as
Ngati was seen now to stagger away from the fence, and fall headlong,
bleeding from half-a-dozen wounds.

An answering yell came from outside, and the clatter of spear and
tomahawk seemed to increase, while the posts were beginning to yield in
the weak spot near where the two companions stood.

"Come on, Jem!" cried Don, who seemed to be moved by a spirit of
excitement, which made him forget to feel afraid; and together they ran
to where two men, supported by their companions outside, were hacking at
the _toro-toro_, while others were fiercely thrusting their spears
through whenever the defenders tried to force the axe-men down.

"Pistols, Jem, and together, before those two fellows cut the lashings."

"That's your sort!" cried Jem; and there was a sharp _click, click_, as
they cocked their pistols.

"Now, Jem, we mustn't miss," said Don. "Do as I do."

He walked to within three or four yards of the great fence, and rested
the butt of the spear he carried on the ground. Then, holding the
pistol-barrel against the spear-shaft with his left hand, thus turning
the spear into a support, he took a long and careful aim at a great
bulky savage, holding on the top of the fence.

Jem followed his example, and covered the other; while the enemy yelled,
and thrust at them with their spears, yelling the more excitedly as it
was found impossible to reach them.

"Let me give the word, Mas' Don!" cried Jem, whose voice shook with
excitement. "Mind and don't miss, dear lad, or they'll be down upon us.
Ready?"

"Yes," said Don.

"Here goes, then," cried Jem. "Fire! Stop your vents."

The two pistols went off simultaneously, and for a few moments the smoke
concealed the results. Then there was a tremendous yelling outside, one
that was answered from within by the defenders, who seemed to have
become inspirited by the shots; for either from fright, or from the
effects of the bullets, the two great Maoris who were cutting the
lashings were down, and the defenders were once more at the fence,
keeping the enemy back.

"Load quickly, Jem," said Don.

"That's just what I was a-going to say to you, Mas' Don."

"Well done, my lads! That's good!" cried a hoarse voice; and Tomati was
close to them. "Keep that up; but hold your fire till you see them
trying to get over, and wherever you see that, run there and give 'em a
couple of shots. Ha, ha! Ha, ha!" he roared, as he rushed away to
encourage his followers, just a