They were all pounding for their lives on the front and the left flank of Matautu.
About half-past three they enveloped the right flank also.

The defenders were driven back along the beach road as far as the pilot station at the turn of the land.

From this also they were dislodged, stubbornly fighting.

One, it is told, retreated to his middle in the lagoon; stood there, loading and firing, till he fell; and his body was found on the morrow pierced with four mortal wounds.

The Tamasese force was now enveloped on three sides; it was besides almost cut off from the sea; and across its whole rear and only way of retreat a fire of hostile bullets crossed from east and west, in the midst of which men were surprised to observe the birds continuing to sing, and a cow grazed all afternoon unhurt.