numbered by the
enemy, who still seemed resolved to persevere in the attack. Dawn at
length broke, and as daylight increased Jack knew that the diminished
numbers of his party would be discovered by the Maoris. For some time,
however, no attack was made, nor could an enemy be seen. Hopes were
entertained that they really had retreated. The wounded were crying out
for water, and as at some distance at the bottom of the hill, a stream
could be discerned, Jerry Bird and several of the men volunteered to go
down and fetch it.
Jack, of course, could not allow them to do this until he had
ascertained whether the enemy had left the neighbourhood. Taking,
therefore, a dozen men with him, he was making his way across the open
to examine the side of the hill, when a hundred dark forms sprang from
behind the brushwood, where they had concealed themselves, and opened a
hot fire on him and his small party.
"Give them a volley in return, lads, and retreat!" cried out Jack.
He was promptly obeyed by all but three, who had been struck down. He
and his men then rapidly retreated, re-loading as they went.
Seeing what had occurred, Tom, with a dozen more men, rushed forward to
succour the captain, and greatly contributed to keep back the Maoris,
who, on seeing the retreat of the first party, had begun to advance.
Jack was on the point of giving the order for the whole of his party to
charge, when a volley fired in his rear by a number of the enemy who had
climbed up the steep sides of the hill, made him order the men to halt
and deal with the fresh party of the foe. Though the latter climbed up
with the greatest courage, they were unable to avoid exposing
themselves. Several being shot, the rest sprang down the steep side of
the hill, seeking such shelter as they could find.
More of the seamen had been wounded, and even now from behind rocks and
trunks of trees the Maoris continued to fire from the foot of the hill
at any of the sailors who exposed themselves. Jack was casting a look
round his diminished band, when to his grief he saw Tom fall. He sent
Jerry Bird to ascertain the nature of his brother's wound. Jerry,
stooping down, bound up Tom's side, and directly afterwards Lieutenant
Norman, who was bravely repelling, with half-a-dozen men, another
assault on that side of the hill, was struck in the head by a bullet.
In a short time Bird rejoined him.
"Lieutenant Rogers is badly hurt, sir; but I don't think he is mortally
wounded, and as I've managed to stop the bleeding, if he can get the
help of the doctor I think he'll do well, but I'm sorry to say, sir,
poor Mr Norman is done for. He never moved after he fell. We've lost
a good officer, sir."
"You speak the truth, Bird, but I wish you would stay by Lieutenant
Rogers while you are able, and defend him to the last, should the enemy
gain the hill. We must keep in check those in front. If it were not
for our wounded, who would be exposed to destruction, I would charge and
drive them down the hill."
A short time 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 fall
into an ambush.
Happily Adair's party was accompanied by an assistant surgeon, who at
once hastened to attend to the wounded. He gave a favourable report of
Tom, whose wound he had dressed, as well as most of the other men who
were wounded. The hill being cleared of the enemy, Bird with a party
set off to obtain water for them, for all, even those unhurt, were
suffering fearfully from thirst.
In a short time Adair returned, having found it impracticable to force
his way through the bush in pursuit of the enemy. He brought in a
number of muskets and pouches, showing that a panic must have seized the
Maoris, who evidently fancied that the whole of the British force was
upon them. He, like Jack, had lost his way, and hearing the firing, had
directed his course to the spot whence it came.
From the summit of the hill they were now able with their glasses to
distinguish the pah it was intended to attack, which had been passed at
a considerable distance. Stretchers were at once made for the wounded,
and as it was impossible to carry the dead, graves were dug at the top
of the hill, where the bodies were interred. As far as they could
judge, the attack on the fort had not commenced, and they would still be
in time to perform the duty assigned to them. Jack's people, though
hungry and weary, and mourning for their shipmates, were still eager for
the fight.
Taking a survey of the country from the hill, they were able to select a
more open path than that by which they had come, towards the pah, which
could be seen in the far distance. They of course had to keep a bright
look-out, and to send out scouts on either hand to avoid a surprise
should the natives rally and again attack them. They were at length
much relieved by falling in with a body of troops sent round to join in
the assault on the rear of the fort. As the road to the river was
perfectly safe, the wounded were carried down to the boats to be
conveyed on board the ships of war, where they could be better attended
to than on shore.
Jack and Terence learned from the officer commanding the troops that the
attack on the pah had been postponed, and that they were still in time
to take part in it. They accordingly pushed forward until they got just
beyond gunshot, where they halted, expecting the signal from the
opposite side for commencing the assault. Jack and Terence advanced,
under cover of the trees, to a point whence they could obtain a good
survey 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 dark, however, the tents were struck and
the troops being paraded without sound of bugle, moved silently forward.
