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,