During this critical time, every now and then, a dubious native would be seen to slink off, and either go over to the enemy, or get quietly on one side, and there look on and watch how events turned out. We also received letters from who had deserted, calling on the remainder to do the same, as the only means of safety; and Kopu received notice that he must fall that day. It was then I sent over word to collect all the Europeans, females, etc., as quietly as possible to the stockade; for I looked upon fighting as certain. My principal fear was that the loyal natives should give way, namely that too many should desert us. Of Kopu, there was no fear. On receiving the notice, he retired for a few minutes,- like a hero of old, to commune with himself for a short time, before certain death.