Among them were the seamen and marines landed from the _Empress_ and
_Orion_. Jack and Terence marched with their men, who dragged along
their gun, which from the careful way they handled it, they evidently
regarded with the greatest affection.
After marching for a couple of hours, and crossing a river by a ford,
they approached the enemy's position, into the rear of which it was
necessary to get without being discovered. So perfect was the
discipline of the troops that not a sound was uttered as they moved
along, and the Maoris--not dreaming that they were in the
neighbourhood--were heard calling out as usual to evince their
alertness--
"I see you, ye dogs, come on and fight! come on!"
A low chuckle from the seamen was the only reply. It was not the
intention of the general to attack this position, which would, by its
supplies being cut off, become untenable when turned, and the column,
therefore, marched on to capture a large Maori village in which were
considerable stores, the whole neighbourhood being also under
cultivation. The advance guard consisted of a body of forest rangers, a
colonial cavalry corps. They were followed by the seamen, who, lightly
clad, managed to keep up with them. For several miles they marched
along a path with high ferns on either side, the country beyond being
completely shut out from their view. By pushing the cavalry and light
troops forward it was hoped that the village might be surrounded, and
the inhabitants prevented from making their escape. Whether they would
attempt to defend themselves was doubtful. It was hoped that they would
see the uselessness of doing so, and orders were issued to treat them--
should they yield--with all kindness and consideration. Ascending a
slight elevation, the village, covering a wide extent of ground, could
be seen, not a quarter of a mile away. No lights were visible in any of
the huts, nor were any of the people moving about. Not a dog barked--
not a sound was heard. The rangers were ordered to push forward and
enter the village on one side, while the seamen and marines closed it in
on the other, so that should the inhabitants take to flight they must
fall into the hands of the troops who were coming up over the ridge. As
the seamen were advancing, not supposing that they were even discovered,
suddenly a line of fire opened 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 lap the head of an old warrior, who had been shot through the chest
and who was apparently dying. Three other men--the remainder of the
garrison--having thrown down their weapons, stood ready to deliver
themselves up.
As Jack, followed by Bird, Nolan, and other men, approached the young
girl, she said in broken English, pointing to the old warrior, "He
grandfather! Soon die! No hurt him!"
"That we won't, my pretty maiden. I am sorry that he should have been
wounded. We will see what the doctor can do for him."
The girl shook her head. Jack saw that not only was blood flowing from
the wound in the old man's breast, but that it came gushing out from his
mouth. He despatched one of his men for the surgeon, and had the old
warrior lifted out of the hut, which felt hot and stifling, in the hopes
that the fresh air might revive him. The girl followed and again seated
herself on the ground beside her aged relative.
"Sure! isn't she a beauty!" exclaimed Tim Nolan, who had assisted in
carrying the old man, and now stood regarding the girl with an
expression of admiration in his countenance. "If she'd be after having
me, I'd lave the sarvice and settle down in this beautiful country."
"May be she wouldn't have you, me boy," observed Jerry Bird. "If she is
a chief's daughter she'll be looking after an officer."
Tim gave a hitch to his trousers. "Though I'm not an officer I'm a
British seaman, and a mighty deal better looking than many an officer,
no disrespect to my superiors, and I don't see why a Maori girl should
turn up her nose at me or at any one like me. I'll ask the captain's
lave to splice her off hand."
The surgeon soon arrived and at once pronounced the old chiefs wound
mortal; indeed, before many minutes elapsed he had breathed his last.
The poor girl was inconsolable. Her mother, she said, was dead, and her
father had gone off to defend a pah which it was supposed would be
attacked by the British. Jack promised to protect her to the best of
his power. She seemed inclined to trust him. He was greatly puzzled,
however, how to act, and Tim, who made the offer to "splice her
forthwith," in no way relieved him. While Jack was in this dilemma the
surgeon suggested that a missionary, who had accompanied the forces as
interpreter, would be the best person to whom to consign her. The
excellent man, when appealed to, gladly undertook the task, promising to
send her at once to his station, where she would be looked after by his
wife with some other chiefs' daughters of the same age. Whether the
young lady was pleased or not with this arrangement, it was difficult to
say. She had been overcome with grief at the death of her relative, and
she was still seen every now and then to give way to tears. Poor Tim
was in despair.
"I told you so," observed Jerry Bird. "She's a young lady born, though
she's not rigged out in silks and furbelows, and she's not for such as
you or me. If you are a wise man you'll wait for an English or an Irish
girl, for though she may have a cock-up nose, and weigh three times as
much as this young beauty, she'll make you a far better wife."
The expedition was successful. The strong posts of the Maoris being
captured, and the inhabitants of the whole of that part of the country
having sent in their submission, the seamen and marines were able to
return to their ships.
