At Sheldon's command, the Tahitians and Poonga-Poonga men got into action with their rifles.

The spears and arrows ceased, the last bushman disappeared, and the fight was over almost as soon as it had begun.

On their own side no one had been hurt, while half a dozen bushmen had been killed.

These alone remained, the wounded having been carried off.

The Tahitians and Poonga-Poonga men had warmed up and were for pursuit, but this Sheldon would not permit.