They were Guard himself and a lying billiard-marker from Kororareka.

They promised the natives ransom--a keg of gunpowder--if the captives were released; an offer which was at once accepted.

They did not tell the captain of their promise, and he, most unwisely, refused to give the natives anything.

All the captives were at once given up except the woman and the children, who were withheld, but kindly treated, while the natives awaited the promised payment.

A chief who came down to the shore to negotiate with a boat's crew was seized, dragged on board, and so savagely mishandled that the ship's surgeon found ten wounds upon him.