Jack and Terence, after this, were engaged in several other expeditions
on shore, in which, though successful, several officers and a large
number of men lost their lives. At length the Maoris discovered, what
they might have known from the first, had they not been instigated by
the knavish foes of England, who kept well in the background, that it
was useless to contend against the power of Britain. Most of the rebel
chiefs losing heart, tendered their submission, and promised in future
to be faithful subjects of Queen Victoria.
The regular forces were consequently withdrawn, and the protection of
the provinces left to the care of the colonial troops. Jack and
Terence, greatly to their satisfaction and to that of their officers and
crews, received orders to return home. They agreed, as far as they were
able, to keep together, although they would have few opportunities of
communicating, except by signal. They were of course to proceed under
sail, except in the event of continued calms, when they would put on
steam. They had filled up their bunkers with coal at Auckland, and they
hoped to avoid the necessity of touching at Rio, or any other place for
fuel. The _Empress_ taking the lead, the two men-of-war steamed
together out of Auckland harbour, when, having gained a good offing and
a fair breeze springing up, all sail was made and they stood together on
their homeward course.
Tom Rogers, having completely recovered, was able to resume his duty.
Though he had often made Billy Blueblazes his butt, he had a sincere
regard for the midshipman, who was placed in his watch.
He was one night, soon after leaving New Zealand, walking the deck, on
which the full moon shone down with even more than its usual brilliancy,
when he missed Billy. Leaving the poop he walked forward, when he found
that he had slipped down with his back leaning against the bulwarks,
just behind a gun, and was fast asleep with his eyes open.
"Well, Billy, what sort of a night is it?" he asked.
Billy, starting up, rubbed his eyes. "Very dark, sir; I've been looking
out for some time, but can see nothing."
Tom was somewhat astonished at this answer.
"What's the matter with you?" he asked. "I don't like to suppose that
you were asleep, but it did look like it."
"Oh, no, sir," answered Billy. "I never go to sleep if I can help it,
at all events on duty. It is a dark night, although some time ago I
know the moon was shining very brightly."
"You must be joking," said Tom; "why the moon is shining as brightly as
ever I saw it in my life."
"On my word, I cannot see that or any thing else," answered Billy. "It
seems to me that I have not been ten minutes on deck."
Just then it struck seven bells of the first watch. Again poor Billy
rubbed his eyes.
"I'm very sorry, but if I've been asleep I didn't know it," he said,
putting out his hands instinctively before him. "Do you know, I'm
afraid I'm blind."
"I very much fear that you are," said Tom. "I'll send you below and
you'd better turn in and have the doctor to see you in the morning;
maybe that your eyes are only a little dazzled just now, and you will be
all to rights by that time."
Tom called another midshipman and directed him to help Billy into his
hammock and let him know how he was.
From the way poor Billy walked, it was very evident that he could not
see an inch before his nose, although, when he had once got his feet on
the after hatchway ladder, he easily made his way to his hammock. He
felt about, however, where to place his clothes, and required some
assistance in turning in. When there, he heaved a deep sigh. His
messmates heard him murmur, "Oh, dear me! am I going to be blind all my
life?"
"I hope not Billy, but Mr Rogers says that he thinks you have been
struck by moon-blindness, from sleeping with your eyes open, gazing too
long at Dame Luna. You would have got in a precious scrape if that had
not happened. I suppose Mr Rogers won't report you now."
Again Billy groaned. He had much rather have been reported and punished
than have lost his sight, as he now supposed was the case. As soon as
Tom's watch was over, he came down to see Billy, who was still groaning
at the thoughts of having lost his sight. Tom did not think matters so
serious. Intending to comfort Billy, he told him that in consideration
of what had happened, the captain would not be severe on him.
Billy at last groaned himself to sleep. He awoke just before daylight.
All was as dark as ever, but, though he began to groan again, he very
soon once more dropped off to sleep. At last he was aroused by hearing
the hammocks piped up. He instinctively tumbled out of his, when what
was his surprise to find that he could see as well as ever, though his
eyes ached a little, and he felt an uncomfortable smarting about them.
He hastily dressed and went on deck. The discovery that he could see
threw him into high spirits. He began to tell every one of his
wonderful recovery. In a short time the doctor heard of what had
happened, and called him up to hear about it and to examine his eyes.
"I don't wish to damp your spirits, but you must not be too sure of
retaining your sight," observed the surgeon.
Still Billy would not believe this, and was perfectly satisfied that he
was all right. At night, however, what was his disappointment when,
directly the sun set, he became blind and had to be led below to his
hammock. In vain the doctor applied remedies--none of them had the
slightest effect. Poor Billy was under the impression that he should
have to leave the service without a chance of becoming one of England's
admirals, or even obtaining his lieutenancy.
