“I’m here, Jem, but mind the Maoris.”
“I forgot them!” cried Jem. “Look out! There was a lot of savages arter us.”
The three men darted behind trees, and stood with their guns presented in the direction of the supposed danger, Don and Jem also seeking cover and listening intently.
“Were you hit, Jem?”
“No, my lad; were you?”
“No. Where’s Ngati?”
“I’m afraid he has got it, my lad. He went down like a stone.”
“But Mike! How came he here?”
“I d’know, my lad. Hi! Stop! Don’t shoot. Friends.”
Ngati, who came stalking up through the bush, spear in hand, had a narrow escape, for two guns were presented at him, and but for the energetic action of Don and Jem in striking them up, he must have been hit.