Times were changed; they were now at war and in peril, the rigour of military advantage might well be seized by them and pardoned by others; but it so chanced that the bullets flew about the ears of Captain Hand, and that commander is said to have been insatiable of apologies.
The affair, besides, had a deplorable effect on the inhabitants.

A black band (they saw) might protect them from the Mataafas, not from undiscriminating shots.

Panic ensued.

The war-ships were open to receive the fugitives, and the gentlemen who had made merry over Fangalii were seen to thrust each other from the wharves in their eagerness to flee Apia.

I willingly drop the curtain on the shameful picture.
Meanwhile, on the German side of the bay, a more manly spirit was exhibited in circumstances of alarming weakness.