As a matter of fact, it was the misconduct of his own men which had brought on the fighting, and even to his Sydney hearers it was obvious that his tale was not wholly true.

But the main facts were correct.

There had been a wreck and plunder; there were captives.

The _Alligator_ was at once sent with soldiers to the scene of the disaster to effect the rescue of the prisoners by friendly and pacific means.

Arrived on the scene, the captain sent his only two interpreters on shore to negotiate.