But the Mataafas evacuated the place in the night.

At half-past five on the morning of the 29th a signal-gun was fired in the trenches at Laulii, and the Tamasese citadel was assaulted and defended with a fury new among Samoans.

When the battle ended on the following day, one or more outworks remained in the possession of Mataafa.

Another had been taken and lost as many as four times.

Carried originally by a mixed force from Savaii and Tuamasanga, the victors, instead of completing fresh defences or pursuing their advantage, fell to eat and smoke and celebrate their victory with impromptu songs.