There was no resistance now except on the part of Seth Sharp, who fought like a wild beast, but he was eventually beaten down and firmly bound.
The house presented the appearance of a shambles.
The body of Sergeant Machinson was carried outside, and Dalton said as they passed him, as he lay bound on the floor,—
'That's how I treat men who play me false. He's better dead. He was false to his trust and false to me.'
Adye Dauntsey heard him, but made no remark. The sergeant, whatever his misdeeds, had paid for them with his life while doing his duty.
They were all tired and worn out after the struggle. Many blacks had been killed, and King Charlie and his tribe set about burying them by Mr Dauntsey's orders.
The attacking party had lost two constables and Sergeant Machinson, and nearly all of them bore marks of the severe encounter.
Seth Sharp and Abe Dalton were firmly secured, and only five other men of the gang were taken alive. The blacks had already set fire to the houses and humpies, and Barker's Creek was in flames.
'They have settled the difficulty for us,' said Mr Dauntsey, 'and I think it is the best thing that could have happened. Barker's Creek will be wiped out at last.'