The two ships, still keeping in company, had a long spell of fine
weather, but at length one evening it came on to blow hard. The wind
increased during the night, and on the following day a terrific storm of
thunder and lightning burst over the ship. The _Orion_, which had
hitherto kept company, was lost sight off. The thunder rolled and
rattled, and flash succeeded flash, each more vivid than the first.
Several times it appeared as if the ship herself would be struck, as the
forked lightning, bursting from the mass of dark clouds above, went
zig-zagging over the summits of the waves. It was Tom's watch. Billy,
who, in the day time, could do duty as well as ever, was on deck, as
indeed were most of the officers, who had come up to witness the
terrific strife of the elements. Billy was standing by himself, when a
flash, darting through the air, passed so close to him that it appeared
as if he had been struck. It was seen to flash across the deck and to
lose itself in the foaming ocean. Billy uttered a cry and put his hands
to his eyes. Tom asked him if anything had happened.
He answered, "No, only the lightning looked very bright. I thought I
was struck."
The gale continued. No one thought of leaving the deck. Night came on,
yet Billy remained moving about as he had not done for several weeks
past.
"Why, Billy, you seem, to be able to see your way as well as ever," said
Tom, who observed him.
"So I do; although, between the flashes, the night is dark enough, I can
make out objects as well as I ever could."
Though the gale continued, the thunderstorm blew over before midnight,
and Billy, with the rest of the watch below, turned in. The next
evening he found to his infinite satisfaction that his moon blindness no
longer existed, and the doctor and all who pretended to any scientific
knowledge, were of opinion that it had been cured by the electric fluid,
which had glanced across his face.
"Another half-inch, however, and we might have had a different tale to
tell of you," observed the doctor.
"How so?" inquired Billy.
"Why, that you would have been turned into a piece of charcoal, instead
of being restored to sight. There is something to think of, my boy, for
the rest of your days."
A look-out was kept for the _Orion_. Although the gale had ceased, and
the horizon was clear, she was nowhere to be seen.
"I hope they've not been after killing a pig aboard," remarked Pat.
"They may not get off so cheap as we have."
"What do you mean?" asked Tim Nolan.
"Why, for what we can tell, one of them zig-zag flashes may have struck
her, and sent her down to Davy's locker, or fired her magazine and blown
her up sky high."
"I hope that's not Captain Adair's fate," observed Jerry Bird. "I've
sailed with him many a day, and a better officer and a nicer gentleman
does not command one of her Majesty's ships. When I have been on shore
with him, he has been kind and friendly like, and looked after the
interests of his men, seeing that they have plenty of grub when it was
to be got. Never made us work when there was no necessity for it, and I
should be sorry indeed if any harm happened to him."
When, however, day after day went by, and the _Orion_ was not seen, even
Jack began to feel somewhat anxious. She was not likely to have gone
ahead of the _Empress_, which was the faster ship of the two, nor could
she have dropped so far astern as to be altogether out of sight in so
short a time. Still, as Jack observed to Tom, "They had often, during
their early days, been inclined to give each other up for lost, and
always met again," and he still hoped that such would be the case. At
last, however, when the shores of Old England appeared in sight, he
began to dread having to tell his sister Lucy his anxiety about her
husband. Proceeding up Channel, Spithead was reached, and the _Empress_
immediately received orders to go into harbour to be paid off.
Jack wisely, when writing to his wife, who, with Lucy, was staying at
Lady Rogers', did not speak of his anxiety about Adair, but merely said
that he had parted from him at sea and hoped the _Orion_, which had
proved herself rather a slower ship than the _Empress_, would soon make
her appearance at Spithead. Murray and Stella, with their children,
were, he learned, at Bercaldine, for which he was sorry, as he thought
he might have had the satisfaction of meeting them in the south. Some
days must elapse before he could pay off his ship; he fully expected
that Julia and Lucy would forthwith come down with their elder girls to
Southsea, though he felt very much inclined to advise them to wait. Tom
was glad to find that Archie Gordon had been promoted for more than a
year, and was now serving in the Channel squadron, so that he was very
likely to fall in with him before long. As Jack had expected, scarcely
two days had passed since the _Empress_ had dropped anchor, before Julia
and Lucy arrived at Southsea, each with a little girl, the very image of
their mothers. Jack had the happiness of hearing that a little Jack had
been born a few months after he had left England, and was grown into a
fine chubby fellow, and that if the small Lucy was the image of her
mamma, still more so was young Jack that of his papa. Poor Lucy began
to look very sorrowful, when day after day went by, and the _Orion_ did
not appear.