He now had use for these qualities.

The day after arrival he rowed with six men to a small native village outside the harbour heads, at a spot still called Murdering Beach.

Landing there, he began to bargain with the Maoris for a supply of potatoes.

A Lascar sailor, who was living with the savages, acted as interpreter.
The natives thronged round the seamen.

Suddenly there was a yell, and they rushed upon the whites, of whom two were killed at once.